Sanaxavi (BK) – Batumi‘s Lively Restaurant with Live Music & Georgian Flavours
Overview
Sanaxavi (also known as BK) is a highly popular restaurant located on Memed Abashidze Ave in the heart of Batumi. This stylish spot blends modern design with retro charm, creating an inviting atmosphere perfect for both casual lunches and lively evening gatherings. Boasting a diverse menu that spans European, Eastern European, and Georgian cuisines—including vegetarian options—Sanaxavi has earned a reputation as a go‑to destination for excellent food, outstanding coffee, and nightly live music. Loved by locals and visitors alike, this spacious establishment features a beautiful wood‑and‑brick interior, a large veranda, and consistently friendly service. While some guests note occasional issues with specific dishes or service details, the overwhelming majority praise its vibrant energy, generous portions, and memorable dining experience.
Location & Contact
| Detail | Information |
|---|
| Address | 25 Memed Abashidze Ave, Batumi, Georgia |
| Phone | Not publicly listed |
| Nearby | City centre, close to the tourist area and the beach |
| Area | City Centre |
💡 Sanaxavi is also referred to as “BK” on some platforms. The restaurant is centrally located on Memed Abashidze Ave, making it easily accessible from most hotels and popular attractions.
Operating Hours
Sanaxavi is known for its very long operating hours, catering to late‑night crowds and early‑morning diners alike. Note that the restaurant may have a break period in the early afternoon (around 1:00 PM to 10:00 PM), though the exact schedule can vary.
| Day | Hours |
|---|
| Sunday | 9:00 AM – 1:00 AM, then 12:00 – 2:00 AM |
| Monday – Thursday | 12:00 – 1:00 AM, then 10:00 – 1:00 AM |
| Friday | 12:00 – 1:00 AM, then 10:00 – 2:00 AM |
| Saturday | 12:00 – 2:00 AM, then 9:00 – 2:00 AM |
| Peak hours | Evenings (especially after 7:00 PM) for live music; Friday nights around 10:00 PM are the most popular time |
| Best time to visit | Evening for live music and a vibrant crowd; late morning for a quieter breakfast |
💡 Sanaxavi is most popular around 10:00 PM on Fridays, with visitors typically staying for around 2.5 hours. If you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting during weekday afternoons.
Cuisine & Drinks
Sanaxavi’s menu is impressively large, offering a wide range of dishes to suit different tastes. The kitchen focuses on European, Eastern European, and Georgian cuisine, with particular strengths in traditional Georgian dishes and international comfort food。
Drink Selection
| Category | Examples |
|---|
| Cocktails | Includes Mulled Wine (a popular choice) |
| Beer | Several varieties of craft beer, both Georgian and imported |
| Wine | Georgian wines available |
| Craft spirits | Craft infusions (kraftovye nastoyki) |
| Coffee | “Outstanding—easily one of the best in town” by multiple reviews |
| Soft drinks | Fresh lemonades, juices, soda |
Food Offerings
Sanaxavi is known for its large portions of both Georgian and international dishes.
| Category | Examples |
|---|
| Georgian specialities | Khinkali (“one of the best ones they make in the city”); Adjarian Khachapuri (cheese boat); Chirbuli (local egg dish similar to shakshuka) |
| Breakfast items | Omelettes (though some reviews note inconsistency), French toast, and outstanding coffee |
| Main courses | Steaks (e.g., chicken steak with purée and shiitake mushrooms); pork dishes; pasta; pizza (“best pizza in town” according to some locals) |
| Desserts | Apple strudel (occasionally dry, according to some guests), large dessert portions |
| Salads | Shrimp and pear salad (described as “incredibly tasty”) |
| Vegetarian options | Several plant‑based dishes clearly marked on the menu |
Hookah
- Available – Sanaxavi serves hookah. Smoking is allowed on the spacious veranda.
Pricing
| Item | Approx. Price (GEL) | Notes |
|---|
| Average dinner per person | 40 – 70 GEL | Considered “pricey” by some, but good value given quality and portions |
| Coffee | 8 – 12 GEL | Outstanding quality |
| Khinkali (5 pcs) | 10 – 15 GEL | Widely praised |
| Craft beer (0.5L) | 10 – 15 GEL | Several local options |
| Main dish (meat/pasta) | 20 – 40 GEL | Generous portions |
| Mulled wine | 12 – 18 GEL | Popular in cooler weather |
💡 Sanaxavi is described as a “pretty pricey place, but it offers delicious food”. While prices are slightly above average for Batumi, most guests agree that the quality, portion sizes, and atmosphere justify the cost.
Atmosphere & Entertainment
The Vibe
Sanaxavi offers a beautiful, fancy, and inviting atmosphere that combines modern design with retro touches. The interior is stylishly decorated using wood and brick, creating a warm and cosy environment that feels both upscale and welcoming。Guests consistently praise the lively and fun ambiance, especially in the evenings.
Live Music
| Feature | Details |
|---|
| Live performances | Evening shows with a band playing – creates a magical vibe |
| Audience engagement | “Both customers and employees were dancing sometimes, having fun” |
| Atmosphere | Described as “amazing atmosphere” with a “fun atmosphere while dining” |
Design & Seating
- Stylish interior – Wood and brick decoration makes it a very stylish place
- Spacious veranda – Outdoor seating area where smoking is allowed
- Large capacity – Suitable for large groups of friends
- Beautiful tiles and bar – Adds to the visual appeal
“Beautiful and fancy restaurant, which combines modern with retro. The menu was so big, it was difficult to make a choice. The food was great.” – Guest review
Service & Staff
Service at Sanaxavi receives mostly positive reviews, though there are occasional complaints about management and specific incidents.
Positive Feedback
| Aspect | Guest Feedback |
|---|
| Friendliness | Staff is “friendly and friendly, very helpful” – generally positive |
| Professionalism | Some guests describe service as “quick, with the staff being polite and professional” |
| Good service | “Great service and exceptional dishes” |
Constructive Feedback
| Aspect | Guest Feedback |
|---|
| Management rudeness | One review reported a rude manager who refused to adjust a bill for an inedible omelette |
| Bill splitting | The restaurant reportedly does not allow splitting the bill, even for parties of two |
| Inconsistent breakfast | Some guests found the omelette burnt and the breakfast subpar, though coffee remains outstanding |
“A perfect spot for breakfast! The coffee was outstanding—easily one of the best in town. The food was equally impressive, and the service was quick, with the staff being polite and professional.” – Guest review
Guest Reviews Summary
Ratings Overview
| Platform | Rating | Number of Reviews |
|---|
| Madloba | ~4.8 / 5 | ~4,000 reviews |
| Wanderlog | 4.3 / 5 | 1,697 ratings |
| Google Maps | 4.2 – 4.5 / 5 | 500+ ratings (estimated) |
| Best Time | 4.3 / 5 | Not specified |
Positive Highlights
| Aspect | Guest Feedback |
|---|
| Coffee | “Outstanding—easily one of the best in town” |
| Khinkali | “One of the best ones they make in the city” |
| Live music | “Amazing atmosphere … customers and employees were dancing” |
| Food quality | “Exceptional dishes” and “very tasty” |
| Interior design | “Beautiful and fancy restaurant, which combines modern with retro” |
| Local favourite | “One of the favorites for locals as well” |
Constructive Feedback
| Aspect | Guest Feedback |
|---|
| Management | Some reports of rude management and unwillingness to fix issues |
| Bill splitting | Not allowed, even for small parties |
| Inconsistent dishes | French toast and apple strudel have been criticised as dry or lacking taste |
| Breakfast quality | Omelette described as “horrible” and “burnt” by some guests |
Practical Tips
Best Time to Visit
- Evenings (after 7:00 PM) – For live music and the liveliest atmosphere
- Friday night – Most popular time, especially around 10:00 PM
- Late morning – For a quiet breakfast with outstanding coffee
- Weekday afternoons – Quieter, easier to find a table
- Avoid right after 1:00 PM – The restaurant may be closed during the early afternoon transition (check hours)
What to Know
- Crowded on weekends – Sanaxavi is very popular, especially Friday and Saturday evenings; expect a wait
- Large veranda – Outdoor seating available, smoking permitted
- Large menu – The menu is extensive; take your time to browse
- English and Russian spoken – Staff generally understand basic English
- Bill splitting not allowed – Bring enough cash or one card for the whole party
- Check your bill – In case of issues (like returned food), verify your bill before paying
- Vegetarian options – Clearly marked on the menu
What to Order (First‑Time Recommendations)
| Priority | Item | Why |
|---|
| 1 | Khinkali | “One of the best in the city” – don‘t miss these Georgian dumplings |
| 2 | Coffee | “Outstanding—easily one of the best in town” |
| 3 | Chirbuli | A delicious local egg dish similar to shakshuka |
| 4 | Adjarian Khachapuri | Classic Georgian cheese boat – a must‑try |
| 5 | Craft beer | Several varieties of local craft beer available |
| 6 | Mulled Wine | Popular choice, especially in cooler weather |
| 7 | Shrimp and pear salad | “Incredibly tasty” according to recent reviews |
Tips to Avoid Disappointment
- Avoid breakfast if you're picky – Some guests have reported poor breakfast quality; stick to lunch or dinner
- Don‘t expect to split the bill – Plan accordingly to avoid frustration
- Arrive early on weekends – The restaurant gets very crowded, especially around 10:00 PM
- Check your bill carefully – One guest reported being charged for a returned, inedible omelette
- Ask about daily specials – The kitchen sometimes offers dishes not listed on the main menu
- Bring a jacket for the veranda in cooler months – Outdoor seating can get chilly in the evening
Why You Should Go
Whether you‘re looking for:
- A lively night out with live music – Dance, eat, and enjoy the energetic atmosphere
- Outstanding coffee and Georgian specialities – Khinkali, Khachapuri, and Chirbuli done right
- A large, diverse menu – Something for everyone, from steaks to pizza to vegetarian options
- A local favourite – Highly recommended by residents and trusted by Airbnb hosts
- A stylish, comfortable setting – Beautiful wood-and-brick interior with both indoor and outdoor seating
Sanaxavi is more than just a restaurant – it’s a Batumi institution serving great food, excellent coffee, and nightly entertainment in a stylish, welcoming space. Whether you‘re craving traditional Georgian dumplings or a late‑night beer with live music, this spot delivers.
Getting There
Sanaxavi is located at 25 Memed Abashidze Ave in central Batumi, near the tourist area and close to the beach.
- By foot – A 5‑10 minute walk from most central hotels and the main boulevard
- By bus – Multiple city bus routes stop on or near Memed Abashidze Ave
- By taxi – A short 3‑5 GEL ride from anywhere in the city centre; simply tell the driver “Sanaxavi” or “BK” on Abashidze
- By car – Street parking is available, though it may be limited during peak evening hours
