27 Best Georgian Restaurants in Tbilisi By a Local

Georgian cuisine is as diverse as the country’s landscapes — from the mountains of Svaneti to the plains of Kakheti, every region has its own signature dishes. The good news is that you don’t need to travel far to taste them. Some of the best restaurants in Tbilisi serve regional specialties right here in the capital.

While the internet is full of recommendations, this guide is based on my personal favorites — places I return to as a local when I crave delicious, well-prepared Georgian food, whether traditional or contemporary.

Staples like khinkali (juicy dumplings), khachapuri (cheese-filled bread), mtsvadi (grilled skewered meat), and pkhali (vegetable and walnut pastes) are easy to find — but Georgian cuisine goes far beyond these classics. This post will help you discover Georgian restaurants in Tbilisi that serve both well-known and lesser-celebrated dishes, all worth trying.

If you want a deep dive into the cuisine itself, don’t miss my ultimate Georgian food guide. And if you’re a vegetarian or vegan traveler wondering what your options are, I’ve also put together a detailed guide to plant-based Georgian food to help you navigate menus with confidence.

This article is now featured on GPSmyCity. To download this article for offline reading or travel directions to the attractions highlighted in this article, go to Walking Tours and Articles in Tbilisi on GPSmyCity.

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you buy something through them—at no extra cost to you. It helps support my blog and lets me share real, first-hand travel tips. Learn more

Top resaurants in Tbilisi by a local

This guide was fully updated in 2025 with a curated list of restaurants I believe are worth your time — not just for the food, but for the atmosphere, service, and overall experience.

You’ll notice that some well-known spots are missing. That’s intentional. While many places are popular among locals and expats, I’ve chosen to highlight those that align with my values — especially in a time when questions of identity, ownership, and Georgia’s future feel more pressing than ever.

At the end of the post, you’ll find a Google Maps list of all the restaurants mentioned here, so you can easily save it for your trip. I’ve also included a few local tips to help you navigate menus and make the most of eating out in Tbilisi.

Kikliko – best for Georgian-inspired breakfast

Georgian cuisine doesn’t traditionally include dedicated breakfast dishes. A typical morning meal for some locals usually consists of eggs (boiled, scrambled, omelet, or sunny side up), bread, butter, cheese, and thick jam. 

That said, there are a few rare spots in Tbilisi that serve Georgian-inspired breakfast options — and I’m always on the lookout for more.

Kikliko is one of those places. This small café with a hidden garden in Vake is named after both the Georgian word for French toast and the sound a rooster makes (“kikliko!”).

Their menu revolves around egg-based meals, including a variety of savory and sweet French toasts, making it the closest you’ll get to a local-style breakfast.

They offer several topping combinations — from the rich Triple Cheese Kikliko with melted cheeses and a dollop of sour cream, to sweeter options for those with a morning sweet tooth. You’ll also find oatmeal, muesli, salads, pancakes, and soups on the menu.

→ Neighborhood: Vake

Pictograma – for Khevsuruli mountain-style Khinkali

Tucked away and still flying under the radar for many, Pictograma is where I go when I want authentic Khevsuruli Khinkali — the kind you’d get in the mountains. 

Their dumplings are hand-wrapped, small in size, but generously filled with juicy, well-seasoned meat.

The dough is just the right thickness, and the filling leans on the fattier side — so much so that I could barely manage five pieces. 

Just a heads-up: this version of Khinkali includes a particular spice blend that’s quite distinctive and not everyone’s favorite (even among locals), but it’s exactly what makes them the real deal.

The menu is short and simple, and honestly, I only come here for the Khinkali.

→ Neighborhood: near Dry Bridge Flea Market | border with Chughureti

Klike’s Khinkali – for variety & vegetarian Khinkali

Klike’s Khinkali is a cozy underground spot serving up a range of Khinkali types, including meat, mushroom, potato, and spinach combos. 

The dumplings here may not be hand-wrapped, but they’re packed with flavor and come with a good bit of broth inside.

If you prefer more juice and less dense meat, this place is for you. I especially recommend the nadughi (ricotta)-cheese Khinkali, which is served with melted butter to pour inside once you take a bite. It’s rich, gooey, and very satisfying.

Pair your order with a glass of Alkhanaidze craft beer from Telavi for the whole experience.

→ Neighborhood: Mtatsminda | above the Parliament

🥟 Want more Khinkali recommendations? Don’t miss my detailed guide to the Best Khinkali in Tbilisi: where locals go for the juiciest dumplings.

Ninia’s Garden – for a cozy garden setting with a Middle Eastern twist

Located in the Chughureti district and housed in an old brick home, Ninia’s Garden is one of the Tbilisi restaurants that combines a relaxed, homey vibe with beautifully modernized Georgian cuisine influenced by Middle Eastern flavors.

Founded by Chef Meriko Gubeladze (also behind Shavi Lomi and Cafe Laila), the restaurant is named after Ninia Zaridze, a 20th-century female merchant from the area. 

She was known for her private garden, which she opened to lovers free of charge — a minor rebellion in a time when public gardens required a fee. The phrase “Do you think it’s Ninia’s Garden?” lives on in Georgian as a cheeky way to refer to free things.

Design-wise, the place is stunning. Inside, massive plants fill a sunlit central room crowned by an A-frame glass roof and anchored by a charming fireplace lined with terracotta tiles. Outside, a small garden with a cherub fountain and colorful mural adds even more character.

Another nice touch is the semi-open kitchen where you can catch glimpses of chefs preparing your food — something I always appreciate in a restaurant.

The menu is short but thoughtfully curated, with options ranging from flavorful appetizers to hearty meat and vegetable dishes. Their Khemsi is a beautiful pkhali platter of seasonal vegetables in walnut paste. 

The Lobiani is a thinner dough version, packed with bean filling. And the Ajapsandali offers a fresh take: instead of mixing eggplant into the stew, thin slices are fried and served on top of the saucy vegetables.

→ Neighborhood: Chughureti

Sasadilo at Zeche – for a modern take on canteen-style comfort food

Housed in a repurposed Soviet-era tobacco factory near Station Square, Sasadilo at Zeche is one of the best Georgian restaurants in Tbilisi for elevated comfort food with nostalgic flair. 

The restaurant is part of the Zeche complex, which also includes a club, bar, and another branch of Tamtaki (more on this below).

Sasadilo means “canteen” in Georgian, and the space honors that idea through both its interior and menu. 

Chef Luka Nachkebia (known from MasterChef Georgia) reimagines traditional canteen-style meals with inspiration from Georgian, Mediterranean, and Asian cuisines. The result is familiar flavors, but with a modern twist.

Design lovers will appreciate the restored elements throughout the venue, especially the Soviet-era fresco that adds a bold touch to the otherwise bright and minimal interior. It feels like stepping into a contemporary version of the old-school diners that once dotted the city.

→ Neighborhood: Chughureti | near Station Square Metro

Mapshalia – for a home-cooked style Megrelian dishes on a budget

A longtime local favorite, Mapshalia serves up the bold flavors of western Georgia’s Samegrelo region at prices that are hard to beat. 

Tucked near Marjanishvili in Chughureti, it’s hands-down one of the best cheap restaurants in Tbilisi — and also one of my personal go-tos.

The menu is short and simple, but packed with regional hits. I always recommend their creamy Elarji (grits with cheese), which pairs beautifully with either Bazhe (cold walnut sauce) or Kharcho (a hot walnut-based beef stew). 

Other staples include Megrelian Khachapuri, known for its extra cheese topping, and Kupati, a flavorful pork sausage spiced Megrelian-style.

With satisfying portions, authentic flavors, and wallet-friendly prices, Mapshalia proves you don’t have to spend a lot to eat really well in Tbilisi.

→ Neighborhood: Chughureti | A few minutes walk from Marjanishvili Metro

Amra – for Abkhazian cuisine 

Located in Saburtalo, Amra is probably the only restaurant in Tbilisi specializing in Abkhazian cuisine — a culinary tradition from the northwestern region of Georgia that has been under Russian occupation for over three decades. 

While closely related to Samegrelo’s bold, spice-forward cooking, Abkhazian food brings its own distinct twist.

One must-try is Abkhazura — spiced meatballs made from pork and beef mixed with dill, parsley, coriander, and summer savory. 

I also recommend their Elarji (a rich cornmeal and cheese dish) paired with smoked Abkhazian ham and Sokhumi-style katleti (patties), which come topped with melted cheese and served with crispy fries.

Their version of Abkhazian Khachapuri is also worth noting — similar to Imeruli, but made with slightly sweet dough and finished with an egg glaze that gives it a golden, crunchy crust.

What really surprised me, though, was their Sokhumuri ice cream — by far the best I’ve had in Tbilisi. Honestly, it’s worth making the trip from the city center just for that. 

Akutakchaba, a spicy vegetarian appetizer resembling deviled eggs made with walnuts and Ajika sauce (prepare for heat!), and Akurdtsa, a comforting black bean soup with a deep, earthy flavor, are more dishes I hadn’t encountered elsewhere.

→ Neighborhood: Saburtalo | A few minutes walk from the State University Metro

Tsetskhli Ainto – for quick, flavorful Mtsvadi

Tsetskhli Ainto (translated as “the fire has started”) is a small fast-casual spot that does one thing really well: grilled meats. 

It specializes in Mtsvadi, offering pork, chicken, and classic Kakhetian-style skewers served with fresh Shoti bread.

They also serve kebabs wrapped in lavash and charge extra for sauces like tkemali, satsebeli, or pomegranate reduction (nasharap). The portions are enough for one, and the seasoning is spot-on — juicy, flavorful, and straightforward.

With two locations in Saburtalo and Vake, it’s a great pick if you’re short on time but still want quality grilled Georgian food.

→ Neighborhood: Saburtalo and Vake

Cafe Leila – for traditional vegetarian Georgian food

One of the oldest vegetarian-friendly eateries in the capital, Cafe Leila has long held a place among the best restaurants in Tbilisi Old Town, whether you follow a plant-based diet or not.

Founded by Chef Meriko Gubeladze (of Shavi Lomi and Ninia’s Garden), this cozy spot has an ornate interior featuring muqarnas ceilings and hand-carved stucco, reflecting its past life as an art gallery and Middle Eastern pastry shop. 

The menu takes traditional Georgian dishes like Kharcho and Chaqapuli and transforms them into vegetarian versions, alongside fresh trout, salads, soups, and desserts.

It’s also one of the few places where you can try Orbeliani’s Kaklucha, a rare Georgian dessert known as Royal Candy. During cherry blossom season, the café’s outdoor seating becomes especially charming.

→ Neighborhood: Old Town

Tamtaki – for reimagined Georgian street food

If you’ve been in Georgia for a while, you’ve probably noticed the lack of real street food. However, Tamtaki is a brilliant concept created by local chef Tamta Kikaleishvili, who reimagined Georgian flavors in a handheld, street-food format. 

It’s one of the most innovative bites you’ll find among Tbilisi restaurants, even though it’s technically not a sit-down restaurant in the traditional sense.

I’ve been raving about Tamtaki long before Somebody Feed Phil featured it on Netflix — and yes, it totally deserved the spotlight. But you heard it from me first. 😉

Their signature wraps — called Tamtaki — are made with ultra-soft, airy pita-like bread and stuffed with either grilled meat or vegetarian fillings. 

I first tried the buffalo Tamtaki at a street food festival (buffalo is a rare find here!), and it blew me away. Since then, I have always recommended heading to one of their physical locations for the freshest flavor and fluffiest bread.

At their cozy Vera branch, which only has a few tables and bar seats, the vibe is as charming as the food. The oyster mushroom Tamtaki was another highlight — full of flavor, thanks to their use of grilled ingredients that give each wrap a distinctive edge.

→ Neighborhoods: Vera and Sasadilo Zeche (see above)

Shavi Lomi – a crowd favorite with a twist on traditional Georgian cuisine

Shavi Lomi (which means Black Lion) is often mentioned among the top 10 restaurants in Tbilisi, and for good reason. It’s one of those rare places that manages to stay popular with both locals and visitors while consistently delivering quality, creativity, and warm hospitality.

Their menu gives traditional Georgian cuisine a modern, thoughtful twist — without losing the essence of the original flavors. I’ve been here multiple times over the years, and the standard of food and service has never disappointed.

While you can’t go wrong with any of the dishes here, one dish I always recommend is their Gobi — a wooden platter of seasonal vegetable starters like pkhali, lobio, beetroot, carrots, cornbread, eggplant, and cheese. 

→ Neighborhood: Chughureti | near Marjanishvili Metro

Salobie Bia – for black bean stew & artsy atmosphere

Tucked beneath the Rustaveli Theater, Salobie Bia is one of the top 10 restaurants in Tbilisi — and a go-to spot for those who want to try one of Georgia’s most humble yet beloved dishes: Lobio, or stewed black beans.

The menu isn’t extensive, but it offers a well-curated selection of Georgian staples. Start with their signature Lobio, served in a traditional clay pot with pickled vegetables and mchadi cornbread. 

Other highlights include pickled mushrooms, Kubdari (a Svanetian meat pie), Lobiani (black bean pie), and Ghomi made with millet and quinoa, paired with Sulguni cheese.

More than just an eatery, Salobie Bia doubles as a mini museum. The interior is filled with vintage collectibles — movie postcards, Soviet-era signage, traditional clothes, toys, mosaics, and contemporary art — giving the space a nostalgic and creative vibe.

→ Neighborhood: Center | Rustaveli Avenue

Craft Wine Restaurant – for seasonal dishes & natural wines

In the heart of Chughureti, Craft Wine Restaurant is one of those gems you’ll remember long after your trip — a perfect example of where to eat in Tbilisi when you want both excellent food and exceptional wine.

This charming wine bar and restaurant blends modern Georgian cooking with an impressive selection of natural wines from across the country. 

The menu changes seasonally, built around fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and while it’s compact, every dish is thoughtfully crafted. Portions are generous, and the flavors strike that sweet spot between elevated dining and comfort food.

Mtsvadi – not your usual skewer, but a uniquely shaped cut, served with grilled onions and tangy barberry paste.

Baked potatoes with butter and caramelized onions – simple, rich, and cooked to perfection (something similar I’ve tried in Doli restaurant in Telavi, also owned by the came company). Grilled eggplant topped with red pepper Pkhali and green Adjika – vibrant, fresh, and packed with flavor. 

The atmosphere is equally inviting, with a stylish indoor space and a few outdoor garden tables perfect for a relaxed evening. 

→ Neighborhood: Chughureti | near Marjanishvili Metro

Big Boar – for a no-frills, meat-lover’s Mtsvadi fix

Big Boar might not be a traditional sit-down restaurant, but it’s definitely earned its spot among Tbilisi’s best restaurants for grilled meat. 

Initially a food truck in Gldani neighborhood, it quickly gained a following for its flavorful, tender Mtsvadi — so much so that it now has another branch in Saburtalo and Varketili.

You’ll find just the basics here: skewered pork or offal (heart, liver, lungs) grilled over charcoal, with optional tone bread and dipping sauces. 

If you’re lucky, they occasionally offer wild boar Mtsvadi — follow their Facebook page for updates.

Big Boar often runs buy-one-get-one deals on both Mtsvadi and offal, so it’s a good-value option for meat lovers.

→ Neighborhoods: Gldani, Saburtalo, and Varketili

Tsiskvili Terrace – for Georgian cuisine with a modern edge

Part of the well-established Tsiskvili Group, Tsiskvili Terrace brings together everything this restaurant chain is known for — traditional food, excellent service, and cultural atmosphere — with a more modern design twist.

Located in Vera, it’s closer to the city center than their other venues and features industrial-meets-ethno decor, handcrafted tile details, an open kitchen, two bars, and a massive terrace with river views.

The menu is extensive and features Georgian staples alongside unique dishes you won’t find elsewhere. 

My favorites were the crispy oyster mushroom salad with pickled plums and pistachios, and the fried Ghomi with Gurian adjika and mushrooms — crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and rich in flavor.

If you’re looking for a Georgian restaurant in Tbilisi that’s polished, stylish, and still rooted in tradition, this is a solid pick.

→ Neighborhood: Vera

Sormoni – for creative twists on Georgian classics

Hidden just off a busy highway in Saburtalo, next to City Mall, Sormoni is one of the best Georgian restaurants in Tbilisi for those who want familiar dishes with a playful, unexpected twist. The restaurant has both indoor seating and outdoor terraces designed to resemble traditional Georgian wooden balconies, giving it a cozy yet authentic vibe.

The menu is extensive, offering everything from classic appetizers to hearty mains — plus a few unique creations you won’t easily find elsewhere. One standout is the mushroom salad with chicken and black fungus, a surprising and flavorful combination.

For starters, I recommend the Ekala (smilax) with walnut paste, served alongside warm chvishtari balls and paired with a creamy dambalkhacho sauce — a specialty made from aged mountain cheese.

Their approach to Khinkali is equally inventive. Beyond the classics, you can try versions stuffed with mushroom, chicken, or smoked Sulguni cheese, even served in a clay pot with cream sauce. It might sound like an unusual mix, but the result is rich, flavorful, and truly distinctive.

→ Neighborhood: Saburtalo

Restaurant Margalita – for vintage charm & live music nights

Just off Rustaveli Avenue, Restaurant Margalita is a cozy spot serving classic Georgian food in Tbilisi with a generous side of atmosphere. The interior displays kerosene lamps, old Soviet weighing scales, vintage musical instruments, and other curiosities, some reminiscent of the “dark ‘90s.”

Every evening from 8 pm., the space fills with live music, adding to its warm, welcoming vibe. Portions here are big, the flavors authentic, and the presentation thoughtful.

On my visit, I went for a less conventional vegetarian Georgian dish: beetroot in cherry plum sauce. The beets were boiled but still had a pleasant bite — tender without being mushy — while the red cherry sour plum sauce struck the perfect tart note.

→ Neighborhood: Center | Just off Rustaveli Avenue

Honore – for refined grill dishes in a relaxed ambiance

Honore is a local favorite that balances upscale design with classic Georgian grilled fare. It might not have the widest menu in town, but what it does serve is consistently good — especially the pork Mtsvadi, one of the flavorful I’ve had in Tbilisi.

There are indoor and outdoor seating options, and it gets quite busy in the evenings, so reservations are a good idea.

Aside from the grilled meat, I liked the Lobio with Guda cheese and cucumber (served cold with crispy mchadi chips) and the fried potatoes with onion and green tkemali (cherry plum) sauce.

→ Neighborhood: Chugureti | near Marjanishvili metro

Unfound Restaurant – for romantic dining in a restored 19th-century mansion

If you’re into hidden corners, historical buildings, and thoughtful restoration, Unfound Restaurant is one of the best places to eat in Tbilisi. 

Located in a beautifully restored 19th-century residential building in Chughureti, it’s part of a boutique hotel tucked behind one of those grand, hand-painted entrances Tbilisi is known for.

The building once belonged to Nikita Adamov, a merchant from Baku, and features a preserved Pseudo-Baroque entryway with a marble staircase, faded frescoes, and ceiling artwork that hints at its elegant past. The restaurant opened in 2022 and immediately stood out for its balance of design, ambiance, and flavor.

The menu is compact but thoughtful, blending Georgian and European cuisine with a creative twist and vegetarian/vegan options. I especially loved the concept of modernizing Georgian food and experimenting with unconventional ingredients. 

A great example of this is their Chvishtari — a classic cheese-filled cornbread elevated with crème d’échalote and pickled white-wine pears. The pears added a light, unexpected twist that made the dish feel both familiar and refreshingly new.

If you’re after a stylish yet relaxed evening out, this is easily one of the most romantic Georgian restaurants Tbilisi has to offer.

→ Neighborhood: Chughureti | near Marjanishvili Metro

Puri Guliani – for Khachapuri lovers & other dough-based dishes

If you’re on a hunt for the place that specializes in dough-based comfort food, Puri Guliani should be high on your list. Known for serving some of the best Khachapuri in Tbilisi, this place offers a creative and beautifully presented take on classic Georgian dishes.

Their menu focuses on different types of Khachapuri — from Adjarian to Pkhlovana (leek and tarragon), Georgian four cheese, Lobiani with Jonjoli (pickled bladdernut), and their signature “Kachma” version. 

The Adjaruli Khachapuri here is generously cheesy and widely regarded as one of the best in town. Just a tip: if you want less bread, ask your server for it “tsomi gamotslili” — locals do this to remove the outer dough rim.

Beyond the Khachapuri, two dishes stand out for me: a vibrant tomato salad topped with Nadughi wrapped in Sulguni cheese sheets, finished with Jonjoli sauce and balsamic; and their crispy Sulghuni cheese sticks, served with a rich Imeretian tomato sauce — an indulgent and addictive appetizer.

To drink like a local, order a glass of Laghidze water, Georgia’s iconic flavored lemonade. My go-to is the chocolate-vanilla combo.

→ Neighborhood: Chugureti | near Dry Bridge Flea Market

King and the Bird – for creative Khinkali

One of the more inventive Tbilisi restaurants, King and the Bird, takes tradition and turns it on its head — especially when it comes to Khinkali. If you’re looking for a unique take on this iconic dish, this place won’t disappoint.

While they do serve a range of Georgian dishes, I highly recommend exploring their Khinkali menu. 

Their fried black bean Khinkali with smoked ham is unlike anything I’ve tried before — served in a clay pot with cauliflower pickles, jalapeños, and a coriander-forward sauce that brings all the elements together beautifully.

Another standout is the cheese and curd Khinkali with pesto sauce. It’s bold, well-balanced, and finished with a spicy jalapeño kick. Honestly, it’s the best cheese Khinkali I’ve had in Tbilisi — and that’s saying something.

→ Neighborhood: Center | behind Opera House

Cafe Stamba – for the best Adjaruli Khachapuri in Tbilisi

Housed inside the ultra-stylish Stamba Hotel, this café might not be a traditional Georgian restaurant — its menu leans international — but it earns its place among this foodie Tbilisi guide for its standout dish: Adjaruli Khachapuri.

Ask locals where to find the best Khachapuri in Tbilisi, and most will name either Puri Guliani or Cafe Stamba. 

While both are excellent, I personally lean toward Stamba’s version. The dough is thinner and crispier, the cheese-to-bread ratio is just correct, and — bonus — the extra side dough is already removed before it hits your table.

They also serve other types of Khachapuri, such as Imeruli and puff pastry versions, along with a few Georgian-inspired dishes. The ambiance is elegant but casual, making it a popular pick among locals and travelers alike.

→ Neighborhood: Vera | A few minutes walk from Rustaveli Metro

Ethnographer Restaurant – for Georgian dance performances

If you’re after the whole cultural experience — food, music, and traditional dance — Ethnographer Restaurant is one of the traditional restaurants to consider. 

Located on Beliashvili Street, a bit outside the city center, the venue is decorated with ethnographic artifacts that celebrate Georgian folk culture and heritage.

The menu is diverse and extensive, featuring classic Georgian meat and vegetarian dishes, several types of Khachapuri, fish, and more. 

I was invited here for a large dinner, and everything I tasted — from the starters to the mains — was delicious. The service was also exceptional, even during a busy evening with live performances.

If you’re looking for a place locals recommend for special occasions — one that includes a traditional dance show and live music in an atmospheric setting — this is a great pick. However, remember to book a table. 

→ Neighborhood: Dighomi | outskirts of Tbilisi

Maspindzelo Express – for fast-casual Georgian food

A more relaxed spin-off of the popular Maspindzelo restaurant near Abanotubani, Maspindzelo Express offers quick, casual dining without compromising on quality. It’s part of the well-known M|group and stands out among the best eateries for offering traditional cuisine in a laid-back setting.

The interior is playful and full of personality, with colorful wall art illustrating everyday Georgian phrases and slang — a fun nod to local culture. The menu leans into regional specialties while keeping things simple and approachable.

Dishes include eggplant with walnut cream (served in an almond sauce), tomato and cucumber salad spiced with Gurian adjika, Mtsvadi, kebabs, and an assortment of savory pastries from around Georgia. 

Everything we tried was well-seasoned and flavorful, though the almond in the eggplant roll could have been more pronounced.

→ Neighborhood: Vera | off Kostava Street, close to Rustaveli Metro

Dadiani – for typical Megrelian cuisine

Named after the noble Dadiani family that once ruled Samegrelo, this elegant Saburtalo restaurant specializes in western Georgian cuisine. 

With its focus on regional specialties and consistent quality, Dadiani easily ranks among the top eateries, and it’s a favorite among locals when craving Megrelian flavors.

The menu is extensive, but on our visit, we kept it classic: Elarji, a creamy cornmeal and cheese dish, paired with a rich bowl of Kharcho, and Gebzhalia, a soft cheese appetizer wrapped in minty, tangy delight. Each dish brought out the bold, hearty character of Megrelian cooking.

You’ll also find Megrelian Khachapuri, Ghomi, Kupati (spiced sausage), and Kverebi — the Megrelian version of cheese-stuffed Khinkali — all served with a sophisticated touch in a warm, contemporary setting.

→ Neighborhood: Saburtalo | A few minutes walk from the Technical University Metro

Ghebi – for big portions & budget-friendly Georgian classics

If you’re looking for one of the best cheap restaurants in Tbilisi that doesn’t compromise on portion size or flavor, Ghebi is a solid choice.

Located just a short walk from Marjanishvili Metro on Davit Aghmashenebeli Avenue, this no-frills eatery serves classic Georgian food at very reasonable prices.

The menu includes a good mix of vegetarian and meat-based dishes. Their Chvishtari — cornbread with cheese — is one of the biggest I’ve seen anywhere in the city, and the Megrelian Kupati (spicy sausage) was also generously sized and full of flavor. 

While we also tried their Khinkali, it wasn’t particularly memorable — I’d skip it and stick to the other options.

With fast service, hearty portions, and a casual setting, Ghebi is a great spot for anyone wanting to try authentic Georgian food.

→ Neighborhood: Chughureti | A few minutes walk from Marjanishvili Metro

Vakhtanguri’s Chebureki – for nostalgic Soviet-era deep-fried pastry

Tucked away in Avlabari, Vakhtanguri’s Chebureki is a humble eatery attached to the owner’s private home and one of the great places for crispy, golden Chebureki in Tbilisi.

This deep-fried pastry, believed to have originated in Crimean Tatar cuisine, has become a beloved street food across the post-Soviet region. Typically filled with ground meat, onions, and spices, Chebureki is shaped like an oversized empanada and served piping hot.

What sets Vakhtanguri’s version apart is the dough — thinner and crispier than usual — and the juicy, well-seasoned meat filling inside. Just be careful when you bite in; the flavorful broth inside tends to spill! 

They also serve vegetarian versions with cheese, mushrooms, or potatoes, making it a good spot for mixed groups.

The menu doesn’t stop at Chebureki — you’ll also find Georgian staples like Khinkali, Khachapuri, Mtsvadi, and Lobiani, all served in a casual setting.

→ Neighborhood: Avlabari | near the Holy Trinity Cathedral

14 tips on ordering food in Tbilisi

This section provides all the essential tips when choosing Tbilisi restaurants, including meal times, tipping, service charges, reservations, Georgian eating etiquette, and much more. 

1. Opening hours vary depending on the venue; however, most restaurants open from 11 am until midnight. A typical Georgian breakfast doesn’t really exist—we either eat a simple meal at home or skip it. However, if you are looking for breakfast spots, cafes offer more European-style meals to start your day and are open from 8 or 9 in the morning.

Sometimes, restaurant management fails to update their opening hours on social media or Google Maps, so I recommend double-checking by sending a private message or having a backup plan.

2. Reservations are only necessary if you plan to dine at popular eateries like Shavi Lomi, Daphna, Honore, or Cafe Stamba. Most eateries and Khinkali places also get crowded on weekends.

The budget-friendly restaurant Mapshalia has also become quite trendy over the years, so I’d recommend booking it in advance if you want lunch or dinner there.

3. Ordering food is easy, as most menus are in Georgian and English. Some even have accompanying pictures to help you visualize the meal.

Typical Georgian restaurants have extensive menus spread across several pages and divided into groups of cold and hot appetizers, soups, salads, main courses, side dishes, pastries, desserts, drinks, etc.

4. We, locals, don’t order one plate for each person. Sharing a meal and traditional Supra feast customs are so engrained in our habits that we order a few plates of various food and share, whether it’s a group of friends or only Oto and I dining.

Therefore, most of the meals in Georgian cuisine are designed to be shared and come in big portions. The only exception regarding portion size is Mtsvadi (grilled meat on a skewer), which typically includes 4-6 pieces, depending on the venue, and mchadi. This cornbread must be ordered by piece.

5. Over-ordering is common in Georgian culture. Since portions are large, we sometimes can’t measure how much food we’d like and often over-order. Usually, the leftovers are fed to animals, but you can also ask the server to pack them for takeaway if you can’t finish. 

6. Georgian traditional food doesn’t include sides such as small portions of salads, potatoes, or anything else unless otherwise stated on the menu. If you are uncertain, feel free to ask the server.

7. When ordering Khinkali, remember that the minimum order is 5 for most restaurants. We typically eat Khinkali as a stand-alone meal and order multiples of 5 ( i.e., 10-15-20-30). However, you can also request any number after 5, i.e., 6-7-12.

If you plan on ordering other food, order 5 or 10 Khinkali, depending on how much you can eat in one sitting. I have a separate post on the best Khinkali restaurants, which explains their preparation, types, and eating techniques.

8. Request bread if you order stews, as they don’t come with it. We Georgians love our puri (bread in Georgian) and order it with almost everything.

When eating stews, we dip bread in the sauce. Almost all the restaurants across Georgia charge extra for bread baskets. Sometimes, servers bring the basket by default, so if you don’t want it, tell them when ordering. 

9. Wait time can vary depending on the restaurant. Before your main arrives, order a cold appetizer or a salad. If any item requires a longer time due to high demand, the waiter will notify you ahead of time. 

Generally, the longer it takes for them to bring you food, the better sign as they prepare it on the spot and do not heat it up.

10. Smoking has not been allowed in indoor venues since 2019 unless they pay for permission to allow guests to smoke indoors. I know of none that allows indoor smoking, so it’s not common. Outdoor seating areas are typically smoking-allowed zones.

11. Adding service charges and taxes is common in many eateries across the country. Some restaurants and cafes add one or the other. You can find the service or tax charge at the bottom of the menu, which is then added to the final bill.

VAT tax is 18% flat, while service charges range from 10% to 20% depending on the eatery. It is rare to find both charges on the bill, and many restaurants don’t add them at all.

From February 2024, the Agency of Competition and Consumer Protection of Georgia established the standard and obligation for restaurants to include these charges in the total price of the meal and not add them afterward to the bill.

However, the Agency doesn’t monitor this new obligation towards the venues and only acts if/when a customer tells them of the violation.

12. Tipping in Georgia is optional. However, it’s always appreciated as the wages in most of these venues are pretty low. If you liked the service and the food, leaving 10-15% as a tip is standard. The service charge I explained above doesn’t go to the staff, so tipping them is highly encouraged. 

13. Payment options have become extremely easy as most now accept credit cards, so you don’t need to carry cash unless you go to a very local restaurant, such as Mapshalia.

14. Vegetarian or vegan food is plentiful in Georgian cuisine, and all these venues I list below have vegetarian and vegan options, even if I am not explicitly highlighting them.

Moreover, since the country follows Orthodox Christianity, with many fasting periods during the year, some eateries offer fasting sections on their menus free from meat.

Note that some might still have dairy products. Besides Georgian restaurants, consider exploring my other vegan or vegetarian options in Tbilisi.