Lifestyle

Where to Eat in Tbilisi: Best Restaurants, Cafes, and Bars

Vlada Marsheva • November 14, 2024

1. Dining in Tbilisi: Traditional, Unusual, and Cozy Places

In this guide, we’ve curated a selection of the best restaurants, cafes, and bars in Tbilisi where you can savor traditional Georgian cuisine, enjoy refreshing drinks, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere. Whether you’re looking for a cozy spot to unwind or a lively place to socialize, Tbilisi has something to offer everyone.

2. Where to Eat Cheaply in Tbilisi

Lagidze Water

Location: Zakaria Paliashvili St. 32
Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Lagidze Water, was invented by entrepreneur Mitrofan Lagidze, who used fresh fruits and herbs to create a uniquely flavorful lemonade. Thankfully, his legacy lives on through the Lagidze Water cafes across Georgia, where you can enjoy traditional lemonade made with pear, tarragon, chocolate, cream (you can even ask to mix chocolate and cream syrup – as locals often do), and other delightful flavors.

If you’re looking for a place to eat in Tbilisi, stop by the new Lagidze cafe on Paliashvili. In addition to their famous lemonade, you can order a hot khachapuri or lobiani and then take a leisurely stroll in Vake Park.

Tiflis

Location: Saarbrucken Square 2/7
Hours: 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM (Mon-Fri), 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM (Sat-Sun)

This cafe is affectionately dubbed the “Parisian pub” by tourists, and it certainly lives up to that reputation with its great atmosphere and reasonable prices (definitely not Parisian!). Here, you’ll find generous portions that are especially satisfying after a long day of exploring Tbilisi.

Be sure to try the kharcho soup, khinkali, khachapuri, vegetable salad with nuts, kebabs with sulguni cheese, and assorted pkhali. If you find yourself lost in the menu, don’t hesitate to ask your server for recommendations!

Utskho

Location: Anton Purtseladze St. 18
Hours: 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM

This new cafe offers delicious meals at affordable prices, with dinner averaging between 18-30 lari. The menu features traditional dishes like matsoni (yogurt), ajika with dried fruits, pork barbeque, and lavender lemonade with basil and hibiscus.

For those looking to raise the bar a bit, they also offer a unique chacha set served in an edible shot glass. Tbilisi has plenty of options for budget-friendly dining that don’t skimp on flavour or experience. 

Where to eat in Tbilisi

3. Must-Visit Cafes in Tbilisi

Lolita

Location: Tamar Chovelidze St. 7
Hours: 9:00 AM – 2:00 AM

Lolita is a trendy cafe located right in the heart of the city, across from the famous Rooms Hotel. The name evokes a sense of youthfulness and lightness, and it truly delivers on that promise.

Here, friendly waitstaff will guide you to a sunny terrace or a cozy indoor space that resembles a bar in London’s bohemian district. The menu features a delightful mix of European dishes and specials.

In the morning, you can enjoy dishes like Eggs Benedict, pancakes, or sandwiches. For dinner, their pizza and pasta are excellent choices. They also offer desserts, salads, and falafel.

Littera

Location: Ivan Machabeli St. 13
Hours: 1:00 PM – 12:00 AM

Littera is owned by Tekuna Gachechiladze, one of Georgia’s top chefs known for her adventurous culinary style. She effortlessly blends traditional Caucasian cuisine with bold Asian flavours and hearty Italian dishes.

Don’t miss trying the chakapuli with mussels and kharcho with shrimp and polenta. And definitely indulge in their cheesecake made from delicate curds.

Another highlight of Littera is its hidden green garden nestled within the Old Town, set in a historic writers’ house with a charming balcony. 

Gabriadze

Location: Shavteli St. 13
Hours: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM

Gabriadze has an interesting backstory. Located right next to the Gabriadze Theater, this cafe opened in 1996 and was initially called “Don’t Cry.” Its captivating interiors drew so much attention that it was renamed in honor of the artist who designed them.

What should you try here? Be sure to order pkhali, spicy kharcho soup, khachapuri on skewers, and their famous donuts.

A dinner for two will typically cost around 25-40 lari.

Lolita Cafe in Tbilisi
Lolita Cafe in Tbilisi

 

4. The Best Traditional Restaurants in Tbilisi

Sabatono

Location: Aleksandra Griboedova St. 30
Hours: 10:30 AM – 11:00 PM

Many people start their journey into Georgian cuisine at Sabatono, and it’s easy to see why. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and the food is simply unforgettable!

I highly recommend trying the aromatic chicken shkmeruli, barbeque, kupaty, or trout with nuts. Pkhali and eggplants with walnuts are also amazing here. While your meal is being prepared, don’t miss out on their signature khachapuri stuffed with three types of cheese—one portion is enough to share!

They also serve excellent red and white homemade wine for a wonderful price. 

Pasanauri

Location: Vakhtang Gorgasali St. 1
Hours: 10:00 AM – 1:00 AM

Located right in the heart of Tbilisi, Pasanauri is the perfect spot to stop by after exploring the Botanical Garden. You can also find several restaurants from this chain in other areas of Tbilisi.

Pasanauri boasts a wide selection of khinkali (dumplings filled with meat, mushrooms, or cheese—around 2 lari each), a hearty green kharcho soup generously loaded with meat and herbs, and perfectly sized adjarian khachapuri. Don’t forget to try their delicious sauces, especially the walnut sauce!

The interior exudes a cozy Georgian style.

Machakhela

Location: Meidan Square 26
Hours: Open 24 hours

Machakhela is another popular chain of restaurants specializing in traditional cuisine. Here, you can satisfy your hunger while enjoying reproductions of works by Georgian artist Niko Pirosmani.

Guests often rave about the khinkali, eggplant with walnuts, adjarian khachapuri, and shashlik. 

traditional restaurants in Tbilisi
Sabatono restaurant in Tbilisi

5. The Most Interesting Restaurants in Tbilisi

The Museum

Location: Shota Rustaveli St. 7
Hours: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM

One of the unique features of this cafe-restaurant is its location within the Georgian Museum of Fine Arts. Dining here transforms your meal into an artistic experience, making even dessert taste sweeter, brighter, and more intriguing.

The menu is filled with healthy options, including a spinach salad with blue cheese, lentil soup, and a tartine topped with salmon and barberries.

For dessert, I would recommend pairing your meal with a cup of coffee and a French éclair.

Stamba

Location: Merab Kostava St. 14
Hours: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM

Stamba is part of the hotel of the same name and welcomes not just hotel guests but also locals and tourists. The restaurant features a loft-style interior set in a former Soviet printing house, with many design elements preserved.

The menu features modern interpretations of both European and Georgian dishes. Additionally, there is a special section dedicated to Asian cuisine, and you can indulge your sweet tooth at the chocolate corner. Seasonal menu changes keep the offerings fresh, ensuring that every dish is crafted from locally sourced ingredients.

The space is filled with natural light thanks to large windows, and the tables are adorned with white tablecloths. The open kitchen adds to the inviting atmosphere, which is cozy rather than ostentatious. Just be sure to reserve a table in advance!

Recently, a natural wine bar was opened inside the Stamba, where you can sample exquisite wines or purchase a bottle to take home. And also you can visit a Room Bar with a wide selection of drinks and snacks.

Funicular

Location: Mtatsminda Mountain
Hours: 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM (Mon-Thurs & Sat), 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM (Fri), 2:00 PM – 12:00 AM (Sun)

Where else can you enjoy delicious food in Tbilisi? At this stunning restaurant that doubles as an architectural landmark and a symbol of Georgia. As you might have guessed, it’s located on Mtatsminda Mountain.

The first floor offers a more casual dining experience with a wide selection of pastries, while the second floor is perfect for luxurious dinners. Even if you just stop by for coffee, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the entire city.

Guests can savor both Georgian and European cuisine, along with their famous stuffed donuts for dessert.

Best restaurants in Tbilisi
The Museum Cafe in Tbilisi

6. Must-Visit Bars in Tbilisi

Alubali

Location: Georgia Akhvlediani St. 6
Hours: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM (Mon-Thurs & Sun), 12:00 PM – 2:00 AM (Fri-Sat)

Alubali is a cozy bar with its own courtyard, where friendly waitstaff is ready to serve you delicious homemade wine.

Guests recommend trying the cucumber and tomato salad, pkhali, kebabs, and meat options like beef or lamb shashlik.

Barbar’a

Location: Kote Abkhazi St. 33
Hours: 6:00 PM – 3:00 AM (Tues-Sun), Closed on Mondays

At Barbar’a, everything is designed to ensure that you enjoy great food in Tbilisi and feel right at home.

The menu features classic and signature cocktails, with prices averaging around 25-30 lari per drink. You can choose from cold appetizers like hummus, tartare, and beef tongue, as well as hot dishes such as eggplant, camembert, and shrimp.

 

Kikodze

Location: Petriashvili St. 1
Hours: 7:00 PM – 1:00 AM (Mon-Thurs & Sun), 9:00 AM – 3:00 AM (Fri-Sat)

This gastronomic bar is located within the “Wine Factory” complex. with several restaurants, and bars. The best way to start your experience here is with breakfast.

Take your time over a glass of prosecco or a cup of coffee while savoring an omelet with shrimp and citrus sauce or a sandwich with Parma ham and parmesan. For night owls, the breakfast menu is available until 5:00 PM.

When it’s time for cocktails, head to the main hall where the marble bar and tables dressed in white tablecloths set the perfect mood. Tbilisi’s bar scene offers a variety of unique spots that cater to different tastes and preferences.

Bars in Tbilisi

Tbilisi offers a wealth of options for gastronomic experiences to suit every palate, whether you’re in the mood for upscale dining, traditional cuisine, stylish cafes, or trendy bars. As you travel to other cities in Georgia, you can also discover more about Georgian culinary delights while journeying with GoTrip drivers, who can recommend the best places to stop along the way.

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