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Latest update: 31 January 2025
Tbilisi, Georgia, is a wonderful city to wander around and explore. My step counter is going crazy! So it’s time for coffee – perfect for recharging with some caffeine. Tbilisi has several charming coffee shops, including one that offers portrait service!
Erti kava Coffee Room
Early in the morning, I’m looking for coffee before going on a tour to Kazbegi. I find Erti kava Coffee Room near the pickup point. While the exterior is a bit over-the-top with red streamers and huge red-white lollipops, the interior surprisingly has that Scandinavian vibe we’ve come to expect from coffee shops. The staff speaks good English and offers various plant-based milk options (though no oat milk, sadly). There’s plenty of seating, including a table with swing seats. Looks uncomfortable but fun!
Groovy Roasters
I almost didn’t include Groovy Roasters, but here we go. My first visit was absolutely ridiculous. I arrived early but within opening hours, wanting coffee and breakfast. But the barista hadn’t shown up, and the girl telling me this clearly doesn’t want customers yet. When I asked if the kitchen was open, she gestured at her coat, saying, “Does it look like you can have breakfast?” Sorry honey, but YOU’RE the one who’s late to work and got up on the wrong side of the bed. Sheesh…
The next day, I give it another shot because the coffee shop looks too cute to skip. It’s decorated with coffee bean bags, earthy colors, and long benches. Plus, there’s an adorable dog that looks like a mix between a dachshund and a vizsla. Thankfully, today’s staff member is worlds apart from yesterday’s.
The coffee is excellent, and I have syrniki for breakfast. These are small, thick pancakes – a typical Georgian dish. They have a slight tang and are served with clotted cream, like scones.
Kvarts Coffee: coffee with your portrait!
I honestly can’t even remember how the coffee tastes because I was completely distracted. At Kvarts Coffee in Tbilisi, an artist draws your portrait on a paper coffee cup. For free! Well, you can pay 1 GEL (about $0.37) extra to get the drawing on a clean cup. That’s definitely worth doing since Kvarts Coffee can get busy, and you might wait a bit for your portrait. This way, you can enjoy your coffee while waiting for your portrait.
It feels awkward standing there while the artist studies your face, but it’s a fun experience. I’ve seen several people’s drawings, and they usually look very similar to the person. Mine… well, I mainly recognize the sweater, haha.
Coffee Lab
Coffee Lab is a coffee chain with multiple locations in Tbilisi. They started in 2016 and have grown significantly. They roast their own beans too, so you’ll find their coffee at various restaurants and cafés. But of course, I wanted to try it at the source. I visited their location in the Bazari Orbeliani food hall. It’s just a small counter so it’s takeaway only. Their other locations have seating areas. Strong, tasty cappuccino!
Prospero’s books
Prospero’s books combines a bookstore and coffee café. The courtyard is hidden behind busy Rustaveli Avenue and is wonderfully peaceful. The garden is cozy, and inside you’ll find a café where you can browse books. They also have English translations of Georgian books.
Don’t come specifically for the cappuccino though – I wasn’t impressed, despite the barista’s careful preparation. Still, it’s a lovely spot to catch your breath between Tbilisi sightseeing.
Daily Grind
Daily Grind might not be Tbilisi’s coziest coffee café, but they serve one of the best cappuccinos, in my opinion. Perfect for coffee to go. Extra points for letting street dogs warm up inside during winter, taking turns. Tips also go to helping street dogs.
More Georgia travel inspiration?
Useful links for your Georgia trip
- Accommodation. Favorite remains Booking.com. Would you rather stay in a hostel? Check Hostelworld.
- Activities. Book the best tours and activities at GetYourGuide, Klook, and Viator. ‘Free’ walking tours can be booked at Freetour.com or GuruWalk.
- Car rental. If you want to compare prices and insurance coverage, try Discover Cars and Rentalcars.com. In Georgia, a private transfer or tour with a private driver is often very affordable. Use GoTrip for this.
- Reading tip. If you like reading, I recommend buying this fantastic book: The Eighth Life (for Brilka). It is about generations of women living and suffering in Georgia. More than 1000 pages, so get cozy and comfortable!
- Travel guides. I like paper travel guides to browse through, for sale at Amazon, among others.
- SIM card. Beware of unexpectedly high phone and internet costs. Buy a local SIM card when you arrive, or arrange one online via Airalo.
- Train and Bus Travel by train or bus through Georgia with Busbud, 12Go, or Omio.
- Flights. Compare all your options! Be sure to check out Skyscanner and Kiwi.
- Package deals. Rather go on a catered trip? Start your search at Expedia or CheapOair.
- Yoga retreat. Or treat yourself to a yoga retreat in Georgia.
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