Georgia is a captivating country in the Caucasus region where ancient traditions meet stunning mountain landscapes and world-class wine culture. From the charming cobblestone streets of Tbilisi to the dramatic peaks of the Greater Caucasus, Georgia offers extraordinary hospitality, unique cuisine, and eight millennia of winemaking heritage.
Georgian cuisine is one of the world's great culinary traditions, shaped by its position on the Silk Road and diverse regional landscapes. The holy trinity of Georgian food is khachapuri (cheese-filled bread), khinkali (soup dumplings), and walnut-based sauces. The cuisine is rich with fresh herbs, pomegranate, tarragon, and sour plum, while walnuts feature in dozens of dishes from badrijani nigvzit to pkhali vegetable rolls. Georgia's 8,000-year winemaking tradition means food and wine culture are inseparable.
Must-try dishes
Iconic dishes that define Georgia.
Khinkali
Georgia's iconic soup dumplings filled with spiced minced meat, herbs, and broth. The correct eating method is to hold the knot, bite a small hole, suck the soup, then eat the dumpling. The knot is always left on the plate.
Where to try: Pasanauri restaurant, Khinklis Sakhli, Didube area restaurants
Price: 5-10 GEL for 5 pieces
Adjarian Khachapuri
Boat-shaped pastry filled with melted cheese and topped with a raw egg yolk and butter. Stir the egg into the hot cheese filling with torn bread from the edges. The most photogenic of the khachapuri varieties.
Where to try: Any Georgian restaurant; best in Batumi where it originates
Price: 8-15 GEL
Badrijani Nigvzit
Fried aubergine rolls stuffed with a creamy spiced walnut paste and garnished with pomegranate seeds. A perfect example of the Georgian cuisine's sophisticated use of nuts and spices.
Where to try: All traditional Georgian restaurants
Price: 5-8 GEL
Mtsvadi (Shashlik)
Georgian-style pork or beef skewers grilled over vine wood or charcoal, marinated in onion and pomegranate. The vine wood adds a distinctive smoky-fruity flavor unlike any other BBQ tradition.
Where to try: Outdoor grill restaurants (especially Mtatsminda area, Lisi Lake), village restaurants
Price: 10-20 GEL
Churchkhela
Walnut (or hazelnut) threads dipped in thickened grape must (tatara) and dried into a sausage shape. A complete nutritional package used by Georgian warriors. Available everywhere as a snack or souvenir.
Where to try: Dezerter Bazaar, roadside stalls, markets throughout Kakheti
Price: 1-3 GEL each
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Cafe Littera
Located in the Writers' House courtyard, chef Tekuna Gachechiladze marries classic Georgian flavors with European techniques. Beautiful garden setting with dishes like chilled sorrel soup, fig carpaccio with Tushetian guda cheese, and veal tartare with local truffles.
13 Machabeli St, Tbilisi
Ethnographer
Authentic Georgian restaurant offering regional dishes from across Georgia with live traditional music and dancing. Full cultural experience with polyphonic singing, great atmosphere, and extensive menu of classics.
11 Nikoloz Baratashvili St, Tbilisi
Pasanauri
Famous chain specializing in khinkali, named after the mountain town considered birthplace of Georgia's best dumplings. Multiple locations, quick service, and authentic traditional khinkali. Tourist and local favorite.
Multiple locations in Tbilisi
Khachapuri Stand - Rustaveli Metro
Popular khachapuri stand outside Rustaveli metro serving fresh, hot cheese bread. Ultra-cheap, authentic, and perfect quick meal. Locals swear by the quality.
Rustaveli Metro Station exit, Tbilisi
Prospero's Books & Caliban's Coffeehouse
Beloved bookshop-cafe with extensive English book selection, excellent coffee, homemade cakes, and cozy reading atmosphere. Cultural institution in Tbilisi. Great for rainy days.
34 Rustaveli Ave, Tbilisi
Shavi Lomi
Innovative restaurant in a historic wine cellar reimagining traditional Georgian dishes with modern presentation. Intimate atmosphere, excellent wine list, and creative seasonal menu using local ingredients.
7 Atoneli St, Tbilisi
Maspindzelo
Cozy restaurant in Old Town near sulfur baths serving consistently excellent Georgian classics. Known for outstanding khinkali, warm atmosphere, and friendly service. Popular with locals and tourists alike.
15 Atoneli St, Tbilisi
Zakhar Zakharich
Nostalgic Soviet-themed cafe serving classic USSR dishes in retro setting. Fun atmosphere, affordable prices, and interesting menu of Russian and Georgian favorites from Soviet era.
9 Leselidze St, Tbilisi
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Traditional Georgian
Sabotono
Intimate restaurant near Rustaveli metro offering authentic Georgian classics with excellent execution. Famous for fried trout stuffed with sulguni cheese and walnut paste. Cozy atmosphere and reasonable prices.
25 Rustaveli Ave, Tbilisi
Samikitno
Local favorite serving home-style Georgian cooking in casual setting. Generous portions, affordable prices, and authentic flavors. Great for experiencing everyday Georgian cuisine.
24 Giorgi Leonidze St, Tbilisi
Keto and Kote
Charming restaurant in Old Town courtyard serving classic Georgian dishes with live music some evenings. Beautiful traditional setting, good wine selection, and friendly service.
15 Kote Abkhazi St, Tbilisi
Tsiskvili
Large traditional restaurant complex with multiple halls, watermill, and garden seating. Live music and dancing shows, extensive menu, and good for groups. Tourist-friendly with English menus.
2 Beliashvili St, Tbilisi
Shemoikhede Genatsvale
Popular local chain offering reliable Georgian food at reasonable prices. Multiple locations, extensive menu, and good for large groups. Consistent quality and service.
Multiple locations in Tbilisi
Specialty Coffee
Cafe Stamba
Stylish cafe at Stamba Hotel serving excellent specialty coffee, fresh pastries, and light meals. Beautiful industrial-vintage interior, perfect for working or meeting friends.
14 Merab Kostava St, Tbilisi
Linville
Hip specialty coffee shop in Vera district known for excellent coffee and minimalist Scandinavian aesthetic. Popular with creative professionals and coffee enthusiasts.
31 Pekini Ave, Tbilisi
Kala Cafe
Small specialty coffee shop in Sololaki neighborhood roasting their own beans. Serious about coffee quality, friendly baristas, and minimal seating creates intimate atmosphere.
22 Bambis Rigi St, Tbilisi
Cafe
Coffeesta
Cozy neighborhood cafe near Rustaveli serving good coffee, breakfast, salads, and sandwiches. Relaxed atmosphere, friendly staff, and popular with locals working on laptops.
5 Atoneli St, Tbilisi
Success Cafe
Local cafe chain offering reliable coffee, pastries, and light meals at affordable prices. Multiple convenient locations throughout Tbilisi. Good for quick breakfast.
Multiple locations in Tbilisi
Street Food
Corn Vendors - Old Town
Street vendors selling hot grilled corn throughout Old Town. Simple, delicious, and authentic street food experience. Popular evening snack.
Various locations Old Town, Tbilisi
Lobiani Cart - Marjanishvili
Mobile cart near Marjanishvili metro serving excellent fresh lobiani (bean-filled bread). Locals line up for morning and lunch rush. Extremely authentic.
Near Marjanishvili Metro, Tbilisi
Adjarian Georgian
Machakhela
Popular chain specializing in Adjarian cuisine from western Georgia. Large portions, friendly service, and particularly famous for their khachapuri varieties. Multiple locations across Tbilisi.
Multiple locations in Tbilisi
Bakery Cafe
Entrée
Upscale bakery-cafe chain serving French-style pastries, excellent coffee, and breakfast items. Multiple locations, reliable quality, and good WiFi for digital nomads.
Multiple locations in Tbilisi
Burgers
Burgers Bar
Quality burger joint serving juicy burgers with Georgian twist. Good fries, craft beer selection, and casual atmosphere. Popular late-night spot near Fabrika.
12 Egnate Ninoshvili St, Tbilisi
Cafe & Bookshop
Rooms Hotel Cafe
Design hotel's cafe featuring bookshop, excellent coffee, and comfortable seating. Popular workspace with good atmosphere, central location near Marjanishvili.
14 Merab Kostava St, Tbilisi
European
Lolita
Trendy bistro in Vera district serving international and Georgian fusion dishes. Hipster atmosphere, good cocktails, weekend brunch, and popular with young locals. Instagram-worthy interior.
8 Besiki St, Tbilisi
Fresh Fruit
Fruit Vendors - Rustaveli Avenue
Fresh fruit vendors along Rustaveli selling seasonal Georgian fruits. Incredibly fresh produce including famous Georgian tomatoes, peaches, and persimmons.
Rustaveli Avenue, Tbilisi
Fusion
Azarphesha
Sophisticated restaurant blending Georgian traditions with international techniques. Stylish interior, tasting menus available, and one of Tbilisi's best wine selections featuring natural wines.
8 Abo Tbileli St, Tbilisi
Gelato Cafe
Luca Polare
Premium gelato shop serving authentic Italian-style ice cream with local Georgian ingredients. Multiple flavors, beautiful presentation, and perfect summer treat.
Multiple locations in Tbilisi
Georgian
Galaktioni
Simple local restaurant serving authentic Georgian food at very affordable prices. No-frills atmosphere, generous portions, and frequented by locals. Excellent for budget travelers seeking authentic taste.
18 Galaktioni St, Tbilisi
Georgian & International
Funicular Restaurant Complex
Panoramic restaurant atop Mtatsminda with spectacular city views. Multiple dining rooms, terrace seating, and diverse menu from traditional Georgian to international dishes. Perfect for special occasions.
Mtatsminda Plateau, Tbilisi
Georgian Bakery
Bread House
Popular bakery chain serving fresh khachapuri, bread, and pastries. Quick service, affordable prices, and perfect for breakfast or lunch on the go. Multiple convenient locations.
Multiple locations in Tbilisi
Georgian Bakery Restaurant
Puris Sakhli
Bakery-restaurant famous for freshly baked bread and khachapuri varieties. Watch bakers prepare traditional breads in tone ovens. Excellent breakfast and lunch spot with authentic flavors.
Multiple locations in Tbilisi
Georgian Fine Dining
Culinarium Khasheria
Upscale restaurant in Old Town courtyard offering refined Georgian cuisine with European influences. Beautiful ambiance, professional service, and creative presentations of traditional dishes.
7 Atoneli St, Tbilisi
Grill & Georgian
Respublika Grill Bar
Casual grill restaurant near Marjanishvili serving excellent mtsvadi (kebabs), burgers, and Georgian favorites. Outdoor seating, craft beer, and lively atmosphere. Great for informal dining.
20 Agmashenebeli Ave, Tbilisi
Historical Georgian
Barbarestan
Unique restaurant recreating 19th-century Georgian recipes from Barbare Jorjadze's cookbook. Elegant setting with period decor, rare historical dishes, and extensive wine collection. Culinary journey through Georgian history.
132 Davit Aghmashenebeli Ave, Tbilisi
Home
Sakhli Dedis
Restaurant recreating Georgian home cooking ('mother's house' in Georgian). Warm, welcoming atmosphere with dishes prepared using family recipes. Excellent value and authentic experience.
12 Leselidze St, Tbilisi
Regional Georgian
Racha
Restaurant specializing in dishes from Racha region known for unique cheese and pork dishes. Casual atmosphere, friendly service, and chance to try less common regional specialties.
7 Atoneli St, Tbilisi
Street Bakery
Puri Vendors - Station Square
Fresh bread vendors near train station selling traditional Georgian bread hot from portable ovens. Incredibly fresh, cheap, and aromatic. Perfect for travelers.
Station Square, Tbilisi
Street Desserts
Ponchiki Stand - Various Locations
Soviet-style donut (ponchiki) stands throughout city serving fresh fried donuts with various fillings. Nostalgic treat, super cheap, best when hot.
Multiple locations citywide
Street Grills
Mtsvadi Stands - Dezerter Bazaar
Grill stands at Dezerter Market serving fresh mtsvadi (kebabs) and grilled meats. Ultra-authentic local experience with rock-bottom prices. Cash only.
Dezerter Bazaar, Tbilisi
Street Snacks
Churchkhela Vendors - Freedom Square
Traditional Georgian candy makers selling churchkhela (walnut strings dipped in grape juice). Fresh daily, various flavors, and perfect Georgian snack or souvenir.
Freedom Square, Tbilisi
Traditional Georgian Fine
Iakobis Ezo
New restaurant at Artizan Design Hotel offering authentic traditional Georgian dishes with refined presentation. Highlights include lobio beans with pickles, chicken shkmeruli, and kharcho with ghomi. Beautiful courtyard setting.
5 Ioane Shavteli St, Tbilisi
Upscale Georgian
Sakhli #11
Elegant restaurant in restored historic mansion featuring refined Georgian cuisine. Multiple dining rooms with different atmospheres, extensive wine cellar, and impeccable service.
11 Meidan Square, Tbilisi
Wine Bar & Cafe
Moulin Electrique
Alternative cafe-bar in Fabrika complex serving coffee by day, natural wine by night. Eclectic crowd, outdoor courtyard seating, and relaxed bohemian vibe.
8 Egnate Ninoshvili St (Fabrika), Tbilisi
Food tours & tastings in Georgia
Eat your way through Georgia with a guide.
Browse food experiences in GeorgiaWe may earn a commission from bookings made through these links.
Street food
Local flavours at affordable prices.
Lobiani
Flatbread filled with seasoned kidney beans and herbs, baked in a traditional tone clay oven. A staple Georgian street food that is hearty, affordable, and delicious eaten hot from the oven.
Find it at: Bakeries throughout Tbilisi, especially near metro stations
Puri (Fresh Bread)
Georgian bread baked in the traditional tone (cylindrical clay oven) comes out with a beautiful char and chewy interior. Shoti puri (boat-shaped) and round round mchari are the main varieties.
Find it at: Traditional tone bakeries throughout Georgia; Dezerter Bazaar area
Kubdari
Svan-style meat-filled bread from the Svaneti region, different from khachapuri with spiced pork and onion filling. A street food you find in Tbilisi markets but is regional to the Svaneti mountain region.
Find it at: Svaneti specialty shops in Tbilisi; Mestia
Corn on the Cob (Grilled)
Street vendors throughout Tbilisi and Batumi grill corn on the cob and serve it with salt and butter. A simple but popular snack especially near parks and tourist areas.
Find it at: Street vendors at Rike Park, Batumi Boulevard, near Fabrika
Food markets
Where locals shop and graze.
Dezerter Bazaar (Dezertirebi)
Tbilisi's main covered market is an assault on the senses with mountains of fresh produce, wheels of sulguni cheese, barrels of pickles, jars of tarragon vodka, and vendors shouting their wares. The heart of Georgian food culture.
Hours: 7AM-5PM daily, busiest in morning
Batumi Green Bazaar
Batumi's covered central market selling Adjara region specialties including subtropical fruits (feijoa, persimmon), fresh herbs, adjika chili paste, and Adjarian cheeses different from Tbilisi varieties.
Hours: 7AM-3PM daily
Telavi Market (Kakheti)
Market in Kakheti's regional capital where local farmers sell homemade wine in plastic bottles, walnut spreads, churchkhela from local vineyards, and seasonal produce from the Alazani Valley.
Hours: 8AM-4PM daily
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Lunch (1-3PM) is the main meal for many Georgians - restaurant lunch specials offer excellent value at 8-15 GEL for a full meal
A supra (feast) is a special occasion event - if invited to one, expect hours of eating, toasting, and singing rather than a quick dinner
Georgian wines should be tried as house wines in local restaurants before buying bottles - ask for ghvino (wine) and specify red (tsiteli) or white (tetri)
At Georgian restaurants, dishes arrive when ready rather than all together - this is the tradition, not a service problem
Reservations are essential at Cafe Littera, Barbarestan, and other top restaurants; walk-in at most casual Georgian restaurants
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | 10-20 GEL/meal for khinkali, khachapuri, or lobiani at local restaurants | Traditional bakeries and neighborhood Georgian restaurants |
| Mid-range | 30-60 GEL/meal for full Georgian meal with wine at mid-range restaurant | Sit-down Georgian restaurants with table service and wine list |
| Upscale | 100-300 GEL/meal for fine dining with wine pairing | Cafe Littera, Barbarestan, or hotel restaurants with tasting menus |