Georgian cuisine is full of delicious surprises, such as khinkali and khachapuri, and Tbilisi is home to some of the best restaurants serving these dishes. The city boasts everything from traditional bars in the old town to new establishments, making it a fascinating culinary destination.
- Best districts for eating out in Tbilisi: the old meets the new
- Restaurants serving traditional food in Tblisi where you won’t want to miss out on the best dishes
- Best restaurants in Tbilisi for a special meal
- Gourmet markets and others way to feel like a Georgian
Best districts for eating out in Tbilisi: the old meets the new
One of the best places to enjoy delicious food is the old town, otherwise known as Old Tbilisi. The streets surrounding Narikala fortress and Meidan Square are lined with numerous restaurants and bars where you can sample traditional Georgian dishes such as khachapuri, khinkali and stews as well as the local wines.
While it is true that it is one of the most touristy areas for dining, it is also one of the prettiest, so it is worth choosing a good spot and soaking up the atmosphere in the heart of Tbilisi whilst enjoying your meal. Another area that has become a real foodie hotspot is Rustaveli Avenue and its surroundings. This historic thoroughfare is now home to modern Georgian establishments and other international cuisines, which have opened alongside the city’s traditional cafés. It is also the perfect spot to have a drink on one of the terraces, enjoying an atmosphere that is a perfect balance of local charm and cosmopolitan ambience. Younger, more bohemian types gravitate towards the Vera area, which is full of bistros and wine bars, or the Fabrika area, which also has plenty of more casual bars. There are also some popular food markets where you can have fun going from stall to stall sampling cheeses and different breads.
Restaurants serving traditional food in Tblisi where you won’t want to miss out on the best dishes
The two most famous dishes in Georgian cuisine are khinkali and khachapuri, and in Tbilisi you can find a number of bars that specialise in them. One of the most popular is Khinkali Pub, situated on Vakhtang Gorgasali Square, which specialises, as its name suggests, in classic khinkali. It is usually packed with locals and tourists.
Nearby, you will find Pasanauri, on Baratashvili street and at other locations, which serves generous portions, and Bistro Conili, near the bath district, which has a very varied selection. If you are looking to explore other traditional Georgian dishes, one good spot is Tbilisuri Ezo, which has a home-style menu that is very much rooted in the local tradition, and Nikolozi, which, although it has a simple dining room, serves very authentic cuisine.
Best restaurants in Tbilisi for a special meal
As well as traditional restaurants such as the Khinkali Pub and Tbilisuri Ezo, which are attractions in their own right, there are other very popular spots that you should add to your list if you want to experience Tbilisi’s culinary scene. These include Barbarestan, which is renowned above all for its extensive wine list, and one of the most sought-after, Bread&Wine, which is very centrally located and serves delicious khachapuri. Alternatively, you can also try Republic 24, situated in First Republic Square, which has successfully modernised Georgian cuisine, pairing it with grilled dishes. If it is a special location that you are looking for, there are three establishments with incredible views that you simply must not miss: Funicular, Ati Rooftop and Atmosphere Restaurant & Bar. In all three cases, the food is more international and modern but with a Georgian twist, served in a unique setting.
Gourmet markets and others way to feel like a Georgian
Other interesting culinary spots in Tbilisi include the European-style ‘gourmet markets’, where you can sample a fine wine, some cheeses, cold cuts and ready-made dishes. The most famous of these is the Dezerter Bazaar, located next to Station Square. It has stalls selling fruit, meat, fish and spices, as well as bakeries and patisseries offering the finest churchkhela. Although it can be chaotic at times, it is the best place to experience Georgian food and culture.
On Sundays, you can head to the Sunday Farmers’ Market in Ezo, where small producers sell organic vegetables, breads, sauces, pickles, cheeses, honey and jams with a unique flavour. It is a perfect place to sample traditional recipes. Several times a year the Agromarket is held in Dedaena park, which has stalls from various producers with street food and music, showcasing the country’s latest culinary offerings and organic trends.
However, there is also another way to discover Georgian cuisine, and that is by wandering the streets of Tbilisi. In the old town, around Rustaveli Avenue, and in some of the city’s more bohemian neighbourhoods, you will come across stalls and small eateries serving khachapuri, lobiani, mchadi, desserts and ice cream—the perfect way for food lovers to feel like a true local.
