If you are interested in learning about Georgia, you cannot avoid Georgian cuisine, as this country of ancient history has the richest gastronomy culture. Georgia is also known for the fact, that each region has its unique dishes and characteristic flavors. However, to taste the diversity of Georgian cuisine, you do not need to travel the entire country. Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia is rich in dining areas, where you can try the best of Georgian dishes.
And we are here to help you in finding the best restaurants in Tbilisi, we will share locations, where Georgian dishes are prepared at the highest possible quality.
Traditional Taste: Classic Georgian Restaurants
„Ethno Tsiskvili“
If you would like to try authentic Georgian flavors and enjoy a charming environment complemented with high-quality services, then your first destination shall be “Ethno Tsiskvili.” This is a premium quality, classic Georgian restaurant operating in Tbilisi from already 22 years, and is one of the most favorite places to visit for Georgians, as well as tourists.
Apart from enjoying delicious foods at “Ethno Tsiskvili,” here you can feel the real Georgian hospitality, and with the distinguished design of the restaurant, you can learn about Georgian architecture. If you visit the restaurant in the evening, you will be lucky to enjoy folklore and choreographic performances. At the restaurant premises, you can also find a natural waterfall. Also, a variety of cultural events and culinary masterclasses are organized at this restaurant. Based on all the above-mentioned, we can surely say that visiting “Ethno Tsiskvili” is almost equal to traveling around Georgia.
How to get to “Ethno Tsiskvili“?
“Ethno Tsiskvili” is located at 99, Akaki Beliashvili Street. This location is easy to access on public transportation. If you decide to take a taxi, then you can get here in 15-20 minutes from the central areas of the city.
“Black Lion”
In the list of the best restaurants, “Black Lion” is in the leading position. Here, you can enjoy traditional Georgian dishes and exquisite interiors. The “Black Lion” has brick walls, vintage tableware, a fireplace, a green yard, and stencils inspired by Georgian painter Pirosmani. All this combined with Mtatsminda views, creates one of a kind environment.
“Black Lion” opened in Tbilisi 14 years ago, and till today is a main attraction for individuals who enjoy delicious foods in a comfortable and home-like environment.
How to get to “Black Lion”?
The restaurant's address is 30, Zurab Kvlividze Street. One can get here on foot, 15 15-minute walk from Marjanishvili subway station, from “Fabrika” this restaurant is only 8- minute walk. The restaurant is easy to identify with a massive black lion stencil on the exterior wall.
„Honore“
If you are into trying Georgian Mtsvadi, then you will love this place, as it is a type of modern Mtsvadi restaurant. Here you can enjoy different types of Mtsvadi and Kabab, and you will be amazed by the flavors of other Georgian dishes as well.
You can find “Honore” inside a large building. The restaurant shares the building with Café “April” and Bar “Meoba.” Meaning that, after enjoying delicious Georgian Mtsvadi, you may want to drop into a bar or café, and will not need to go far.
How to get to “Honore”?
The restaurant is located in the Okros Ubani area, at 4, Constitution Street. It is 10-15 minutes’ walk from Station Square or “Fabrika”.
Modern Georgian Cuisine: When Innovations Meets Tradition
“Tsiskvili Terrace”
“Tsiskvili Terrace” is a member of the “Tsiskvili” chain of restaurants with 22 years of history. This restaurant is distinguished by a different concept. Along with Georgian dishes, their menu offers signature dishes from the chef. So far, this restaurant has already gained popularity and positive appraisals from the guests, which is due to the delicious dishes as well as the interior. “Tsiskvili Terrace” combines a large dining area, vintage spaces, and a green terrace, and the last one is the place to enjoy the most beautiful views of Tbilisi. Here you can enjoy the show kitchen, which transforms you into a participant in the cooking process. The restaurant has a summer bar, and stage, where live music is performed. The quality of service at the “Tsiskvili Terrace” is remarkable as well, and one can feel this at the first step to the restaurant.
So, if you want to enjoy traditional flavors, and the chef's signature dishes and are particularly looking for the perfect environment and service, then “Tsiskvili Terrace” is a place to visit.
How to get to “Tsiskvili Terrace”?
The restaurant is located in the city center, at 80 Zviad Gamsakhurdia embarkment- meaning that this is an easy-access restaurant. For example, you can get here from Rustaveli subway station by taxi in only 3 minutes.
“Keto and Kote”
You can enjoy modern Georgian cuisine at “Keto and Kote,” as here, the most of traditional dishes are prepared using modern methods and techniques. Though the restaurant’s menu reflects authentic Georgian tastes, alongside different variations, you can still gain an understanding of local cuisine.
Along with the dishes, you will not be disappointed by the interior and architecture of this restaurant as it is inside an old Tbilisi-style house, and is surrounded by similar houses.
How to get to “Keto and Kote”?
This restaurant is located in the central part of Tbilisi, at 3, Mikheil Zandukeli Steet. Here you can get there on foot, it is just a 10-minute walk from Rustaveli subway station.
“Littera”
Distinguished with its Georgian dishes and modern variations, this restaurant is a true eyecatcher for the guests. However, not only the dishes, but the environment of the restaurant is a true gemstone. This restaurant is located inside the Writers’ House of Georgia- the building is considered as a remarkable combination of Tbilisi-style and European architecture. The Writers’ House of Georgia often hosts cultural events, meaning that you may become a guest of such cultural events while visiting “Littera.”
How to get to “Littera”?
This restaurant is located in the city center, at 13 Machabeli Street. You can walk to this restaurant from Freedom Square, it only takes 6 minutes.
On the Budget and Delicious
“Sasadilo at zeche”
“Sasadilo at zeche” is a dining facility type place, where in traditional Georgian dishes you can feel the notes of flavors characteristic of Asian cuisine. To make the dining experience comfortable plating is of less importance here. Note that “Zeche” portions are large, so you can feel full even on a limited budget.
Similar to dishes, the interior is also minimalistic and simple. The restaurant is located inside the former tobacco factory, and the initial looks of the factory are preserved to the extent possible. These features make “Zeche” even more attractive and unique.
How to get to “Zeche”?
This dining facility can be found at 18, Tamar Mefe Street, only a 5-minute walk from Station Square.
International Flavors in Tbilisi
“Puri Guliani“
“Puri Guliani” is a type of bakery, where you can find bread, desserts, and other delicacies. The menu here is diverse and includes Georgian dishes, as well as dishes inspired by different countries. And most importantly, in an international environment of “Puri Guliani,” you can still identify the notes of Georgian cuisine.
How to get to “Puri Guliani”?
This restaurant is in the center of the tourist area, Saarbrucken Square. You can get Puri Guliani from Dedaena Park just in 5 minutes on foot.
And last, but not least….
Trust us, with the rich flavor of Georgian cuisine a person with any preferences will be able to find a favorite flavor and taste unique to Georgia. Here, you will find numerous vegetarian and vegan restaurants, as Georgian gastronomy is rich in dishes made without meat or dairy products. Also note that all restaurants listed above provide a wide choice of Georgian wine, so you can select a bottle of wine that perfectly matches your dish of choice.
So, get ready to meet unique Georgian cuisine and make gastronomy discoveries!
