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ZipPicks Awards
Best Pizza in Los Angeles
Master Critic Review
Tony Khachapuri
8.0
A single-concept counter shop on Melrose that builds Georgian boat-shaped cheese breads with non-traditional fills like black truffle and pastrami—think elevated street food rather than sit-down dining. The compact format inside the Oui Melrose space keeps the operation tight and the turnaround fast, which is why the 86% five-star rate holds across 107 reviews. Best approached as a walk-up cheese bread run with rock music in the background and about eight shared tables if you want to stay.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mushroom & Garlic Khachapuri, Black Truffle Khachapuri, Original Khachapuri
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: Georgian khachapuri specialist baking boat-shaped cheese breads with inventive toppings like black truffle and pastrami inside a compact Melrose Ave counter shop
Who should go: Cheese bread fanatics and adventurous quick-bite seekers
When to visit: Weekday lunch to skip lines at this tiny counter
What to order: Start with the Original to taste the dough, then go Mushroom & Garlic or Black Truffle for a loaded version; add a Laffa Wrap if you want contrast
Insider tip: The boat-shaped ajarski presentation is the signature style — ask which rotating specialty khachapuri is available that day
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only—spots in front and behind the venue inside Oui Melrose, but expect competition from Hollywood locals; no lot or valet
Noise level: Moderate—rock music playing in a small shared space with about 8 tables, fine for casual chat but not a quiet meal
Weekend wait: Up to 45 minutes—khachapuri is baked fresh to order and weekends get slammed
Weekday lunch: 15–20 minutes for fresh-baked orders during non-peak hours
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several options: Original Khachapuri ($10.99), Mushroom Khachapuri ($12.99), Kale and Cauliflower Khachapuri ($11.99)—all cheese-and-egg based with no meat
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It can work for a casual, low-key first date but don't expect a romantic fine-dining atmosphere. Tony Khachapuri is a cozy, informal Georgian spot — think shared cheese bread and dumplings in a relaxed setting. The smaller space keeps things intimate enough for conversation, and splitting khachapuri is a natural icebreaker. Best for a daytime or early-evening date where the vibe is 'let's try something fun and different' rather than candlelit romance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — this is primarily a walk-in spot. It's a small, casual restaurant so there's no formal reservation system that has been confirmed online. During weekday lunch and early dinner you should have no trouble getting a table. Weekend evenings may have a short wait since the space is compact. If you're concerned, call ahead at (323) 852-3944 to check, but walk-ins are the norm here.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes, the casual atmosphere and shareable food make it naturally family-friendly. Kids tend to love khachapuri (it's essentially warm cheese bread) and khinkali dumplings are fun finger food. The relaxed noise level means you won't stress about kids being kids. Whether a dedicated kids menu or high chairs are available is not confirmed online — call ahead if you need a high chair. Best for kids who are adventurous eaters or at least enjoy bread and cheese.
Is it good for groups? Manageable for small groups of 4-6, but this is a cozy space — not built for large parties. Georgian food is inherently shareable (khachapuri, kebabs, salads), which makes group dining fun. For parties larger than 6, the compact layout may be a challenge. Private dining is not available. Call ahead for groups of 5+ to confirm they can accommodate your party size, as specific large-table availability is not confirmed online.
Is there outdoor seating? Yes — both indoor and outdoor seating are available. The outdoor setup is suitable for pleasant Los Angeles weather, though specific details about whether the patio is covered, heated, or its exact capacity are not confirmed online. Given the Melrose Ave location, expect a modest sidewalk or front-facing patio setup rather than a large garden area. Call ahead if outdoor seating is essential, especially during peak hours when those tables fill first.
Best For
Better for: Quick, casual Georgian cheese bread that locals call the best khachapuri in LA—counter-service, affordable ($10–$16/person), great solo or with a friend
Skip if: You need fine dining, a quiet conversation, seating for a large group, or are in a weekend rush—tiny space, limited tables, long bake times on busy nights
Hours
Monday11am - 9pm
Tuesday11am - 9pm
Wednesday11am - 9pm
Thursday11am - 9pm
Friday11am - 9pm
Saturday11am - 9pm
Sunday11am - 9pm