Quick answers — eating in Tbilisi
- Best restaurant overall
- Shavi Lomi
- Best value
- Culinarium Khasheria (GEL 90-150 / USD 30-50)
- Strongest cuisines
- Modern European, Asian fusion
- Dishes to try
- Khachapuri, Khinkali, Pkhali, Satsivi
- Booking window
- For the most acclaimed restaurants, book at least 1-2 weeks in advance, especially for weekend evenings. Some popular spots like Barbarestan might require a few weeks' notice for prime slots.
Booking is generally advisable for fine-dining establishments, especially on weekends, though not always months in advance. Dress codes typically lean towards smart casual. Tipping is customary, usually around 10-15% for good service. Dinner hours usually commence from 7:00 PM and extend late into the evening, with peak dining often around 8:00 PM to 9:30 PM.
Modern European
Best modern European restaurants in Tbilisi
Modern European is the catch-all for kitchens that borrow technique from France, produce from their own region and ideas from everywhere — usually tasting-menu only.
Shavi Lomi
Acclaimed local fine diningModern Georgian · Sololaki · GEL 100-150 / USD 35-50
Housed in a charming, quirky space with eclectic decor, Shavi Lomi offers a creative take on traditional Georgian dishes. The cooking is soulful and inventive, focusing on fresh, locally sourced ingredients to reimagine beloved classics. It's known for its warm atmosphere and experimental approach to comfort food.
Order: Adjarian Khachapuri, "Black Lion" Salad
Funicular Restaurant Complex
Acclaimed local fine diningModern Georgian, European · Mtatsminda Plateau · GEL 150-250 / USD 50-85
Offering panoramic views of Tbilisi from the top of Mtatsminda Park, the Funicular Restaurant Complex provides a luxurious dining experience. While encompassing several dining concepts, the main restaurant focuses on elevated Georgian and European dishes. The grand setting and unparalleled vistas make it a destination for memorable meals and celebrations.
Order: Aged Beef Steak, Khinkali with a modern twist
Asian fusion
Best Asian fusion restaurants in Tbilisi
Fusion kitchens work across Asian traditions rather than inside one — best judged on whether the combinations actually taste deliberate.
Café Littera
Acclaimed local fine diningFusion Georgian · Freedom Square (Writers' House) · GEL 130-200 / USD 45-70
Tekuna Gachechiladze
Located in the stunning garden of the Writers' House of Georgia, Café Littera, led by Chef Tekuna Gachechiladze, is celebrated for its innovative fusion of Georgian and international flavors. The setting is exceptionally picturesque, providing an elegant backdrop for dishes that push the boundaries of traditional Georgian cooking with creativity and flair.
Order: Spinach Pkhali with mint, Roast Duck with tkemali
Culinarium Khasheria
Acclaimed local fine diningGeorgian, Fusion · Old Town (near Sulfur Baths) · GEL 90-150 / USD 30-50
Tekuna Gachechiladze
Another venture by Chef Tekuna Gachechiladze, Culinarium Khasheria focuses on the restorative and flavorful qualities of Georgian soups and stews, particularly 'Khashi'. Located near the famous sulfur baths, it offers a modern take on traditional comfort food with an emphasis on healthy, hearty dishes, presented in a stylish, contemporary space.
Order: Khashi soup, Traditional Georgian stews
Budget
Where to eat cheaply in Tbilisi
Pasanauri
A bustling spot famous for its authentic, generously sized Khinkali (dumplings) and other traditional Georgian comfort foods. Expect a lively atmosphere and very reasonable prices for hearty meals. A full meal costs around GEL 25-40.
Machakhela
Known for its delicious and diverse Khachapuri, especially the Adjarian style with its egg and butter. It's a casual, family-friendly restaurant offering a wide range of Georgian staples at budget-friendly prices. Expect to pay GEL 20-35 per person.
Samikitno-Machakhela (multiple locations)
A popular chain serving a vast menu of Georgian classics including Khinkali, Khachapuri, and various grilled meats. It's an excellent option for a quick, satisfying, and affordable meal in a relaxed setting. A meal typically costs GEL 20-35.
Gabriadze Café
Attached to the famous Rezo Gabriadze Marionette Theatre, this charming café offers traditional Georgian snacks and light meals in a whimsical, art-filled setting. It's perfect for a light lunch or coffee. Expect GEL 30-50 for a meal.
Puri Guliani
A bakery and café renowned for its freshly baked Georgian breads, including various types of Khachapuri, Lobiani, and other pastries. They also serve simple, delicious meals. Ideal for breakfast or a casual lunch, costing GEL 15-30.
Local dishes
What to eat in Tbilisi
Khachapuri
Georgia's iconic cheese bread, available in many regional varieties. Adjaruli Khachapuri, boat-shaped with cheese, butter, and an egg yolk, is a must-try. Imeruli and Megruli are circular with cheese inside and sometimes on top. It's a staple of Georgian cuisine, found in bakeries and restaurants across the city, perfect as a main or side dish.
Khinkali
Large, savory dumplings, typically filled with spiced meat (beef, pork, or mixed) and broth, but also available with potato, cheese, or mushroom fillings. The technique involves holding the 'kudi' (knot) and sipping the broth before eating the dumpling. A true Georgian comfort food, best enjoyed with friends and often ordered by the dozen. Eaten by hand.
Pkhali
Vibrant vegetable paste appetizers made from finely chopped and ground vegetables like spinach, beet greens, or eggplant, mixed with walnuts, garlic, and aromatic herbs. Often shaped into small patties or balls and garnished with pomegranate seeds. These colorful dishes are a staple of a Georgian 'supra' (feast) and offer a fresh, earthy flavor profile.
Satsivi
A traditional Georgian dish featuring poultry (most commonly chicken or turkey) served in a rich, cold walnut sauce seasoned with garlic, fenugreek, and other spices. The sauce is thick and creamy, offering a complex, nutty, and aromatic flavor. It's often prepared for special occasions and holidays, typically enjoyed with ghomi or puri.
Badrijani Nigvzit
Thin slices of fried eggplant rolls filled with a creamy, seasoned walnut paste. This popular appetizer is a delightful combination of savory, earthy eggplant and the rich, garlicky, herby walnut filling. Often garnished with pomegranate seeds, it’s a staple on any Georgian table and offers a satisfying texture and flavor contrast.
Lobiani
A flavorful Georgian bread filled with seasoned mashed beans. Similar in shape to Khachapuri but with a distinct, hearty bean filling, often spiced with savory herbs. It's a popular and comforting dish, particularly from the Racha region, and is often enjoyed as a snack or a fulfilling meal on its own. Best when served warm.
Churchkhela
Often called 'Georgian Snickers,' Churchkhela is a traditional candle-shaped candy made by dipping strings of walnuts, hazelnuts, or other nuts into thickened grape must (Tatara or Pelamushi) and letting it dry. It has a chewy texture and a sweet, slightly tart flavor. It’s a popular snack and a traditional gift, often seen hanging in markets.
Chakapuli
A traditional Georgian stew, often made with lamb or veal, tarragon, sour plums (tkemali), green onions, and white wine. It's a spring dish, celebrated for its fresh, tangy, and aromatic flavors. The combination of herbs and sour plums creates a unique and invigorating taste profile. Best enjoyed with a piece of fresh Georgian bread.
How to book a table in Tbilisi
- · For the most acclaimed restaurants, book at least 1-2 weeks in advance, especially for weekend evenings. Some popular spots like Barbarestan might require a few weeks' notice for prime slots.
- · Many fine-dining establishments in Tbilisi may request a credit card guarantee or a small deposit for larger parties, particularly during peak tourist season or for specific events.
- · Consider booking lunch reservations if dinner slots are unavailable; some restaurants offer slightly reduced prices for their tasting menus or a la carte options during midday sittings, providing a more accessible experience.
- · Be aware of cancellation policies; some restaurants implement strict no-show or late cancellation fees to compensate for lost revenue, so communicate changes promptly to avoid charges.
FAQ
Tbilisi restaurant questions travellers ask
What is the best restaurant in Tbilisi?
Shavi Lomi in Sololaki is the benchmark table — Modern Georgian, acclaimed local fine dining, around GEL 100-150 / USD 35-50 per person. Order the Adjarian Khachapuri, "Black Lion" Salad
Where is the best modern European restaurant in Tbilisi?
Shavi Lomi in Sololaki is the modern European table to book in Tbilisi (GEL 100-150 / USD 35-50 per person). Other strong options: Funicular Restaurant Complex.
Where is the best Asian fusion restaurant in Tbilisi?
Café Littera in Freedom Square (Writers' House) is the Asian fusion table to book in Tbilisi (GEL 130-200 / USD 45-70 per person). Other strong options: Culinarium Khasheria.
Where can I eat well in Tbilisi without spending a fortune?
Culinarium Khasheria is the best-value table on this list at roughly GEL 90-150 / USD 30-50 per person. Beyond fine dining, locals point to Pasanauri, Machakhela, Samikitno-Machakhela (multiple locations).
How far in advance should I book restaurants in Tbilisi?
For the most acclaimed restaurants, book at least 1-2 weeks in advance, especially for weekend evenings. Some popular spots like Barbarestan might require a few weeks' notice for prime slots. Many fine-dining establishments in Tbilisi may request a credit card guarantee or a small deposit for larger parties, particularly during peak tourist season or for specific events.
What food is Tbilisi famous for?
Khachapuri, Khinkali, Pkhali, Satsivi, Badrijani Nigvzit — the dishes most worth eating where they come from. Georgia's iconic cheese bread, available in many regional varieties. Adjaruli Khachapuri, boat-shaped with cheese, butter, and an egg yolk, is a must-try. Imeruli and Megruli are circular with cheese inside and sometimes on top. It's a staple of Georgian cuisine, found in bakeries and restaurants across the city, perfect as a main or side dish.
Planning the rest of Tbilisi?
The full Tbilisi guide has a seven-day itinerary, neighbourhoods, museums and the mistakes to avoid.
Read the Tbilisi travel guide