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Latest update: 31 January 2025
I had no idea Georgian food was this delicious before visiting the country. In the capital, Tbilisi, you have many choices from various cuisines, from hip brunch spots to authentic Georgian restaurants. I’ve eaten my way through the city, and here are my best tips for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in Tbilisi.
Slink café
At Slink café, you’ll eat in an adorable greenhouse with mint green tiles. It’s hidden in a park behind the main street of the Chugureti district. The café and surroundings are cute and friendly, while the door makes the owner’s opinion about Russia very clear. You’ll find similar stickers and words on many restaurant doors throughout the city.
The park has a small cinema, a hotel, and a lovely garden. Even in winter, walking around and greeting the street dogs is nice. In summer, Slink café really comes alive with a wonderful outdoor seating area.
Slink café is a brunch spot that opens at 10 AM – so not for early birds. In the plant-filled greenhouse, they make delicious brunch dishes and great coffee; you can even come for dinner on weekends.
Unfound Door Restaurant
It feels like stepping back in time or walking into a period drama. Even the peeling paint looks elegant here. I’m at the Unfound Door Restaurant – and yes, I managed to find the door. Apparently, I’m the only one who did because I’m entirely alone in the restaurant in the early afternoon. I decide to stay anyway and order a small dish. But I can’t! Lunch is a two-course affair. I MUST order two dishes.
Oh well, I’m here now, so let’s go for it. And I’m not disappointed. The pumpkin soup and salad I ordered are bursting with flavor and fresh herbs like cilantro and mint.
Good news: you can have breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the Unfound Door Restaurant. And if you’re a fan of the restaurant’s interior, you might want to try the Unfound Door Design Hotel. Check prices and reviews on Booking.com.
BREAKFAST IS
BREAKFAST IS serves breakfast from 9 to 5. Outside, there’s room for exactly two people, but head down the steps inside, and you’ll find plenty of seating. The specials are written on a chalkboard, or you can ask for the menu at the bar. That’s also where you place your order.
BREAKFAST IS is known for its Danish breakfast and shakshuka. But the Danish breakfast doesn’t appeal to me, and it lacks something like a cardamom or cinnamon roll. So I go for the Eggs Benedict, which is really delicious. The cappuccinos are also excellent, so you can also pop in for a coffee if you’re not hungry.
Chaduna
At Chaduna, you can get a hearty breakfast or lunch. I go for the chichi bizhi. It’s similar to shakshuka, but you could also call it Georgian scrambled eggs. It’s warm and filling, and I definitely recommend it. Overall, Chaduna is a fun place with cheerful colors and super helpful staff. From the moment you walk in, it feels like you’ve been coming here for years.
Ask if they have any upcoming events. On weekends, there may be live music or a DJ, and occasionally, they host wine tastings.
Puri Guliani
Located in the Moxy Hotel, Puri Guliani is technically open all day, but I especially recommend it for breakfast or lunch as they make fabulous bread. The kitchen focuses more on European dishes, but you can definitely order some Georgian specialties, too. The cappuccino is a bit weak, to be honest, so you might want to ask for an extra strong one. The restaurant is big, spacious, and modern—the kind of place where you’d expect to see people working on laptops.
Tip! Craving coffee? Check out my article about coffee shops in Tbilisi.
Restaurant Azarphesa
If you’re looking for a great restaurant with good Georgian food, I’d love to send you to Azarphesa. Chances are you’ll be one of the few tourists here. The restaurant is brightly lit but cozy because it’s wonderfully cluttered with photos, knick-knacks, and a collection of old cups and wine glasses.
The owners are warm, friendly people. If you’re lucky, they’ll feel like singing and playing guitar. They love telling you about their delicious food for sure.
I visit Azarphesa twice. Once with a large group for a supra (a traditional feast) and once with my dad. The owner turns out to be a perfect tamada (master of ceremonies). His toasts come from the heart and touch everyone. With passion and energy, he introduces each dish and brings the group together.
Ethnographer restaurant
You’ll need to hop in a taxi for this restaurant, but the ride is so worth it! The Ethnographer has a show that features dancing and singing every evening at 8 PM. It’s basically a themed restaurant centered around Georgian traditions.
The staff walks around in traditional costumes, and in the garden, you can see how chacha (a Georgian drink with A LOT of alcohol) is made. The dining hall is lavishly decorated, and I feel like I’m at a feast from centuries ago. Just order various Georgian dishes to share with your table. Dining here is truly an experience. Make sure to call ahead for reservations.
Tip! Want to eat like a local? Try these typical Georgian dishes.
Barbarestan
Barbarestan is on the World’s Best 50 – Discovery list (in 2024). Making it on that list isn’t easy, so I really want to eat here. It feels warm and homey when you enter, although the formally dressed staff reveals that this is an upscale restaurant. At Barbarestan, you eat traditional Georgian food. And by traditional, I mean really traditional because everything on the menu is inspired by a 19th-century cookbook.
The book containing 900 Georgian recipes was found by chance at the Dry Bridge Market. The waiter shows us the book and tells us about the discovery in a thick accent. The book looks fragile. You’d want to handle it with white gloves. On the wall hangs a portrait of the writer Barbare Jorjadze, an actual Georgian princess and Georgia’s first feminist.
Since Barbarestan often gets fully booked, you might want to go for a fancy lunch or an early dinner here. Make sure to reserve in advance. Unfortunately, I didn’t take any photos of the food because it was too dark, but everything was beautiful and delicious. Trust me.
Restaurant Pasanauri
You can find Pasanauri branches in several locations throughout Tbilisi. At first, I avoided this restaurant because it felt like a chain, and I thought it might be a tourist trap. But then the owner of my apartment recommends it, and when Georgians say something is good, it usually is.
I end up at Pasanauri on Baratashvili Street for a late lunch. The restaurant is open from 10 AM until late at night, so you can also have dinner here. The waitress doesn’t crack a smile, but she’s quick. That’s worth something too. And touristy? Well, yeah, it is a bit. But I’m happy anyway because I have an adjaruli khachapuri (Georgian cheese-egg bread) in front of me.
Cafe Daphna
There’s a reason why Cafe Daphna is so popular with both Georgians and tourists: it’s stylishly decorated, actually quite modern, AND serves traditional Georgian dishes. The restaurant opens at 11 AM and stays open late. On weekends, even until 6 AM?! I can highly recommend the tomato salad, and what’s great about Cafe Daphna is that you can order khinkali (Georgian dumplings) individually. Most restaurants make you order five or ten at once. So, being able to order them by one is especially nice if you’re traveling solo and want to try different ones.
Café Leila
At first, I avoid the restaurants and cafés on this street. They’re so close to the clock tower and surrounded by paintings being sold as souvenirs that this must be a tourist trap. But apparently, I’m wrong. The owner of my apartment in Tbilisi warmly recommends Café Leila.
And boy, is it something when you walk into Café Leila. There’s decoration everywhere, color everywhere, and I love it. It’s also super hot inside, like in many restaurants in Georgia. Café Leila is a vegetarian restaurant where you can stop by all day, even just for a coffee and their delicious apple pie.
Bazari Orbeliani
Bazari Orbeliani is a covered food hall where you can eat all sorts of things all day long. You can stop by for a coffee or a full dinner. In Bazari Orbeliani, you’ll find food stalls and restaurants. It’s definitely worth walking through, even if you’re not hungry.
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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