We will tell you about the best restaurants and cafes in the city, where you should go to eat a tourist.
Where to Eat in Tbilisi
When visiting Georgia, you can forget about cooking, at least for a while. The local cuisine is so delicious and diverse that every person visiting this country should try the dishes prepared by local chefs. Every Georgian city, including the capital, is renowned for its culinary masterpieces. This article is dedicated to the tasty establishments in Tbilisi, as this city attracts tens of thousands of travelers every year. In addition to historical landmarks, visitors are also interested in places where they can eat well and satisfy their hunger. We hope that our information will greatly facilitate the task of finding such places.
Where to Dine in Tbilisi
It's challenging to cover everything that this city is famous for in terms of gastronomy in a small overview. Tbilisi has numerous quality establishments where you can not only satisfy your hunger but also relax. The city welcomes guests and residents with fine dining establishments as well as restaurants that offer a more casual dining experience. Those who are not particularly fond of a restaurant atmosphere can visit khinkali houses, of which there are many in the Georgian capital. Fast food enthusiasts are warmly invited to McDonald's. Also, don't forget the option of self-catering using products that can be purchased from local stores.
Cafes and Restaurants
We present to you a list of the most popular establishments, compiled according to a specific scheme, starting with the most popular ones.
"Maspinzeli"
This restaurant is located near the sulfur baths in Abanotubani, and its name translates from Georgian as "welcoming guests." The building has a summer terrace where it's very comfortable to sit during the summer season. It's a cozy place that serves traditional Georgian cuisine and is loved by the locals. The portions are simply enormous, so those with a hearty appetite won't go hungry when visiting this place.
Address: 7 Gorgasali Street.
Average Price: $20-30 per person.
"Tsiskvili"
This restaurant offers fine dining, and the interior will captivate you from the moment you enter. The national-style decor creates an incredibly vibrant atmosphere. There is a real mill inside that is powered by a small waterfall. Several halls, some of which are private, attract visitors with their unique ambiance and mood.
Address: 99 Beliashvili Street.
Average Price: $30-40 per person.
"Phaeton"
This restaurant, like "Maspinzeli," is very popular among the locals. So, those who plan to have lunch or spend an evening there should make a reservation in advance. The restaurant serves beautifully presented local cuisine. The cozy, ethnic-style ambiance allows guests to experience the atmosphere of Georgia while enjoying delicious dishes and beverages.
Address: 105 Beliashvili Street.
Average Price: $30-40 per person.
"Urmuli"
"Urmuli" can be called a restaurant complex since guests are accommodated in wooden cottages designed for 6 people. There is also a large central hall, but it is less cozy and more suitable for large events like weddings, anniversaries, and other celebrations. The restaurant is famous for its signature dish, "chkmeruli," which is made from pieces of chicken according to a special recipe originating from the village of Chkmeri.
Address: Near Guramishvili Metro Station.
Average Price: $20-25 per person.
Cafe "LEGVI"
This unique cafe with a loft-style interior is located in the historic part of the city. According to Tbilisi traditions, it is usually a popular spot for dates. Visitors are provided with blankets on cool evenings, and there is wheelchair access. The cafe serves delicious coffee and offers a wide range of desserts.
Address: 1 Botanikuri Street.
Average Price: $25-35 per person.
"Zahar Zaharich"
"Zahar Zaharich" is a small restaurant conveniently located near the Dry Bridge. It offers a wide selection of primarily Georgian dishes at very affordable prices. This establishment is perfect for those who enjoy hearty and budget-friendly meals.
Address: 3 Right Bank.
Average Price: $20-25 per person.
"U Velyaminova"
"U Velyaminova" is one of the oldest establishments of its kind in Tbilisi, known for serving delicious khinkali. Here, they will also teach you how to eat khinkali correctly. First, you need to bite off a piece of dough from the edge, drink the broth, and then eat the rest. The top piece of dough is left on the plate.
Address: 8 Dadiani Street.
Average Price: 20-25 GEL (Georgian lari) per person.
Dom Khinkali
Dom Khinkali is a place where you can be quickly and deliciously served. The interior is not luxurious, but the food is good, and the waiters are extremely friendly. You can also order dishes for takeaway here.
Address: Near Rustaveli Metro Station.
Average Price: 25-40 GEL (Georgian lari) per person.
Affordable and Fast
Like in any other European city, Tbilisi has numerous fast food establishments. Pizza lovers can order a portion from local pizzerias, which typically cost around 1-1.7 GEL (Georgian lari).
If you decide to visit McDonald's, be prepared for the following prices:
Big Mac - 5.85 GEL (Georgian lari)
Cheeseburger - 2.2 GEL (Georgian lari)
French fries - 2.5 GEL (Georgian lari)
Coffee - 1.95 GEL (Georgian lari)
Ice cream - 1.95 GEL (Georgian lari)
All McDonald's locations are well air-conditioned, providing a comfortable place to relax and escape the heat.
Shops and Supermarkets
If you're not a fan of dining out and prefer to avoid eating on the go, we recommend using the services of supermarkets and grocery stores. The selection in all Tbilisi stores is extensive, allowing you to find everything you need for cooking a homemade lunch or dinner.
