Stumara

STUMARA is already a popular spot in the Chicago northern suburbs—and for good reason. We arrived around 5 p.m. on a Saturday, and it was fully booked, with a couple of private events happening inside. Luckily, we were able to get a table outdoors. We can’t comment on the indoor atmosphere, but the outdoor seating was very comfortable. The tables and armchairs felt inviting, and flower pots created a pleasant separation from the street. Our waitress, Aidai, was attentive, friendly, and took great care of us throughout the evening. We ordered kharcho, lamb skewers, Adjaruli khachapuri, chakapuli, the Opium dessert with berries, and a blooming tea pot. Everything was delicious. The meat was soft, juicy, and flavorful, and the portions were generous enough for two people to share comfortably. The chakapuli, a Georgian veal stew, was especially hearty and comforting—more like a rich, thick soup. We also appreciated the complimentary Georgian bread with smoked butter, which was a lovely touch. Our dinner for two came to about $140 before tip, with no alcohol. It felt like a satisfying, high-quality meal with plenty of food. One small note: there is a 3% surcharge for credit-card payments. Overall, we had a great dinner and would happily return—especially to try the indoor atmosphere and live atmosphere on another evening.