Khinkali are made and served in almost every restaurant and cafe. But even in Georgia they are not equally good everywhere. So what should a tourist do with only a few days in the city? How do you find the best khinkali in Tbilisi?

I spent a long time questioning my friends and acquaintances in Tbilisi about their favorite places. Then, over two months, I visited about twenty restaurants they recommended. All of that to pick the six very best.

In short:

Best khinkali in the center — Pasanauri (in the Old Town and on Baratashvili), Veliaminov’s Dukhan near Freedom Square and Khinkali House on Rustaveli.
Cheap and tasty — Veliaminov: an average bill of 20–30 lari per person.
Something unusual — khinkali with dambalkhacho cheese at Daphna, fried khinkali and “build your own” at Khinkali Factory.
How much khinkali cost in Tbilisi — 2–3 lari per piece in tourist places, usually ordered from 5 pieces of one kind.
Below is a ranking of 15 khinkali places with their ratings and a map of all of them.

It seems everyone already knows how to eat khinkali properly. But just in case: hold it by the “tail” with your hands (hands only, no forks!), take a small bite and drink the delicious broth hidden inside. Only then move on to the meat filling.

The tail itself is not eaten. People leave the tails on the plate so they can compare later who ate more.

I usually order 15 for myself. My record is 19 in one go. Honestly, I’m not the biggest eater: I have friends for whom 20 is the norm. I wonder how many of these heavenly dumplings you can manage?

So, the short briefing is over, let’s move on to the ranking.

The Best Khinkali in the Center of Tbilisi

Here is my top 6:

Pasanauri
Khinkali House
Veliaminov’s Dukhan
Klike’s Khinkali
Daphna
Khinkali Factory

And for those who need more than six places, here are the top 15 khinkali places in Tbilisi:

#	Khinkali place	Address	Google rating	Bill per person, GEL
1	Pasanauri	Gorgasali 1, Baratashvili 17	4.3–4.6	20–80
2	Khinkali House	Rustaveli 37	4.1	20–60
3	Veliaminov’s Dukhan	Dadiani 8	4.2	20–30
4	Klike’s Khinkali	Chitadze 1	4.4	10–30
5	Daphna	Atoneli 29, Dry Bridge	4.4	20–60
6	Khinkali Factory	Pkhovi 2 (Orbeliani)	4.3	20–60
7	Khinkali Bar N1	Kote Afkhazi 55, Orbeliani Square	4.9	20–50
8	Khinkali Collection	Pushkin 19, Freedom Square	4.9	20–60
9	Khinkali Pub	Gorgasali Square 1	4.8	20–60
10	Kneina	Akhospireli 7, Old Town	4.8	30–80
11	Asi Khinkali	Ushangi Chkheidze 19	4.7	20–50
12	Pkhali Khinkali	Aghmashenebeli Ave 133	4.6	20–60
13	Chashnagiri	Kote Afkhazi 25	4.6	20–60
14	Kade	Tsinamdzghvrishvili 94	4.5	30–70
15	Sabatono	Griboedov 30	4.3	20–40

Now, more about each place and why I ranked them in this order.

Pasanauri

First place in this ranking deservedly goes to Pasanauri, the restaurant serving the best khinkali in Tbilisi. It is named after the village of Pasanauri, considered the birthplace of khinkali. Legend says a Georgian girl invented them for her sick brother. And khinkali really are a perfect mix of delicious dough, life-giving broth and meat.

Pasanauri is a whole chain of small restaurants in very convenient locations: most of them are in the center and the historic part of the city, the rest are in other districts but also close to the metro and easy to reach.

Pasanauri near the Sulfur Baths, on Meidan Square:

The interior is colorful, with lots of wood (it reminded me of an old village house), cozy and full of the famous Georgian hospitality.

When you’ve finally found a table and are ready to taste, take my advice: order Pasanauri’s signature khinkali, they are the best. They cost a bit more than the other khinkali on the menu, but they are worth it. I really liked them: the dough wasn’t overcooked, all the juice stayed inside, and there was plenty of meat, they definitely didn’t skimp.

I liked the service too: the food arrived quickly, in about 15 minutes. But that may not always be the case: in the evening there’s a rush, and you may have to wait half an hour or not find a free table at all. It’s worth it anyway, and if you want to be sure to have dinner here, book a table.

A big plus is that they don’t add a separate service charge (as most restaurants in Georgia do): you decide how much to tip yourself. When you order, you know exactly what the bill will be.

All in all, I can confidently recommend Pasanauri: this is where you can try the gold standard of khinkali.

The branch on Baratashvili Avenue (5 minutes from Freedom Square):

Official website: restaurantpasanauri.ge.

Addresses:

1 Vakhtang Gorgasali St (one of the most popular branches, in the Old Town).

17 Nikoloz Baratashvili St (live Georgian music plays here in the evenings, usually until 11 pm).

Average bill: 20–80 lari per person.

Opening hours: open from 10:00 (Gorgasali) and 11:00 (Baratashvili) until late in the evening.

Phone: +995 595 54 77 55.

Khinkali House

Another equally popular place where all fans of Georgian cuisine gather is Khinkali House Tbilisi. It is a large chain, and many branches are close to metro stations. But I recommend the one on Rustaveli: it is one of the biggest and sits right in the city center, very handy for a bite before you continue exploring beautiful Tbilisi.

A beautiful, stylish interior, with neon-lit aquariums on the second floor. The only downside is that some of the sofas are round, which isn’t very comfortable. On Saturdays after 10 pm a folk dance ensemble performs, and there’s also a music program. If you’re interested in Georgian culture, I really recommend stopping by to see the show.

The menu is long, with both traditional Georgian dishes and familiar European ones. The food came fairly quickly, in about 20 minutes. The khinkali were tasty and juicy, with the filling seasoned with spices and herbs. Locals often come here too, which says a lot about the quality.

As for prices, it’s the golden mean of the whole list: an average bill of 20–60 lari per person. A service charge is added to the bill.

People often celebrate holidays, birthdays and weddings at Khinkali House: good service, tasty food and pleasant prices.

The branch on Rustaveli:

Address: 37 Shota Rustaveli Ave.

Opening hours: opens at 10:00 and works until late at night.

Phone: +995 557 42 42 59.

By the way, I also recommend this restaurant as one of the best places with live music and folk dances. Read more here: Tbilisi restaurants with live music and dances.

Veliaminov’s Dukhan

The next place that definitely deserves attention is Veliaminov’s Dukhan (sometimes spelled Velyaminov). It’s two steps from Freedom Square: walk to the monument of St. George and go a little way up the street. You’ll see small doors leading down into a basement, with a running sign saying “Velyaminov”.

So what is a dukhan? It’s a Georgian classic, a kind of place you won’t find in any other country. Something like a tavern or canteen where, in the evenings, everyone who liked to drink and have a cheap dinner would gather.

Niko Pirosmani himself, who was extremely poor all his life, used to come to dukhans like this and paint pictures for the owners in exchange for food and wine. That’s why most of his works are on a dark background: it isn’t a painter’s canvas, just a piece of oilcloth.

Inside, Veliaminov looks like an old house with carved wooden stairs and stone walls, a bit like a medieval castle.

The menu is small, but the cooking is excellent: you can’t go wrong with any dish. There are only two kinds of khinkali: city-style (with herbs) and beef (without herbs).

Note: khinkali can only be ordered in portions of at least 10 pieces of one kind.

They were brought very quickly, in 15 minutes. As for the taste, you could sing ballads about it: lots of broth (more than anywhere else in this list), very juicy meat and fresh, not overcooked dough.

The prices will make you happy: it’s one of the cheapest places in the center, with an average bill of 20–30 lari per person. The highlight here is the excellent lemonades and Kazbegi beer, which are hard to find in shops. The lemonades come in glass bottles, and there are several flavors. A service charge is added to the bill.

If you ask a local “Where can I find good khinkali in Tbilisi?”, there’s a good chance they’ll send you to Veliaminov. You can eat cheaply and heartily here and enjoy every bite.

Address: 8 Shalva Dadiani St.

Opening hours: opens at 10:00.

Phone: +995 032 292 02 95.

Klike’s Khinkali

Let me introduce Klike’s Khinkali, a khinkali bar in the very center of Tbilisi. Yes, you read that right, a bar. The menu has several kinds of khinkali (including vegetarian ones), churchkhela, a meat platter and other snacks, plus a long drinks list. Be sure to try “Lagidze Waters”, the famous refreshing sodas that have been made in Tbilisi since the late 19th century. The bar has lots of flavors: chocolate, cherry, lemon, grape and more.

The order arrived quickly, I waited no more than 15 minutes. The khinkali were tasty and a little spicy, though they seemed slightly oversalted to me, but that’s a matter of taste. The service was excellent: the waiter helped us choose and was very friendly.

Price-wise, it’s one of the most affordable places on the list: an average bill of 10–30 lari per person. Just remember that a service charge will be added to the bill.

The place is small and cozy (only 10 tables), with stone walls, bookshelves and potted plants. It’s in a basement with thick walls, so mobile internet and phone signal barely work. If you need internet, ask the waiter for the Wi-Fi password.

I can leave a positive review and recommend this place for hanging out with friends over a glass of beer and tasty khinkali. Don’t be put off by the look of the entrance: inside it’s calm and pleasant, without noise or fuss, perfect for relaxing.

Address: 1 Shio Chitadze St.

Opening hours: opens at 12:00.

Phone: +995 555 41 19 91.

Daphna

Daphna is different from the places above. First, it has a modern, Instagram-worthy interior: pastel pink tones, a neon-lit bar, cute potted plants.

Second, this is where you can try khinkali with dambalkhacho (Georgian mold-ripened cheese). It’s a national product included in the list of intangible cultural heritage. But be careful: it’s an acquired taste. If you don’t like the particular smell and bitterness of blue cheese, better skip this dish.

The prices are fine, especially for a place in the very center, right on the Dry Bridge. The average bill is 20–60 lari per person. The most interesting dish, khinkali with dambalkhacho, is served in portions of 4 with a special sauce.

The restaurant has a wonderful, creative Instagram, I really recommend taking a look.

Address: Dry Bridge, 29 Atoneli St.

Opening hours: opens at 11:00 and works until late at night.

Phone: +995 595 69 00 11.

Khinkali Factory

This khinkali restaurant is last on my list because it’s for those who have already had enough traditional Georgian food and want something new. Here you get a “build your own khinkali” quest.

Besides lots of meat and vegetarian fillings, you can choose the dough (regular or whole grain) and how they’re cooked: boiled, boiled and then fried, or deep-fried.

Importantly, the type of dough and the cooking method don’t change the price. And if that’s not enough to impress you, the menu even has mini chebureki, Asian dumplings and sweet khinkali.

Prices are above average (an average bill of 20–60 lari per person), but that’s explained by the fact that everything is assembled and cooked individually for each guest. A service charge is added to the bill.

Khinkali Factory is a small chain; I went to the one on Orbeliani. The location is a big plus: easy to get to, and after lunch you can go on walking around the center. The interior is nice, I especially liked the main sights of Tbilisi painted on the wall (Mtatsminda, Mother of Georgia, the monument to Vakhtang Gorgasali and more).

The only flaw is that you may have to wait a long time, as both I and other guests noticed. The order (khinkali, of course, the most popular dish) took more than half an hour. But you can forgive that: the golden fried khinkali with a crispy crust were worth every minute.

Address: 2 Pkhovi St (on Orbeliani), 77 Merab Kostava St (in Saburtalo).

Opening hours: the Orbeliani branch opens at 12:00.

Phone: +995 577 33 03 07 (first branch), +995 577 33 03 06 (second branch).

9 More Khinkali Places in Tbilisi with Great Reviews

Khinkali Bar N1

One of the most popular khinkali places among tourists: rated 4.9 with almost seven thousand reviews. Two addresses: 55 Kote Afkhazi St in the Old Town and Orbeliani Square. Opens at 13:00. Average bill 20–50 lari per person. Khinkali Bar N1 on the map.

Khinkali Collection

Right by Freedom Square, at 19 Pushkin St. Rated 4.9, average bill 20–60 lari. There’s a second address at 3 Kakabadze Brothers St. Khinkali Collection on the map.

Khinkali Pub

On Gorgasali Square, next to the Sulfur Baths and the way up to Narikala. Besides the classic ones, they make fried and sweet khinkali. Rated 4.8, average bill 20–60 lari. Khinkali Pub on the map.

Kneina

A small restaurant in the Old Town, at 7 Akhospireli St. Meat khinkali come in portions of 6. Rated 4.8, average bill 30–80 lari, you can book a table online. Kneina on the map.

Asi Khinkali (One Hundred Khinkali)

“Asi khinkali” means “a hundred khinkali” in Georgian. Classic and signature khinkali are served by 5, the ones with dambalkhacho by 3. Address: 19 Ushangi Chkheidze St. Rated 4.7, average bill 20–50 lari. Asi Khinkali on the map.

Pkhali Khinkali

Away from the tourist center, at 133 Aghmashenebeli Ave. The name says it all: khinkali and pkhali, Georgian vegetable and walnut appetizers. Rated 4.6, average bill 20–60 lari. Pkhali Khinkali on the map.

Chashnagiri

A Georgian restaurant at 25 Kote Afkhazi St, a few minutes from Freedom Square. Rated 4.6, average bill 20–60 lari. Chashnagiri on the map.

Kade — Mountain-Style Khinkali

Here they make mountain-style khinkali, mtiuluri and mokheuri, closer to what you eat in Pasanauri and Kazbegi than to the city version. There are vegetarian fillings too: mushrooms, potatoes, cottage cheese with sulguni. Address: 94 Tsinamdzghvrishvili St. Rated 4.5, average bill 30–70 lari. Kade on the map.

Sabatono

At 30 Griboedov St, a couple of minutes from Rustaveli Avenue. The khinkali here are big and filling, and tables are often taken, so it’s better to book. Rated 4.3, average bill 20–40 lari. Sabatono on the map.

How Much Do Khinkali Cost in Tbilisi?

In tourist places in the center, khinkali usually cost 2–3 lari per piece; in cafes for locals they are cheaper. Fried khinkali and unusual fillings (cheese, mushrooms, dambalkhacho) cost more than regular ones.

Khinkali are ordered at least 5 pieces of one kind, and at Veliaminov at least 10. Almost everywhere a service charge is added to the bill. The exception in my top 6 is Pasanauri, where you decide on the tip yourself.

How many should you order? I take 15 for myself. If you’re not a big eater, start with 5–7 pieces and a salad: khinkali are very filling.

Restaurants with the Best Khinkali in Tbilisi on the Map

Yellow flags mark the six places I described in detail. Blue flags are other branches of these chains, green ones are the nine more khinkali places from the ranking.

Click the arrow icon in the upper left corner to see a list of all the places.

Enjoy your meal and have a great time in Georgia!

Khinkali in Tbilisi: FAQ

Where are the best khinkali in Tbilisi?
My choice is Pasanauri: that’s the gold standard. If you want something cheaper with the atmosphere of an old dukhan, go to Veliaminov near Freedom Square.

How much do khinkali cost in Tbilisi?
In tourist places in the center, 2–3 lari per piece. The minimum order is usually 5 pieces of one kind, at Veliaminov 10.

How many khinkali should one person order?
Start with 5–7. I usually take 15, my record is 19 in one go.

Where can I eat fried khinkali in Tbilisi?
At Khinkali Factory: there you can have them boiled, boiled and then fried, or deep-fried. Fried khinkali are also on the menu at Khinkali Pub on Gorgasali Square.

Are there vegetarian khinkali?
Yes: with mushrooms, potatoes or cheese. You’ll find vegetarian fillings at Khinkali Factory, Klike’s Khinkali and Kade.

How do you eat khinkali?
With your hands, by the tail: take a bite, drink the broth, then eat the filling. The tail isn’t eaten, it’s left on the plate.

Victor Chkhobadze

Hello!

I am Victor, the founder of this site and its main, but not the only author.

Traveler and photographer. Visited more than 60 countries.

Born and raised in Batumi. I love to travel in Georgia.

More about me here.

Where to Eat Khinkali in Tbilisi?