There is no shortage of national cuisine in Tbilisi. In a wide assortment there are all kinds of restaurants, cafes, spirits, bakeries, khinkalny, chain establishments, as well as shops selling street food. Therefore, it’s easy to answer the tourist’s question where to eat in Tbilisi. Everywhere you will be warmly welcomed and deliciously fed. Therefore, you may not be particularly puzzled by the question of where to eat in Tbilisi; it is not in vain that the capital of Georgia is called the “tasty city”. Walking around the sights and getting hungry, just go to the first restaurant that you get in your way and order any of the dishes on the menu.
And yet there are certain subtleties. Tourists are not always ready to pay a tidy sum for food, and even thank the waiter with generous tips. Therefore, the question often arises for travelers: where to eat tasty and cheap in Tbilisi? In addition, it is no secret that many tourists like to plan their excursions. When planning a walk through the historical places of the city, many people want to have an idea of ​​where to eat in Old Tbilisi in advance, without being distracted from the intended course. In addition, often guests of the country first discover for themselves one or another national dish. Therefore, it is important for them to find out where it is better to eat in Tbilisi, for example, khinkali, or chikhirtmu, or lobio, or kharcho. We will try to give all these nuances due attention in our article. So, where can I eat tasty, relatively inexpensive and interesting in Tbilisi?
About food in Tbilisi: what you need to know when choosing a restaurant?
It is no secret that every time, with trepidation, opening the door to a new institution, the traveler feels himself a pioneer. According to reviews, where to eat in Tbilisi is the question that is easiest to answer. Every restaurant or cafe in this city is truly unique.
Therefore, when asked where to eat in Tbilisi, the reviews often contain the answer: do not be afraid to experiment - the likelihood that it will be tasty or too expensive is zero.
The cost of the same dish in various institutions of the city does not differ by more than 10-20%. For example, khinkali usually costs about 60 tetri (16.22 rubles). Even in the most expensive Tbilisi restaurants you will not be offered more than 85 tetri apiece (22.98 rubles).
Tourists should keep in mind that the portions in Georgian restaurants and cafes are very large. Therefore, if the guests travel together, it is better for them to order one portion of different dishes, and then change - so they will be able to get acquainted with a large number of various interesting treats of Georgian cuisine.
It is also necessary to remember that tips (in the amount of 10-15%, less often 20%) in Tbilisi restaurants and cafes are usually included in the bill.
In almost all restaurants and cafes in Tbilisi, a guest can pay by credit card. Only cash is accepted in small street stalls with national fast food.
If tourists travel with children, the waiter should be warned in advance so that pepper and salt are limited in the order.
Speaking about the waiters, it should be noted that in all of Georgia they are very slow. This is often mentioned by tourists in their reviews. But this is explained very simply - in Georgia, including Tbilisi, there is nowhere to rush. It is so customary here. You may have to be persistent and once again draw the attention of the waiter. But this in no case should upset any of the guests, relax and relax. Or maybe you should learn from the staff of these institutions calm, measured and leisurely?
Where to eat tasty and inexpensive in Tbilisi?
Most of the colorful national institutions, where you can eat tasty and inexpensive, are located in the Old Tbilisi district, which is the most attractive part of the city for tourists and its environs. Mostly these are authentic basements with an interesting stylish interior, brick vaulted ceilings, rough wooden benches and tables.
In the center of Tbilisi there are several establishments that tourists especially favor. Thanks to their atmosphere and style, visitors here are completely immersed in the national culture and take with them the most pleasant and unusual impressions. So, where to eat in the center of Tbilisi can not only be tasty and relatively inexpensive, but also feel the unique flavor of the Georgian capital?
"Machahela" on Maidan
One of the most popular restaurants of the Machachela chain, which is considered a place of worship of local bohemians and travelers, is located on Meydan Square at the address: ul. Tumaniani, 23.
According to reviews, in the restaurant from the very opening just does not push. Many tourists who are interested in where to eat tasty and inexpensively in Tbilisi come here in the morning with their children to have a budget breakfast in the European style - scrambled eggs or scrambled eggs (in most institutions in Tbilisi such dishes are not provided on the menu). Thanks to the panoramic windows on the ground floor of the Machachely, you can enjoy magnificent panoramic views from here. The hall located on the second floor, many call it more comfortable.
Prices in the restaurant, according to many guests, are quite affordable (the average bill for a small snack is about 12 GEL, or 324.44 rubles), visitors always call the quality of food excellent. The only drawback of the institution is its constant crowding, because of which it takes a long time to wait for the order.
"Zakhar Zakharych"
This is an institution located at: Mshrali bridge, Right bank, ul. Sanapiro, 3a (not far from the Dry Bridge), you should definitely visit everyone who is interested in where to eat real khinkali in Tbilisi, as it is deservedly called the best urban khinkali. Here you can also taste delicious and inexpensive other dishes - according to reviews, in Zakhar Zakharyche they are also very good. Guests call the prices moderate (the average bill is up to 30 GEL, or 811.10 rubles), and the quality of food and the level of service are excellent. The cafe is very popular among locals, so it is often difficult to find a free table here.
Khinkali House
The specialization of this institution, as well as the previous one, is khinkali. Average bill: about 1,116.70 rubles. The authors of the reviews recommend visiting it as a worthy institution for those who were hungry near the Rustavelli metro stop (cafe address: 37 Rustaveli Ave.). A traditional Georgian restaurant in the very center of Tbilisi, open 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, serves a variety of national dishes. In the evening, from 20:00 to 02:00, you can enjoy live music here.
Entrée (pastry shop)
The establishments of this excellent network of pastry shops are located in almost all areas of the Georgian capital. Visitors here are waiting for a pleasant atmosphere, a wide selection of pastries and pastries, fairly reasonable prices. Here you can enjoy excellent desserts. The assortment includes cakes, croissants, salads, sandwiches, bread and more. Food can be packed and carried away with you. None of the 6 cafes of this network smoke or sell alcoholic beverages. Addresses:
- Ave. Rustaveli, 20;
- Ave. Agmashenebeli, 86;
- st. Taktakishvili, 13;
- Ave. Pekingi, 7;
- Ave. Chavchavadze, 78.
Prices, according to the authors of the reviews, are quite affordable, you can have a tasty and inexpensive breakfast for two, and it will be cheaper than in a cafe. Cost of meals:
- croissant - 2.5 GEL (67.59 rubles);
- eclair - 2.5 GEL (67.59 rubles);
- mini-sandwich - 3 lari (81.11 rubles);
- sandwich - 7 GEL (189.26 rubles)
As a drawback, guests mention that in the cafe you can not drink real coffee - here it is made exclusively in a coffee machine.
"Waters of Lagidze"
Lagidze is a world famous brand of soft drinks made on natural syrups. The first cafe "Water Lagidze" was opened in Tbilisi on Rustaveli Avenue back in 1906. Now in two cafes of this network (located on Eristavi St., 16 and on the territory of Tsminda Sameba temple) you can try lemonade of five flavors - cherries, lemon, cream, tarragon, chocolate or mix drinks in any proportion. In the cafe you can enjoy delicious pastries - here they prepare the best Adjarian khachapuri in the city.
According to reviews, the cost of meals in an institution is:
- portions of ravioli - 6 lari (162.22 rubles);
- khachapuri in Adjara style (depending on size) - from 6 to 9 lari (from 162.22 to 243.33 rubles);
- lemonade - 1 lari (27.07 rubles.)
Gabriadze
The legendary art cafe (on Shavteli St., 17) connoisseurs recommend visiting the fans of the famous Georgian director Rezo Gabriadze, as well as those who are fond of non-standard cuisine. Despite the great smokiness and crampedness, the place this reviewers attribute to a very atmospheric.
The cafe is located in a small wooden building, guests are attracted by snow-white curtains on the windows, manually painted tiled steps, a neat little door for the cat. Visitors are accommodated in three rooms, in the summer you can sit on the street, on a cozy terrace. The interior of the establishment was completely created by the director Rezo Gabriadze - posters and paintings on the walls, ceramics, sculptural compositions, stylish furniture remind of him here.
In the art cafe you can order dishes of European cuisine, prices significantly exceed the average in Tbilisi. The bill for one person is about 30-40 GEL (about 811.10 - 1081.46 rubles). But is it really a big price for a truly excellent cuisine, stylish interior, unique atmosphere and sincere service?
Old generation
The institution is a small cozy family coffee house located on the Vinny Descent at Gvinis agmarti, 1.
The hostess here knows how to make absolutely unique delicious coffee, the secret of which she does not reveal to anyone. The coffee shop consists of one tiny cramped room in which only a few small tables can fit. But the color and atmosphere in this institution are guaranteed for guests. Old dishes are hung on the walls in the hall, a money tree is located at the counter, made up of real bills left as a gift to the hostess by grateful visitors. Coffee costs about 6 GEL (162.22 rubles). Payment is made exclusively in cash.
Duchan "Racha"
A cult and pretty authentic place. Located in the basement with a showcase and brick walls. Interior decoration impresses guests with its lack of respectability.
Usually they don’t dare to invite their girlfriend to a romantic date.
The room in the "Racha" is smoky, there is constantly noise. And yet, according to many tourists, the "Racha" is quite atmospheric, very authentic and, most importantly, it is incredibly tasty to feed here, although without any frills. The establishment is located in the very center of Tbilisi, at the intersection of Dadiani and Lermontov Streets. Address: st. Lermontov 6.
Prices are quite low, which is one of the indisputable trump cards of the institution. The average bill is 5-7 GEL (about 135.18 - 189.26 rubles).
Samikitno
The restaurant is located at: st. Tumaniani 23. It has a large selection of wines and average prices. A great advantage of the institution is its location in the very center of Old Tbilisi. You can drop in here, hungry during the inspection of the magnificent old front rooms. According to reviews
The prices here are the cheapest in the city. Cost of meals:
- Khinkali - 0.7 GEL (18.93 rubles);
- khachapuri "Imerali" - from 3.5 to 7 lari 94.63-189.26 rubles);
- glasses of wine - 1-2 lari (07/27 - 54.14 rubles);
- cold coffee - 4 GEL (108.15 rubles);
- double espresso - 6 GEL (162.22 rubles).
Accept payment by card. The bill additionally includes 15% of tips.
Khinkalnaya “At Velyaminov”
In one of the oldest khinkal Georgian capital, located on the street. Dadiani, 8, you can try khinkali, kebabs, kebabs, ojahuri, kupaty, spicy, lobio khachapuri, and even shkmeruli. Prices are slightly above average: the cost of khinkali is 60 tetri (16.22 rubles), lettuce - 4 GEL (108.15 rubles). The interior is somewhat reminiscent of the atmosphere of the Racha spirit.
Shemoikhede genatsvale
The name of this restaurant chain is translated Georgian as "Come in, dear." It is also recommended to treat yourself to khinkali. Address: Simon Kandelaki St, 7. Open 24 hours.
According to reviews, here are quite comfortable, the waiters. very polite. The visitors call the cuisine simply excellent. Everything is very tasty and by no means inexpensive. The cost of an order for two (khinkali, kharcho, tkemali sauce, wine, pita and vegetable salad) is 36 GEL (973.32 rubles)
Maspindzelo
This modern restaurant is located near the Sulfur Baths, at ul. Gorgasali, 7. Has a good wine list, works around the clock. Prices are above average. According to reviews, this authentic Georgian restaurant cooks deliciously, with live music and famous choral singing daily. It is especially nice to visit this place in the summer, when there is an open terrace. The cost of the order (stewed veal, chicken in milk sauce potatoes, khachapuri on the grill, wine, stuffed eggplant) is 100 GEL (2707 rubles)
Cheburechnaya on Abanotubani
This establishment is located near sulfur baths (on Grishashvili St., 8). You can go here, deciding to eat really cheap and cheerful, According to reviews, the situation in this cheburek is the simplest, but the food here is quite tasty. According to reviews, the four in this cafe can dine for 40 GEL (1081.46 rubles)
Warszawa
The counter of this small bar is located right on the street. The institution is very popular with European tourists. Drinks here are sold at 2 GEL (54.14 rubles), the cost of food - 5 GEL (135.18 rubles) Address of the institution: st. Pushkin, 19. It is recommended to come here to taste the dishes of high-quality Polish cuisine. Here the guest will be offered a good selection of Georgian wines, there is the famous Wódka Żołądkowa Gorzka.
On the ground floor there is a basement where you can try a variety of cheeses and wines. The interior design is quite peculiar. The walls are covered with old Polish newspapers, which is why the room is associated with fantastic retrospective shots from Poland from the 80s of the 20th century.
Purpur
In this very popular and cozy establishment with a pleasant and unusually cute interior design and many vintage gizmos, it is unlikely to be able to have lunch or dinner on a budget. But you can’t remember this restaurant (located on three floors in one of the buildings of old Tbilisi, at the address: Abo Tbileli St., 1) talking about the best places to eat in the Georgian capital is simply impossible. Tourists will find here a wide selection of wines, very tasty food, pleasant live music. Prices are quite high (the average bill is above 40 GEL, i.e. 1081.46 rubles)
Where to eat in Tbilisi the most delicious Georgian food?
It is no secret that acquaintance with Georgian cuisine is one of the reasons why tourists come to this country. And numerous catering establishments, an integral part of its capital, each in their own way offer guests to taste hearty and spicy Georgian food. Moreover, as experts say, the taste and quality of dishes does not depend on the degree of “tricked out” and “coolness” of the restaurant.
The most famous Georgian dishes - kharcho, khinkali, lobio, khachapuri, tkemali sauce - whose names are heard far beyond the borders of Georgia, are by no means limited to a list of authentic national delicacies whose taste can be tasted in the Georgian capital. Where to eat authentic national food in Tbilisi?
Khinkali
Where to eat real khinkali in Tbilisi? No one will argue that this particular dish, which is a cross between ravioli and Chinese dumplings, is the most recognizable in Georgia.
Which restaurant in Tbilisi makes the best khinkali? This topic is constantly hotly contested. The local favorite in this regard is the famous restaurant “Zakhar Zakharych” (see the description above in the article) - according to rumors, this is one of the last establishments where khinkali is still cooked manually.
Khachapuri
As you know, the dish is an open cheese pie and is one of the most creative bread delicacies in Georgia. Different types of this treat are made in different regions of the country: with salted sulguni cheese, with beans, with potatoes, with butter, raw egg yolk and cheese. Those who are looking for where to eat the most delicious khachapuri in Tbilisi, experts will answer: the best place for this is the Tbilisi restaurant Kala (address: Irakli II II 8/10). This pleasant, quiet place is located a little away from the rather noisy Leselidze street. Budget travelers note that after one of the khachapuri eaten here, you can not eat for the whole day.
Kharcho
This bright and spicy soup is usually made from beef, plum puree and walnuts (chopped). The dish has a complex sweet and sour taste and a beautiful nutty texture.
The best place to eat kharcho is the traditional Mingrelian restaurant, loved by many - Mapshalia (address: 137 Davit Aghmashenebeli Ave). The interior of the institution is not very sophisticated, as well as the service - ceremonial. According to reviews, everything is convenient, simple and very clean in this institution, and the most vowed thing is that it is very tasty fed.
Phali
This Georgian vegan dish is prepared from beets (finely chopped), spinach, nettle, cabbage and other vegetables. They add chopped walnuts, garlic and fresh herbs for taste.
Tourists recommend stopping by to eat phali in the “Black Lion” (“Shavi Lomi”) - here it is best prepared in the city. This is a restaurant that is especially popular among foreign tourists. Belongs to the category of "luxury", with one difference - instead of luxury and brilliance in the institution attracts a homely comfortable atmosphere. Address: 30 Zurab Kvlividze St.
Chihirtma
This light, silky chicken broth with egg whites, onions and garlic in Tbilisi is called a "hangover soup" - it is assumed that the dish has considerable restorative qualities. Eating Chikhirm in the Georgian capital is better at Culinarium Khasheria. Address: Abano St, 23. Visitors call this restaurant a beautiful, pleasant place with polite staff and delicious cuisine. Mini-supplements are interesting, the authors of the reviews share: all kinds of adjika, Svan salt, etc. Some dishes are too spicy.
Lobio
Boiled beans cooked with spices and onions and served in a fancy clay pot with pickles and mchadi (corn bread) are best served in Duquani, a traditional Georgian-style tavern (address: 27/2 Revaz Laghidze St). In addition to excellent lobio, other traditional national dishes are also prepared here.
Georgian salad
A traditional Georgian salad of cucumbers, tomatoes, basil, coriander, red onions and rocket salad, seasoned with Kakhetin olive oil and served with walnut sauce, is best made in Tbilisi's Keto and Kote Cafe (address: Mikheil Zandukeli Dead End , 3)
Delicious freshly baked bread and a wedge of suluguni salted cheeses will be served here. Guests call this restaurant a place very cozy and unrealistically "delicious."