Georgian cuisine is famous for its abundance, which is explained by the cult of food that prevails here. Each tourist, arriving in Georgia, necessarily complements the traditional acquaintance with the culture and history of the country with an acquaintance with its culinary traditions. Gastronomic tourism is a great opportunity to get to know the country better, and numerous Tbilisi cafes, restaurants, and dukhans will help you cope with this task. The latter are traditional Caucasian taverns where you can try authentic regional cuisine. In addition, almost every metro station or major bus stop has small tents and kiosks selling inexpensive national pastries: khachapuri, lobiani, achma, kubdari.
Pronounced regional differences between different regions of Georgia can also be observed in cooking: Adjarian, Imeretian, Megrelian, etc. khachapuri. This explains why the same dish can look different depending on the region of preparation.
Features of Georgian restaurants
Traditional Georgian restaurants and dukhans are somewhat different from the usual European cafes.
Many Georgian establishments have a modest interior: no decor, stone and brick used in wall decoration, dim lighting. Because of this, they may seem gloomy or boring. If the establishment is located in a semi-basement, there will be no windows.
The quality of service, like the quality of food, most often does not depend on the price level of the establishment. Waiters in Georgian restaurants are characterized by leisurely service.
Tbilisi restaurants hospitably open their doors, offering a huge number of different dishes. As a result, both vegetarians and meat eaters will be able to enjoy Georgian cuisine to their heart’s content.
Cold and hot dishes in Georgia are served in common plates, the only exception is soups – they are served in portions. At the same time, the portions can be so large that one dish is enough for 2-3 people.
Dishes served in typical Georgian establishments can be oversalted or spicy, so when ordering, you can clarify this point with the waiter.
Among non-alcoholic drinks, the famous mineral waters are usually served: “Borjomi”, “Nabeglavi”, “Likani” and lemonades. Almost no lunch or dinner goes by without delicious Georgian lemonade.
Georgians prefer white wine to red at feasts. Since red wine is difficult to drink in large quantities. And a classic feast with toasts implies at least two liters per person.
After rewriting the article many times over the past 7 years, I have abandoned the practice of indicating prices (only general recommendations if expensive or cheap compared to the average temperature). They run up faster than I can fix them in publication.
Best Restaurants in Tbilisi
It is very difficult to write about the best establishments in the city. More precisely, the most difficult thing is to choose the most worthy from hundreds of restaurants. What criteria should we use to select them? We decided that the best would be popularity among the local population and location in the city center. And for the sake of completeness, we did not limit ourselves to any framework. After all, there are as many tastes as there are people. Therefore, in our article you will find descriptions of various establishments: from simple and cheap to expensive and stylish, with Georgian or European cuisine.
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Restaurant “House of Khinkali” (ხინკლის სახლი – “Khinklis Sakhli”)
The establishment is located in the central part of the city, in a semi-basement on Rustaveli Avenue, 37 (to be more precise, behind house 37, near the underground passage to the Radisson Hotel).
The establishment is distinguished by its democratic prices, large portions and simple comfortable interior. It has two large halls, with live music playing in the lower hall. The special feature of the interior is large comfortable sofas with high backs, which create an atmosphere of coziness and privacy. It is comfortable to sit here with a company.
As in most restaurants in Tbilisi, Khinklis Sakhli will be noisy and smoky in the evening.
The restaurant menu offers a large selection of khinkali with meat, mushrooms, cheese, potatoes, other Georgian national dishes: chakupuli, kupaty, ojakhuri, kuchmachi, khachapuri and others, wines, draft beer.
“House of Khinkali” is open 24 hours, you can order food to go.
How to get there: walk from the Rustaveli metro station, the establishment is located on the left side of Rustaveli Avenue, in front of the Rose Revolution Square.
From other areas of Tbilisi, you can get to the restaurant by minibus: No. 2, 35, 41, 57, 72, 94, 133, 141, 170.
Restaurant Hedi (Hedi)
Restaurant “Khedi” (translated from Georgian as “view”) is located at the hotel of the same name in the center of Tbilisi on the seventh floor of the building. This place is an oasis of bright tastes, pleasant atmosphere and gastronomic discoveries. Among expat Tbilisians, one of the most popular establishments in 2024-2025.
Entering the room, you will find yourself in a green garden, entwined with vines on the walls and ceiling, with dozens of plants in clay pots – it seems that birds will start chirping and butterflies will fly overhead at any moment. Parquet flooring, shiny green tiles on the walls and wooden furniture harmoniously complete the picture of the “eco-interior”.
And then your gaze will fall on the view from the window. Huge panoramic glass reveals a fascinating picture of Tbilisi. The Kura, carrying its waters forward, the golden dome of Sameba, and in the distance – the majestic Mtatsminda with the lights of the TV tower that lights up at night. In the morning, the sun sneaks through the windows, filling the restaurant with soft light, and by sunset it is replaced by the mysterious flickering of city lights.
For a cozy evening atmosphere, candles are placed on the tables, and if you choose to sit on the veranda, you can ask for a soft blanket. So it is not for nothing that the restaurant is called “Khedi”, which is translated from Georgian as “view”. The landscape outside the window can definitely be called one of the main attractions of the establishment.
And now let’s move on to the most important thing – food. The restaurant menu is presented in Georgian, Russian and English. Need advice – ask the waiter, the staff here is very responsive and always happy to help.
The specialty of the establishment is fusion cuisine, that is, classic Georgian dishes, but in the chef’s interpretation and with elements of foreign culinary traditions. Cheeses soaked in Kakhetian wine, mini-khinkali from veal cheeks in cream sauce, salad with breaded eggplants and cream cheese, cream soup with red fish.
In addition to unusual recipes, there are also classic European and national Georgian dishes. Among all the variety, you will definitely find something to your liking.
You can finish your dinner with one of the signature desserts, for example, sour cream cake with strawberries. Khedi has a large list of refreshing and alcoholic drinks, I personally recommend mint-berry tea, again according to the establishment’s signature developments.
The restaurant’s price tag is slightly above average, but this is justified by all the factors described above. There is no separate service charge, everything is included in the price.
The dishes here will appeal to both those who have already tried Georgian cuisine and those who have just begun their acquaintance with it – Khedi will pleasantly surprise in all cases.
The restaurant is relatively small, so the number of seats is limited. If you want to sit in the evening, be sure to book a table in advance.
The establishment belongs to the Ginza chain, one of the largest in the hotel and restaurant business. In Batumi, there is a large establishment with almost exactly the same menu from this group – Panorama.
Khedi is a fresh breath of innovative ideas based on classic Georgian cuisine. This is the place that will give you a great mood, magical emotions and leave the aftertaste of a pleasant evening on your tongue for a long time.
Address: 24 Ketevan Dedofali Ave.
Opening hours: 08:00-00:00.
Contact phone number: 032 244 85 00.
Restaurant Barbarestan
When it comes to the best restaurant in Tbilisi, one cannot help but mention “Barbarestan”.
Unremarkable from the outside, located in a semi-basement, it is one of the most interesting gastronomic objects of the capital of Sakartvelo. “Barbarestan” is a regular visitor to tops and ratings, including international ones.
If you ask me to describe it in one phrase, I would say: Damn expensive, devilishly delicious!
Once every few months, I allow myself to be rich and try the new menu. And I have never been disappointed. And at any time of the year, the hall is packed to capacity. I do not risk going here without a reservation.
From a business point of view, this establishment has an interesting concept. It is stated that all dishes from the menu are prepared according to the book of original recipes of Princess Barbara Jorjadze from the mid-nineteenth century. The princess traveled a lot around Europe and created a culinary collection, where she combined European traditions with Georgian recipes.
I don’t really believe that all the dishes in the establishment are from this book (since the menu changes very often). But, this does not make the idea of the establishment less unique and exciting. And it certainly does not make it less beloved.
The restaurant interior is in retro style. The chairs are from the middle of the last century (I remember exactly the same ones in my grandmother’s house in my early childhood). Cozy, beautiful. And when live music with accordion and violin plays, you get the feeling that you are in pre-revolutionary Tiflis.
The menu is always small. 3-4 main dishes, several appetizers and salads. The prices are steep. In October 2024, dishes cost 80-90 lari. Each table is served by three waiters.
The hardest thing to describe is the food itself. It’s impossible to do without the epithets “divinely delicious”, “amazing” and “mind-blowing”. But how to convey that orgasm of all taste buds from each piece of food on paper – I don’t know.
Mmm… Indescribably delicious?
And yet, I’ll try with a specific example:
Green balls are eggplants. They are fried over a fire (with smoke). Then, they are crushed and rolled into balls. I have never eaten eggplants cooked like this in my life, although I love them very much and I know 8 recipes (including Chinese cuisine) that I cook according to. To say that it was delicious is to say nothing. They melt in your mouth. The sauce, despite the color, is magnificent.
If, suddenly, they return duck in chocolate to the menu – take it without thinking. I dreamed about its taste for a whole year, it impressed me so much!
In general, I am ready to confess for the first time my great and pure love: Barbarestan, my dear – I love you until the very last snack!
To sum it up: “Barbarestan” is definitely one of the best and most interesting restaurants in Tbilisi. However, high prices may scare off some of those who want to go. But if you are ready to spend 300-400 lari for dinner for two, then you should definitely go here at least once.
Address: 132 Davit Aghmashenebeli Ave
Opening hours: 14:00-23:00.
Contact phone number: 551121176.
Restaurant Hide
And they chose the right name! It is located in the most touristic place, and if you don’t know where to look, you’ll pass by.
The large and bright facade of Machakhela attracts many. And in vain. It will definitely be tastier here!
Although, to call this place unknown – the tongue would not turn. In the evenings it is all packed.
The interior is simple, modern. Without Georgian motifs. The music is light, unobtrusive. Something like jazz.
The menu is small (it’s fashionable now). Khinkali are popular. The sauce they serve with them is wonderful. Finger-licking good! The Georgian-style hamburgers are interesting. I tried the Imeretian one (my ancestors are from there, so the choice was obvious) – I was pleased. I liked the eggplants with cheese so much that I started making them at home. The addition of dried berries is really great!
I would like to separately mention the service. The waitress smiled sweetly, did not leave you without attention, worked quickly and easily. In Georgian restaurants, especially inexpensive ones, unfortunately, you don’t often see this.
Of the minuses, I will only note the long preparation of dishes. When the hall is full, the kitchen cannot cope. Not that it was very long. I waited for about 40 minutes. Just be prepared for this.
On Google maps, HIDE has a high rating of 4.8 based on more than 3,500 reviews. Amazing rating! And the number of reviews clearly indicates that this is one of the most popular places in the city.
Here’s what people say in their reviews:
- It is often mentioned that there is a delicious Caesar salad, khinkali with meat, burgers and eggplant rolls.
- The portions in the restaurant are quite large.
- High quality service and friendly staff.
Overall, my opinion coincided with the general one. By the way, regarding the shortcomings – too. Several people wrote that the food took a long time to prepare.
I can’t call Hide my favorite place, but I will definitely agree to go again. In the sulfur baths area, my choice is either here or Pasanauri.
Address: Vakhtang Gorgasali Square
Opening hours: 13.00-23.30
Restaurant “Machakhela” (მაჭახელა)
The Machakhela chain restaurant (another name for the restaurants in this chain is Samikitno) consists of 14 establishments located in different areas of Tbilisi, but the most popular is the restaurant located on Meidan Square, in the center of the old city. It is easily recognized by the three-dimensional inscription located in front of the entrance: I love Tbilisi and a monument to the outstanding court poet Sayat Nova.
The restaurant offers Georgian and European cuisine in all its diversity, there are pastries, a lunch menu, inexpensive wines.
The restaurant’s interior is simple, decorated with wood and brick, decorated with partitions with photos of old Tiflis and reproductions of Pirosmani.
Two years ago, when the first version of this article was written, Machakhela was one of the most popular restaurants in the city. But, recently, restaurants have stopped monitoring the quality of food and service. But 7 new establishments have opened.
At the moment, I would strongly advise against visiting these restaurants. Most of my Tbilisi friends and acquaintances have very negative opinions about them. There are videos on social networks about the terrible unsanitary conditions in restaurants. The last time I was there was in February 2018. In a restaurant on Freedom Square. It was late in the evening, the place was half empty. And yet, for 20 minutes no one came up to me to take my order. Although the waiters were cheerfully chatting about something standing in a group 7 meters away from me.
Located at: Meidan Square, 26. You can get there on foot, walking from Rike Park across the Metekhi Bridge or from Leselidze Street.
In addition to “Machakhela”, located on Meidan Square, this restaurant is also located on Leselidze Street 26, Agmashenebeli Street 106, Lagidze 1, as well as in other areas of Tbilisi. Prices in all restaurants are the same.
Where to eat tasty and inexpensive food in Tbilisi
Duhan “Racha” (რაჭა)
This tavern can be recommended to those who would like to see and taste non-tourist Georgia or experience a small adventure. This is due to the absence of the usual aesthetic attributes typical of restaurants in this establishment. Often in the evenings, local groups gather to have a noisy feast. They say long, beautiful toasts, sing in Georgian polyphony. When in Racha, you can’t help but feel like you’ve found yourself in Georgia at the beginning of the twentieth century, or in old Georgian films.
The Racha pub is primarily an establishment for locals, with men being the main visitors. It can be stuffy, noisy and smoky in the evening.
The clientele of this popular establishment has changed a lot since 2018. At the moment, at least half of the pub’s clients are tourists. The fame of this small basement in the gateway has spread far beyond the city.
The establishment is unremarkable from the outside, but very atmospheric and colorful. There is a homemade sign in Georgian hanging above the entrance to the pub. The pub itself is a dimly lit semi-basement room with brick walls, a low ceiling, wooden tables and stools. The interior is very simple and modest, somewhat reminiscent of a Soviet canteen, decorated with a board on which the menu in Georgian and the corresponding prices are written in chalk.
The food here is very simple and without frills, but delicious, the prices are low, and the portions are large. You can bring your own wine to this establishment, which is recommended, since the wine in the establishment itself is very mediocre. The process of preparing the ordered dishes can be observed through the arched window connecting the hall and the kitchen.
In the dukhan you can order Georgian national dishes, but it is best to try dishes typical of the Racha region: apkhazuri, lobiani and others. Keep in mind that local chefs like to add freshly chopped garlic to all dishes in large quantities. And if you do not like it, then tell the waiter about it before ordering.
Opening hours: 10:00-23:00.
Address: 4 Mikheil Lermontovi St
How to get there: from Freedom Square, walk along Dodiani Street to the intersection with Lermontov Street, turn left. The establishment itself is located on the right side of the street.
Family Kitchen Cafe (საოჯახო სამზარეულო – “Saojaho Samzareulo”)
This fast food cafe will be appreciated by those tourists who came to Tbilisi with children and live near Freedom Square. You will not find any special Georgian dishes in the menu of “Family Kitchen”, but it is widely represented by tasty familiar food, which is easy to feed a child: various salads, first, meat and fish dishes, side dishes, desserts.
Another advantage of this establishment is the opportunity to have a light breakfast. Regular Georgian restaurants do not have traditional breakfasts, but in the morning they will serve the same khachapuri or khash – a type of hot soup made from beef legs and tripe.
Affordable prices and the opportunity to buy tasty decent food to go will be appreciated by tourists with a limited budget.
The price tags are in Georgian, but they are easy to understand. The price is indicated either per unit of the name (1 ც) or per 100 grams (100 გრ).
Please note that the establishment is very popular and the hall is small. It is very difficult to find a free table at lunchtime and in the evening.
Address: 1 Giorgi Leonidze St (на углу площади Свободы).
Opening hours: 10.00 – 22.00
Degusto
The fast food chain restaurant has several outlets in Tbilisi. One of the branches is located in the center – on Marjanishvili. However, it is not so easy to notice because of the modest facade hidden behind massive columns.
Whenever I needed a quick bite in the center, I always chose this place. Perhaps the only small minus is that they close a bit early for a tourist center. But for breakfast or lunch, this is an ideal option.
Degusto wins greatly in comparison with other similar establishments. It has a beautiful new interior, a chic location, and most importantly – a large selection of delicious food. The restaurant offers Georgian and European cuisine, a variety of pastries and sweets. And all this at very pleasant prices.
It is convenient for families with children who refuse to eat unusual dishes of Georgian cuisine to come here. After all, you can always find Olivier salad, fish, cutlets or mashed potatoes on the menu.
Address: 17 Kote Marjanishvili St.
The location of this and other branches of the network can be found here.
Tbilisi is a hospitable city, with a lot of different taverns, cafes and restaurants where you can eat deliciously and have a good rest. It will not be difficult for any tourist to find their own special establishment, which they will want to visit regularly.
More about Tbilisi and Georgia:
Best hotels in the mountains of Georgia
Souvenirs – what to bring from Georgia as a gift
Top 6 Restaurants for the Best Khinkali in Tbilisi
Best Hotels in the Center of Tbilisi
My name is Vitaly Kibitlevsky, I am a tour guide and creator of unique quests in Batumi. If you want to walk around the city with a fascinating storyteller or plunge into an exciting adventure, write to the mail: vitkibit@gmail.com
Find out more about me and my projects here