If there’s one thing other than wine that Georgians are insanely good at making, that’s food. Are you planning a vacation to Tbilisi? Well, you’ve come to the right place! Knowing where to eat in Tbilisi is the third essential thing you need right after your passport and plane ticket!
We know how confusing it can get to decide on a Tbilisi restaurant for dinner. This city has many restaurants, and all of them are fantastic to try. For instance, you can check out these popular Tbilisi restaurants for an authentic and high-quality Georgian dish:
- Barbarestan
- Klike’s Khinkali
- Keto and Kote
The best restaurants in Tbilisi don’t stop here. We, too, didn’t have an easy time picking our top 10 restaurants in Tbilisi. However, we’ve done the tricky part for you. Let us move to our 2024 detailed (explicitly aimed to make the food-lovers day) guide on Tbilisi restaurants.
Wondering Where to Eat? Check These Best Restaurants in Tbilisi
Now, let’s get to the part where this article is all about! Here is a list of the top 10 restaurants in Tbilisi. We tried to come up with the best options suitable for a variety of preferences. So take some time to compare and decide which one is the ideal spot in Tbilisi for you.
Barbarestan
Address: 132 Davit Aghmashenebeli Ave, Tbilisi, Georgia
Price Range: High ($37 – $65)
Signature Dish: Rabbit wrapped in ham
Located in an old apartment, Barbarestan is a small and cozy restaurant. This place is surrounded by brick walls, old decorations, and furniture. This atmosphere adds to the experience of eating traditional Georgian Dishes.
Speaking of traditional cuisine, Barbarestan has an interesting backstory. The name comes from the 19th-century duchess Barbara Jorjadze. Barbarestan recipes are borrowed from her recipe book. However, they have a modern twist to better adapt to the 21st century. Besides, this restaurant offers vegan and healthy options as well.
Lastly, Barbarestan is a pricey place for those of you looking for more budget-friendly options.
Keto and Kote
Address: 3 Mikheil Zandukeli St, Tbilisi, Georgia
Price Range: High ($45 on average)
Signature Dish: Khachapuri, a boat-shaped bread stuffed with cheese
It is an interesting place in the central part of Tbilisi. Keto and Kote offers a charming interior design. Besides, it provides exciting views of downtown Tbilisi.
What makes this place one of the best restaurants in Tbilisi is how they improvise on Georgian cuisine. They serve these dishes with a modern twist that almost gives them a new identity. Besides, they combine local ingredients to give them a fresh and Georgian flavor.
Keto and Kote isn’t considered an expensive restaurant. Many of their dishes have a moderate price range.
Klike’s Khinkali
Address: 1 Chitadze St, Tbilisi, Georgia
Price Range: Low ($0.37 – $5.19)
Signature Dish: Mushroom khinkali
Have you fallen in love with Khinkali since the first bite? If you’re among many fans of this Georgian dumpling, this place is made for you! This underground Khinkali house is a hidden gem among Tbilisi restaurants. The place is small but well-decorated.
Klike offers a wide range of khinkali. Each menu item is filled with different meat, cheese, or vegetable items. Visit this place to have a special khinkali at a fair price.
Cafe Daphna
Address: 2-4 Pavle Ingorokva St, Tbilisi, Georgia
Price Range: Low ($1 – $25)
Signature Dish: Mtiuluri beef and pork khinkali, traditional boiled dumplings without herbs
This is another Tbilisi Restaurant that serves finger-licking dumplings and other Georgian traditional foods. Apart from its exciting menu items, Daphna is one of the prettiest restaurants in Tbilisi. It uses a modern interior design combined with vibrant and pastel colors. As many have compared, eating here is like having dinner in a Wes Anderson movie set.
Daphne has 24-hour service during weekends. Besides, it has a mid-level price range.
Sormoni
Address: 57 Alexander Kazbegi Ave, Tbilisi, Georgia
Price Range: Moderate ($5 – $37)
Signature Dish: Shkmeruli, a garlic-infused chicken dish served in a creamy sauce
Located in the Saburtalo district, Sormoni is a beautiful restaurant. It has a calm and relaxing ambiance. Vegan-friendly options are another interesting characteristic of Sormoni. However, you can still get delicious BBQ items.
You can get special Georgian dishes and a vast wine list with good value prices.
Craft Wine Restaurant
Address: 20 Shalva Dadiani St, Tbilisi, Georgia
Price Range: Moderate ($9 – $22)
Signature Dish: Beef cheeks braised in Saperavi wine
No Tbilisi restaurants list would be complete without mentioning a place specialized in wine. Many argue that Georgia is the birthplace of wine, so why don’t you visit a restaurant that celebrates this fact?
Craft Wine combines different wines with Georgian dishes. Delve into Georgian culture by visiting this place in the Chugureti neighborhood. They also offer some other European dishes at a mid-level price range.
OtsY
Address: 20 Ioane Shavteli St, Tbilisi, Georgia
Price Range: Moderate
Signature Dish: Chacha-cured salmon
Traditional Georgian food reimagined by contemporary European techniques defines the menu of OtsY. Located in Old Tbilisi, OtsY is one of the best restaurants in Tbilisi. Apart from the quality food, this place has a charming environment. Its delicate design makes it a great fit for special occasions or a romantic dinner out. However, note that OtsY’s food items are more expensive than other similar restaurants.
Mapshalia
Address: 137 Davit Aghmashenebeli Ave, Tbilisi, Georgia
Price Range: Low ($2.19 – $3.66)
Signature Dish: Ostri, a slow-cooked beef stew offering rich, hearty flavors
We picked this item for those of you who are looking for an affordable yet tasty place. Mapshalia is the place where you’ll find both and even more! Here, you’ll enjoy the taste of authentic Georgian home cooking. Dishes are simple and don’t have any “twists” to offer. However, Mapshalia has remained a popular spot for both tourists and locals through the years.
Ethno Tsiskvili
Address: 99 Beliashvili St, Tbilisi, Georgia
Price Range: High ($58 on average)
Signature Dish: Georgian kebab
This place is one of the oldest Tbilisi restaurants. It serves traditional Georgian cuisine in a special ambiance. If you visit this place, you’ll be surrounded by Georgian live music and national dances.
Another notable characteristic of this restaurant is that it is located in an old museum. Prices aren’t as high as some restaurants, and it offers a diverse experience of Georgian food, history, and culture.
Shemomechama
Address: 41 Kote Afkhazi St, Tbilisi, Georgia
Price Range: Low ($7 – $15)
Signature Dish: Lobiani, a bean-filled bread
We saved one of the best for last. The word Shemomechama literally translates to overeating. We think the name says enough about how tasty the dishes are. Along with high-quality food, Shemomechama has an open kitchen style that allows you to watch how chefs cook your food.
Shemomechama has three branches in Old Tbilisi, Vera, and Saburtalo neighborhoods. Besides, Foods have moderate prices. All in all, Shemomechama is a casual and trustworthy place to experience Georgian dishes.
Sasadilo Zeche (Bonus Item)
Address: Dighomi Massive, Tbilisi, Georgia
Price Range: Moderate
Signature Dish: Kharcho, a traditional Georgian beef and rice soup with a rich, spicy flavor
We added an extra item to our list of top 10 restaurants in Tbilisi. Sasadilo Zeche is a new restaurant in the Didube neighborhood of Tbilisi. Opened in early 2024, it offers classic Georgian dishes at a mid-range price. It also has a retro-Soviet interior design.
We mentioned Sasadilo Zeche because we believe it deserves more recognition among new Tbilisi restaurants.
Best Restaurants in Tbilisi with a View
Do you prioritize a restaurant’s view over anything else? Don’t go anywhere! This part of our best Tbilisi restaurants is dedicated to people just like you. If you’re likely to spend big bucks on a restaurant only for its view, check out these places in Tbilisi:
- Funicular Restaurant Complex
This restaurant is located on the top of Mtatsminda Mountain. This unique location gives Funicular scenic panoramic views of Tbilisi. Apart from good views, Funicular has different dining venues for different preferences. You can dine at the Georgian food section and get your dessert from the pastry cafe.
- The Terrace at Rooms Hotel Tbilisi
Before reviewing the restaurant, let’s mention the Rooms Hotel as one of top Tbilisi hotels to stay. Consider this place for your next trip to Tbilisi.
And for those of you that only want to visit the Rooms only for its restaurant, this hotel welcomes you. Located on the rooftop, it offers panoramic views of the city. Besides, its menu has a blend of Georgian and European cuisine items with a wide range of wine options.
- Stamba Hotel Rooftop
Another scenic restaurant in Tbilisi is located on the rooftop of Stamba boutique hotel. Apart from a gorgeous interior design, Stampa provides charming views of Vera and nearby neighborhoods of Tbilisi. Moreover, this restaurant mixes traditional Georgian Cuisine with modern twists which gives them fresh flavors.
- Xeme Restaurant
This restaurant is located on the 31st floor of the Biltmore Hotel. The 31st floor is pretty high up, right?! Well, as you can guess, height means captivating views. Here, you can dine in one of the best restaurants in Tbilisi and enjoy the views of the city. Besides, Xeme specializes in international cuisine. You can order a variety of food options from all around the world.
- Puri Guliani
Our next stop in our list of the best restaurants in Tbilisi, is for nature lovers. Although Puri Guliani doesn’t have panoramic city views from above, it is a river side restaurant. Located next to the Mtkvari River, Puri has a serene environment. Apart from river views, this restaurant has a modern and cozy setting which adds to your experience of dining here. Besides, don’t forget to try its delicious khachapuri.
- Iveria Cafe
Our next pick is labeled as a cafe, but we couldn’t resist its pleasing interior and views. Therefore, we added Iveria to our list of the best restaurants in Tbilisi. It’s only 50 meters away from the Radisson Blu Iveria Hotel’s main building. Don’t forget to check Iveria Cafe if you’re staying in this hotel.
This cafe is cozy, stylish, and delicious! Food items are fresh and high-quality and the staff are friendly. We suggest trying their breakfast items, too. You won’t regret it!
Luxury Restaurants in Tbilisi
Many think the best equals luxury. Therefore, the best restaurants in Tbilisi are the most luxurious ones. If you agree, there you have it! Let’s dive into the best luxury restaurants in Tbilisi. Your quest for fine dining in Tbilisi has come to an end!
- Barbarestan
Location: 132 Davit Aghmashenebeli Ave, Tbilisi
Cuisine: Traditional Georgian
Barbarestan is one of the most renowned Tbilisi restaurants. Located in a historic building, it mixes a charming environment with high-end dining. Barbarestan is the perfect spot to celebrate a special night with your partner.
- Shavi Lomi
Location: 28 Zurab Kvlividze St, Tbilisi
Cuisine: Modern Georgian
If you enjoy an artsy ambiance, you’ll love this place. And if you care about the food, Shavi Lomi cooks popular Georgian dishes with modern twists. Therefore, you can have familiar Georgian dishes with fresh flavors here.
- Brasserie Buvette
Location: 18 Gudiashvili Street, Tbilisi
Cuisine: French and European
Many of us think of a classy French restaurant when thinking of luxury restaurants. The “French” restaurant of Tbilisi is Brasserie Buvette. Here, you’ll have European dining in an elegant setting. Brasserie Buvette is among the top Tbilisi restaurants.
- Dinner in the Sky Georgia
Location: Rustaveli Avenue, Tbilisi
Cuisine: Modern European
Are you afraid of heights? Then, you might want to skip this place. Dinner in the Sky restaurants give their customers the unique experience of dining on a suspended table high up in the air. Adventure-seekers can have an exciting time in this strange restaurant.
- OtsY
Location: 20 Ioane Shavteli St, Tbilisi
Cuisine: Contemporary Georgian
Let’s get back to the ground! OtsY is another top Tbilisi restaurant (one of our top 10 restaurants in Tbilisi) that offers exquisite dining. The attention to detail in OtsY’s dishes is unmatched. Besides, its stylish interior design will add more to your experience of fine dining in Tbilisi.
- Café Littera
Location: 13 Ivane Machabeli St, Tbilisi
Cuisine: European and Georgian Fusion
If you care about a restaurant’s greenery more than other things, then Cafe Littera is a must-go place for you. Here, you can enjoy Georgian and European fusion dishes while sitting in a lush setting.
- Poliphonia
Location: 29 Chonkadze St, Tbilisi
Cuisine: Contemporary Georgian
Poliphonia wants to revive the lost Georgian recipes with modern twists. Here, you’ll enjoy the vibrant tastes of Georgia’s best seasonal ingredients. To add more to your experience, you can order some of the country’s best wine selections.
Best Cheap Restaurants in Tbilisi
We’ve already covered the best luxurious restaurants in Tbilisi. But if you’re on a tight budget, we’ve still got your back. Now, let’s review some of the best cheap Tbilisi restaurants. This city still offers many delicious options for a low price range.
- Nikolozi
Location: 34 Anton Katalikos St, Tbilisi
Cuisine: Georgian
Here, you will have tasty yet affordable foods. Nikolozi’s popular menu item is Adjarian khachapuri. Besides, don’t forget to try their fresh salads if you’re visiting this Tbilisi restaurant.
- Racha
Location: Shalva Dadiani St., Tbilisi
Cuisine: Georgian
This restaurant is an ideal place to try classic Georgian dishes, like khinkali or beefsteak with potatoes, at a low price range. Many tourists in Tbilisi visit Racha to have a quick and satisfying meal.
- Mapshalia
Location: 137 Davit Aghmashenebeli Ave, Tbilisi
Cuisine: Georgian
Mapshalia, also one of our top 10 restaurants in Tbilisi, is a great place to experience authentic Georgian cuisine at a lower price range. Another positive point about Mapshalia is its good quality. Besides, the restaurant’s special feature is homemade juices, which add to its cozy setting.
- Shatre
Location: Rustaveli 38, Tbilisi
Cuisine: Georgian
Shatre is another top Tbilisi restaurant when it comes to budget places. Like our previous restaurants, Shatre offers traditional Georgian dishes. If you visit this restaurant, you can try their famous mushroom soup.
- Shemomechama
Location: It has three branches across the Tbilisi
Cuisine: Georgian
One of the best cheap restaurants in Tbilisi is Shemomechama. This restaurant is famous for its delicious khinkali, kebabs, and mtsvadi. Apart from the food, its retro, soviet-style interior design gives it a unique vibe.
- Amra
Location: Various locations in Tbilisi
Cuisine: Abkhazian and Georgian
Amra is specialized in Georgian and Abkhazian foods. Abkhazia is a region in the Northwest of Georgia. Here, you can try foods, such as elarji, that aren’t easily found in other Tbilisi restaurants.
- Machakhela
Location: Various locations in Tbilisi
Cuisine: Georgian
Our last pick for the best cheap restaurants in Tbilisi is a famous restaurant chain in Georgia. Therefore, it’s a popular choice for both tourists and locals. Machakhela offers an extensive menu of various Georgian dishes. You can try a wide range of Georgian foods at a low price range here.
Georgian Tbilisi Restaurants No One Should Miss
If you’re looking for Tbilisi restaurants just to explore the city’s distinctive culinary scene, waste no time! We decided to gather a second list of the top 10 restaurants in Tibisi, a list that focuses only on Georgian cuisine. Take a look at this table. These are our top picks for the best Georgian restaurants in Tbilisi. All of these restaurants offer high-quality Georgian dishes.
| Restaurant’s Name | Location | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Keto and Kote | 3 Mikheil Zandukeli Dead End | $45 on average |
| Poliphonia | 14 Merab Kostava Street | $1.29 – $7.71 |
| Barbarestan | 132 Davit Aghmashenebeli Avenue | $37 – $65 |
| Mapshalia | 137 Davit Aghmashenebeli Avenue | $2.19 – $3.66 |
| Shavi Lomi (The Black Lion) | 30 Zurab Kvlividze Street | $9 – $23 |
| Café Littera | 13 Ivane Machabeli Street | $14 – $70 |
| Shemomechama | 41 Kote Afkhazi Street | $7 – $15 |
| Tsiskvili | 99 Beliashvili Street | $58 on average |
| Cafe Daphna | 29 Atoneli Street | $1 – $25 |
| Klike's Khinkali | 1 Chitadze Street | $0.37 – $5.19 |
What Are the Criteria to Choose a Restaurant
Let’s review some criteria to consider before choosing a restaurant. You might already be familiar with them. But it’s good to keep a checkbox list here to make the process more convenient.
Location
First, you need to check their location. In major cities like Tbilisi, it might be tough or time-consuming to get to the other side of the town for an evening course.
Menu
You might want to check their menu before going to a restaurant. Try to think of the type of cuisine you want to have. If you want Georgian meals, you can remove Italian or Chinese restaurants.
Price Range
Moreover, checking a place’s menu will help you decide which restaurant suits your budget best. If you have a limited amount of money, aim for more budget-friendly options.
Ambiance
We highly suggest you look for pictures of a restaurant. Preferably some unbiased pictures taken by its regular customers. It will help to get a sense of what to expect there. Or help you decide if the ambiance or the “vibe” matches your spirit.
Purpose
The occasion for what you’re eating out is also crucial. For instance, a casual restaurant won’t be a good fit if you’re celebrating a milestone in your relationship.
What to Expect in Tbilisi Restaurants
What makes Tbilisi restaurants different? What does Georgian cuisine taste like? The taste of Georgia is as unique as its geographical location. It takes the best from neighboring regions like Russia, Turkey, Armenia, and the Middle East. But at the same time, it perfectly manages to be unique. It still tastes like Georgia.
Let me give you a picture of a Georgian kitchen. If you ever visit one, first, you’ll notice the smell of garlic and aromatic scents of organic herbs, such as purple basil, coriander, dill, tarragon, and parsley. These are some of the key ingredients that are widely used in Georgian dishes. In other words, they form a major part of Georgian dishes identity.
If you look around, you’ll see dried herbs, walnuts, and probably a kneaded dough. The dried herbs are there to give more spice and taste to Georgian foods. A lot of these herbs are native to the country’s landscapes, meaning that they offer a unique Georgian taste. Along with herbs, bread is another core feature of Georgian dishes. Besides, Georgians like to mix them with walnuts, especially in recipes that contain meat.
Speaking of meat, you’ll most likely see some chopped pork or lamb in a Georgian kitchen. Georgian cooks are wizards when it comes to cooking finger-licking beef or kebabs. In Georgian cooking traditions, they grill or stew the meats.
And last but not least, every Georgian kitchen must have one or two Georgian cheeses in its fridge. Georgia is home to more than 60 types of cheese, all with a unique taste. Some of their famous cheeses include Sulguni, Imeruli, and Narchvi.
Famous Georgian Dishes to Try in Tbilisi Restaurants
I hope that a little tour of our small kitchen was helpful to give you a general idea of Georgian cuisine. Now, let’s mention some popular dishes in Georgia. If you come across any of these foods in Tbilisi Restaurants, you won’t regret trying them.
- Khinkali: This dish has come a long way from China to the heart of Georgia years ago. It is made of twisted dough filled with meat, vegetables, and spices. They can also be made using cheese or mushrooms.
- Khachapuri: A traditional Georgian cuisine made of bread that is filled with cheese. Besides, egg and butter are added to its ingredients.
- Churchkhela: You can distinguish them from their candle or sausage-like shapes and colors. Hanging in many storefronts in Georgia, Churchkhela is mainly made of grape must and walnut.
- Kharcho: It’s a beef soup mainly made of tomato broth along with chopped walnuts, rice, and spices.
- Chakapuli: A popular stew in Georgia made of lamb or veal, tarragon leaves, onions, and cherry plum. It is cooked in white wine and includes a range of fresh herbs.
- Pkhali: This can be an excellent choice if you’re looking for vegetarian dishes. It is made of chopped-off vegetables and adds other ingredients such as ground walnuts, vinegar, onions, garlic, and herbs. It is usually served over bread.
- Ajapsandali: A spicy dish popular in Armenia and Georgia. It’s similar to ratatouille and is made of eggplant, onion, tomato, and bell pepper. They are usually grilled or stewed and are mixed with garlic and other seasonings.
Last Word
Exploring Georgia’s culinary world is as exciting as the country itself. The taste of Georgian dishes is as diverse and delightful as watching the sunset over Batumi’s beach or Caucasus mountains.
We hope our Tbilisi restaurant’s quick tour was successful in showcasing the mysteries of Georgian cuisine. If you happen to visit the city for the first time, spare some time for Georgian dishes. Having a khinkali or a bowl of Kharcho in the streets of Tbilisi is such an experience everyone should have.
FAQ
Which restaurants in Tbilisi are best for traditional Georgian dishes?
Places like Barbarestan, Keto and Kote, and Klike’s Khinkali are some of the best restaurants in Tbilisi for traditional Georgian dishes. Other places like OtsY offer Georgian cuisine but at a higher price. On the other hand, Mapshalia is more affordable.
What are some must-try dishes in Tbilisi?
Khinkali, Khachapuri, Churchkhela, and Kharcho are among the best Georgian dishes everyone must try at least once.
