A Foodie’s Guide to Tbilisi: Best Restaurants & Must-Try Eats in Georgia’s Capital
I did very little research about Georgia before going, other than booking some tours and seeing many people rave about how beautiful it was, so I didn’t know what to expect as far as Georgian food.
I did get a little hint of what it would be like in Armenia, but I was truly blown away by just how good Georgian cuisine is. As someone who doesn’t eat a ton of meat, I was so pleasantly surprised to see diverse the food scene is.
I decided on restaurants in Tbilisi based on local recommendations and mostly avoided some of the most commonly recommended tourist-forward locations. Using these local Georgian recommendations, I did not have one bite of food I didn’t enjoy.
While there are seemingly endless restaurant options in Georgia’s capital city, these are the ones I strongly suggest checking out.
Kikliko
🗺️ 28 Mtskheta St, Tbilisi 0179, Georgia
💶€€
🕰️Mon-Fri 8a-3p, Sat-Sun 9a-4p
⭐What I loved: Triple Cheese Kikliko
Breakfast, in the traditional sense, isn’t really common in Georgia, but Kikliko really delivers on early morning (and all day) eats in Tbilisi.
Serving up sweet and savory options, as well as a range of coffee drinks and juices, this just might be the perfect breakfast place in Tbilisi.
I went with the Georgian French Toast with triple cheese and have ZERO regrets.
Klike’s Khinkali
🗺️1 Shio Chitadze St, Tbilisi 0108, Georgia
💶€–€€
🕰️Daily 12p-10p
🥬Vegetarian Friendly
⭐loved: mushroom khinkali with sour cream
Klike’s khinkali came highly recommended as a vegetarian friendly khinkali spot in Tbilisi so it was the first place I headed when I got to Tbilisi.
It definitely set the bar! These famous Georgian dumplings were certainly the star, but the cozy, underground setting and super friendly service really rounded out this Tbilisi dining experience.
At less than $1 each, these delicious dumplings also make for a very budget friendly meal in Tbilisi. I was very happy to find the mushroom option, but they have a great menu for carnivores and veggies alike.
Mafshalia
🗺️137 Davit Aghmashenebeli Ave, Tbilisi, Georgia
💶€–€€
🕰️10a-10p
⭐Must get: Magrelian Khachapuri
If you are looking for service with a smile and a doting waitress… this traditional Georgian restaurant is not for you.
If you are looking for some damn good, homestyle food on a budget, this budget-friendly Tbilisi restaurant is for you. With a menu of traditional dishes, at great prices, this place gets busy (for good reason) but has a relatively quick turn over.
This was one of the best lunches I had in Georgia and absolutely the best Khachapuri (trust, I had many to compare it to).
Salobie Bia
🗺️Rustaveli Theater, 17 Shota Rustaveli Ave, Tbilisi 0108, Georgia
💶€€
🕰️Daily 12p-10:30p
⭐The Bean Stew is an absolute must
I went to Salobie Bia on the recommendation from a local who said this was THE place for the traditional bean stew. I didn’t have it anywhere else to compare, but I would still confidently say it has to be one of the best in Tbilisi.
This simple dish was packed with flavor, filling, and served with some of the best pickled veggies I had in the entire time I was in Georgia.
The restaurant itself is large but still feels very cozy and inviting and the service was great.
Ghebi
🗺️Agmashenebeli st. (Tskhneti) 108, Tbilisi 0181 Georgia
💶€–€€
🕰️24 hrs
🥬 Vegetarian Friendly
When Ghebi was recommended to me, it was sold as “huge portions, low prices”: SOLD.
That is exactly what I found here.
But not until after I almost left because I thought I was in the wrong place.
This unassuming restaurant is downstairs, and upon walking in, looks a bit like a dining hall. But, don’t be fooled, there is a second dining room, great menu and quick service.
I got a little overwhelmed with ordering, and while my chicken barbeque was tasty, I definitely had order envy at all the tables next to me with more complex and aromatic dishes surrounding me.
Restaurant Margalita
🗺️1 Mitropan Laghidze St, Tbilisi 0108, Georgia
💶€€
🕰️Tues-Sat 11a-11p, Sun-Mon 11a-11:50p
⭐Everything here was amazing - but the chicken in cream sauce was the star
I went on a rollercoaster with this top-rated Tbilisi restaurant. I tried to walk in as a solo diner and was (somewhat rudely) turned away. As much as I wanted to swear them off, I was committed to eating here. An Instagram friend was coming to Tbilisi the night I was leaving, and she enthusiastically agreed to give Margalita a try.
As much as I was annoyed by the initial dismissal, I will admit it all worked out for the best because going with someone and being able to share and try numerous dishes definitely made for a better experience. We ordered numerous dishes and they were all outstanding. The live, traditional music was a bonus, and the setting is beautiful.
I am glad I stuck it out and went back to Restaurant Margalita, as it was the perfect send off from Tbilisi.
Reservations are highly suggested. I was able to make them easily via Instagram (link above) messenger.
Ninia’s Garden
🗺️97 Dimitri Uznadze St, Tbilisi 0102, Georgia
💶€€–€€€
🕰️Daily 1p-2a
🥬Vegetarian Friendly
⭐The BEET SALAD… yes, I am screaming it.
This was my favorite dining experience in Tbilisi. Everything was just lovely. The setting garden setting is whimsical (both indoor and out), the staff was so warm and friendly, and the food was absolutely amazing.
The open kitchen enhanced the experience, and the menu had a great variety or options.
I will dream of that beet salad for the rest of my life, and recommended it to 2 fellow travelers who were headed to Tbilisi - both enthusiastically agreed.
Cafe Leila - Vegetarian
🗺️18 Ioane Shavteli St, Tbilisi, Georgia
💶€€
🕰️Daily 11a-11p
🥬Vegetarian with vegan options
While I found Tbilisi very vegetarian friendly, it was nice to have a full vegetarian menu available and Cafe Leila really delivered on amazing vegetarian Georgian food, in a stunning setting.
The service was super friendly and helpful in choosing wine and food. Both indoor and outdoor seating options at this Tbilisi vegetarian restaurant offered a beautiful and comfortable setting.
Maspindzelo Express
🗺️20 გ.ახვლედიანი, Tbilisi 0108, Georgia
💶€€
🕰️Mon-Thurs 12p-12a, Fri-Sun 24hrs
I headed to Maspindzelo Express for a late night bite after a long day tour. The interior of this budget-friendly Tbilisi restaurant surprised me, as it had a bit more of an upscale feel for a quick-eat, late-night spot.
The fun and quirky menu also surprised me in that it had a mix of traditional and modernized items, and not just typically quick food. I order a whole chicken on accident (oops) but they graciously wrapped up half for me that I very happily had for breakfast the next day.
The waiters were all friendly and accommodating and the setting was cool and casual. If you are looking for a budget friendly and/or late-night bite in Tbilisi, this is where to go.
For a Great Cocktail in Tbilisi
Soda
🗺️20 Shalva Dadiani St, Tbilisi, Georgia
💶€€
🕰️Daily 4p-1a
⭐The mezcal negroni was amazing
I usually love trying different cocktail bars in a new city, but I loved Soda so much the first time I went, I went back the next night to try more of their unique and delicious cocktails.
The bar itself is adorable, the cocktail menu is very impressive, and the service at this Tbilisi cocktail bar is warm and friendly.
Soda is definitely worth a visit if you are looking for a great cocktail in Tbilisi.
Whether you are in Tbilisi for a week, or a year, you will never be short on amazing food options. Be sure to try all the local dishes and indulge in the incredible Georgian traditional cuisine from khachapuri, khinkali, badrijani, to qvevri wine.
With so many delicious Tbilisi restaurant options, I hope this post helps you narrow down where to eat out in Georgia’s capital city.
Happy eating!
