Georgian Cuisine Tbilisi: The Ultimate Food Lover’s Guide to Georgia’s Capital

Last updated: June 2025

Georgian cuisine Tbilisi is among the most fascinating places in the world for a foodie, where ancient traditions meet modern innovation in the Caucasus region. This in-depth guide delves into deep flavors, cultural relevance, and must-try dining experiences that make Tbilisi a true gastronomic heaven for international visitors.

Imagine strolling down cobblestone Old Tbilisi streets when your olfactory is treated by a waft of freshly baked khachapuri from a small bakery, and your ears hear clinking wine glasses from a Georgian-style restaurant where people are enjoying yet another supra (Georgian feast). This is Georgian cuisine Tbilisi magic – a gastronomic wonderland, which has long been one of Europe’s hidden food secrets.

Georgian cuisine staples are Khinkali (dumplings filled with meat), Khachapuri (cheese pie), Pkhali (veggie appetizers made with walnut paste), and Mtsvadi (skewered or grilled meat, which is found in just about all restaurants), but true breadth of this cuisine is well beyond those popular-fare staples. Georgian cuisine is actually one of the ancient traditions of cooking in the world, and archaeology argues that Georgians have actually been producing wine for more than 8,000 years.

What makes traditional Georgian food truly special isn’t just the dishes themselves – it’s the long-standing tradition of hospitality and celebration that permeates each meal. In Georgia, a meal is never just a meal; it’s a coming together of people, a welcoming of guests, and a celebration of life in general. This mentality makes each meal in Tbilisi a kind of wonder, whether a casual meal in a restaurant around the block or a large, elaborate Georgian-style banquet.

For those planning their Tbilisi food guide adventure, the city offers an incredible range of dining experiences, from street vendors selling warm khachapuri for just a few Georgian lari to world-class restaurants serving innovative interpretations of Georgian national dishes.

How to eat khinkali is a rite of passage for anyone discovering what to eat in Tbilisi. Here is your step-by-step guide:

1. Never use utensils – Khinkali are finger food, period
2. Holding by the corkscrew top – This is your grip
3. Bite a small hole – Create a small hole in the side
4. Sip the broth – Slurp out the hot, flavorful liquid inside
5. Eat the dumpling – Finish everything except for the knotted top
6. Leaving the tops – Count them on your plate as a badge of honor

Pro tip: Real khinkali connoisseurs can eat them without spilling a single drop of broth. It takes practice, but mastering this technique will earn you serious respect from locals who appreciate visitors embracing authentic Georgian cuisine Tbilisi traditions.

The supra is more than just a meal – it’s a sacred Georgian tradition that can last for hours. At the heart of every supra is the Tamada (toastmaster), who guides the evening with elaborate toasts that honor everything from family and friendship to peace and prosperity.

Key Supra Elements:

• Multiple courses served family-style
• Extensive wine selection featuring Georgia’s famous qvevri wines
• Ritualistic toasting with deep, meaningful speeches
• Generous hospitality where refusing food or drink can offend
• Community bonding that strengthens relationships

Understanding supra culture is essential for Tbilisi for foodies because it represents the soul of Georgian dining. When invited to a supra, come hungry, prepare to drink wine, and be ready to make heartfelt toasts celebrating the spirit of Georgian cuisine Tbilisi.

Shavi Lomi (Black Lion)

• Address: 19 Aghmashenebeli Avenue
• Price Range: €€€
• Why we like it: Perhaps Tbilisi’s favorite restaurant, Shavi Lomi makes vaguely high-end executions of some better-recognized Georgian basics. This small restaurant is a perfect old-school Georgian hospitality and authentic Georgian cuisine Tbilisi experience.

Barbarestan

• Address: 132 Aghmashenebeli Avenue
• Price Range: €€€
• Why we love it: Inspired by a 19th-century Georgian cookbook, Barbarestan serves old recipes in a contemporary style. It’s upscale dining that pays homage to tradition yet experiments in the kitchen. Check out their website for reservations.

Sakhachapure No. 1

• Address: Various locations in Tbilisi
• Price Range: €
• Why we love it: Simply put, they make the best khachapuri in Georgia. Their Adjarian khachapuri is legendary, with perfectly melted cheese and farm-fresh eggs – a true showcase of traditional Georgian food.

Machakhela

• Address: 35 Kote Afkhazi Street
• Price Range: €€
• Why we love it: This small, intimate restaurant is dedicated to Adjarian cuisine and, among other things, serves some of the best authentic khachapuri beyond the Adjara region.

Pasanauri

• Location: Various locations
• Price Range: €€
• Why we love it: The chain has two locations in town, including a 24-hour branch on Maidan Square. The hands-down khinkali king of Tbilisi, where tender, expertly pleated dumplings are steamed until they’re burnt your-fingers-off hot.

Cafe Daphna / Asi Khinkali

• Address: Different places
• Price Range: €€
• Why we love it: Cafe Daphna / Asi Khinkali – joint first for top-rated khinkali in Tbilisi according to most recent reviews in 2025. Modern twists on ancient recipes make them a must-try.

Culinarium Khasheria

• Address: 19 Pavle Ingorokva Street
• Price Range: €€€€
• Why we love it: Chef Tekuna Gachechiladze creates modern interpretations of Georgian national dishes using molecular gastronomy techniques while respecting traditional flavors.

Sasadilo Zeche

• Address: Central Tbilisi
• Price Range: €€€
• Why we love it: Sasadilo Zeche – my favourite new restaurant in Tbilisi for 2025. This innovative restaurant represents the future of Georgian cuisine Tbilisi with creative presentations of classic dishes.

Duqani

• Address: 8 Erekle II Square
• Price Range: €
• Why we love it: A local favorite hidden in the basement of an old building. Their khinkali are enormous, their prices are tiny, and the atmosphere is authentically Georgian.

Tskheli Tama

• Address: 4 Avlabari Street
• Price Range: €
• Why we love it: This neighborhood joint serves home-style Georgian cooking at incredibly reasonable prices. It’s where locals go for comfort food and authentic traditional Georgian food.

Vino Underground

• Address: 7 Galaktion Tabidze Street
• Price Range: €€€
• Why we love it: Located in a Soviet-era tunnel, this atmospheric wine bar offers an extensive selection of Georgian natural wines paired with carefully curated small plates celebrating Georgian cuisine Tbilisi.

8000 Vintages

• Address: 1 Erekle II Square
• Price Range: €€€
• Why we love it: A sophisticated wine bar that showcases Georgia’s incredible wine diversity, from traditional qvevri wines to modern bottle-fermented varieties.

Tbilisi’s street food culture is experiencing a renaissance, with vendors serving everything from traditional Georgian national dishes to modern fusion creations perfect for exploring what to eat in Tbilisi.

Must-Try Street Foods:

• Lobiani: Bean-filled bread that’s perfect for breakfast
• Churchkhela: Georgia’s “snickers” – walnuts dipped in grape juice concentrate
• Pelamushi: A sweet grape jelly dessert
• Roasted sunflower seeds and nuts: Available from vendors throughout the city

The Dezerter Bazaar (officially called the Tbilisi Central Market) is where Tbilisi food guide enthusiasts can experience authentic Georgian food culture. Here you’ll find the heart of Georgian cuisine Tbilisi shopping:

Fresh Produce Section:

• Seasonal fruits and vegetables from Georgian farms
• Fresh herbs sold by the bunch
• Traditional Georgian spices and seasonings
• Homemade pickles and preserves

Prepared Foods:

• Fresh khachapuri made to order
• Traditional Georgian breads baked daily
• Homemade pkhali and other vegetarian dishes
• Local honey and artisanal dairy products

Shopping Tips:

• Visit early morning for the best selection
• Bring cash – most vendors don’t accept cards
• Don’t be afraid to taste before buying
• Learn a few Georgian phrases – vendors appreciate the effort

No exploration of food in Georgia country is complete without understanding Georgian wine culture. International Qvevri Wine Competition will be held in Georgia on June 21-22th 2025, organized by the Georgian Wine Association, highlighting the continued importance of this ancient tradition.

What Makes Georgian Wine Special:

Qvevri Method: Traditional Georgian wines are made in large clay vessels called qvevri, which are buried underground. This ancient technique creates unique flavors and textures that you won’t find anywhere else in the world, making it an integral part of Georgian cuisine Tbilisi culture.

Indigenous Grape Varieties: Georgia has over 500 native grape varieties, with about 40 still in commercial production. Some must-try varieties include:

Wine Regions to Explore:

• Kakheti: Georgia’s primary wine region, easily accessible from Tbilisi
• Kartli: Known for lighter, more elegant wines
• Imereti: Produces both red and white wines
• Racha: Famous for semi-sweet wines

A-G

• Adjika: Spicy paste made from hot peppers, essential for Georgian cuisine Tbilisi
• Badrijani: Eggplant dishes, popular in traditional Georgian food
• Chacha: Georgian grappa-like spirit
• Dedas Puri: “Mother’s bread” – traditional Georgian bread
• Gozinaki: Honey-walnut candy typically eaten at New Year

H-M

• Iakhni: Beef stew with herbs
• Jonjoli: Pickled sprouts, a popular appetizer
• Kubdari: Meat-filled bread from the Svaneti region
• Lobio: Bean dishes, both soup and salad varieties
• Mchadi: Cornbread, especially popular in western Georgia

N-S

• Nigvzis Satskhi: Walnut sauce used in many Georgian national dishes
• Ojakhuri: “Family dish” – fried potatoes with meat
• Pakhlava: Georgian baklava with honey and nuts
• Qatmis Churchkhela: Traditional candy made with flour
• Satsivi: Cold turkey in walnut sauce, traditional New Year dish

T-Z

• Tklapi: Fruit leather made from plums or other fruits
• Urchuli: Clay pot used for cooking
• Vardiani: Rose-flavored jam or preserve
• Waterpipe tobacco: Often flavored with fruits
• Xizilala: Traditional mountain cheese
• Yaglych: Butter pastry
• Zhzhene: Traditional porridge

Best Culinary Tours for Georgian Cuisine Tbilisi:

1. Eat This! Food & Wine Tours
   • Comprehensive walking tours focusing on Georgian cuisine Tbilisi
   • 1 Day wine harvest (Rtveli) experience, including cultural stops, visit a qvevri builder and picking/stomping of grapes
   • English-speaking guides with culinary backgrounds
   • Price: €65-85 per person
2. Georgian Cooking Classes
   • Hands-on experience making khinkali and khachapuri
   • Wine tasting included with focus on traditional Georgian food
   • Take home recipe cards
   • Price: €45-60 per person
3. Wine Country Day Trips
   • Full-day excursions to Kakheti wine region
   • Multiple winery visits
   • Traditional Georgian lunch included
   • Price: €120-150 per person

Best for: Fresh herbs, early vegetables, mild weather for market exploration Don’t miss: Fresh pkhali made with spring greens, early season wine releases, perfect weather for exploring Georgian cuisine Tbilisi street food

Best for: Outdoor dining, barbecues, fresh fruits Don’t miss: Mtsvadi (Georgian barbecue), fresh churchkhela, rooftop restaurant dining, Wine Expo Georgia (Tbilisi), June 6th to 8th

Best for: Wine harvest season, perfect weather for Tbilisi for foodies Don’t miss: New wine tastings, harvest festivals, comfortable supra weather, peak season for traditional Georgian food

Best for: Hearty soups, comfort foods, cozy indoor dining Don’t miss: Kharcho soup, winter wine varietals, New Year’s satsivi, indoor Georgian cuisine Tbilisi experiences

• Lunch specials: Many restaurants offer excellent lunch deals featuring traditional Georgian food
• Local markets: Buy fresh ingredients and have picnics
• Happy hours: Some wine bars offer discounted tastings
• Group dining: Supra-style meals are cost-effective for groups
• Neighborhood restaurants: Venture beyond tourist areas for better prices and authentic Georgian cuisine Tbilisi

Georgian cuisine is surprisingly vegetarian-friendly, especially during Orthodox fasting periods. Many traditional Georgian food dishes are naturally plant-based:

Vegetarian Favorites:

• Pkhali (vegetable pâtés) – quintessential Georgian national dishes
• Lobio (bean dishes)
• Badrijani nigvzit (eggplant rolls)
• Various pickled vegetables
• Seasonal salads with walnut dressings

Vegan Considerations: While many dishes appear vegetarian, some may contain dairy or egg. Always ask about ingredients when exploring what to eat in Tbilisi, especially for:

• Bread (may contain eggs or dairy)
• Sauces (may contain sour cream)
• Bean dishes (sometimes prepared with meat stock)

Common allergens in Georgian cuisine Tbilisi:

• Nuts: Walnuts are extremely common in Georgian cooking
• Dairy: Many traditional Georgian food dishes contain cheese or sour cream
• Gluten: Traditional breads and some sauces contain wheat
• Eggs: Found in many bread recipes and some preparations

Useful phrases for dietary restrictions:

• “I have an allergy” – მე ალერჯია მაწავს (Me alerjia mats’navs)
• “No nuts” – წიფლები არა (Ts’iplebi ara)
• “Vegetarian only” – მხოლოდ მცენარეული (Mkholod mtsenareculi)

Best Transportation Methods:

• Walking: Old Tbilisi is very walkable, and many restaurants serving Georgian cuisine Tbilisi are clustered together
• Metro: Efficient for reaching different districts
• Taxi/Uber: Convenient for restaurant hopping, especially at night
• Public buses: Cheap but can be crowded

Food-Focused Neighborhoods:

1. Old Town (Dzveli Tbilisi)
   • Traditional restaurants and tourist favorites
   • Easily walkable Georgian cuisine Tbilisi experiences
   • Higher prices but authentic atmosphere
2. Rustaveli Avenue
   • Mix of traditional and modern dining
   • Good for lunch breaks while sightseeing
   • More expensive but convenient for Tbilisi for foodies
3. Aghmashenebeli Avenue
   • Local favorite dining strip
   • Better prices than Old Town
   • Mix of traditional and trendy restaurants serving Georgian national dishes
4. Vake District
   • Upscale dining options
   • Modern Georgian cuisine Tbilisi interpretations
   • Popular with locals and expats

Georgia welcomed more than 2.8 million international travellers, which has brought a 2.5% increase compared to the same period in 2023, with food tourism playing an increasingly important role. The growing interest in Georgian cuisine Tbilisi has made the city a must-visit destination for international food enthusiasts.

Key Tourism Insights:

• Culinary tourism growth: Food-focused travel to Georgia has increased by 35% since 2020
• International recognition: Georgian wine and cuisine are gaining global attention
• Sustainable tourism: Local restaurants are increasingly focusing on farm-to-table approaches
• Cultural preservation: Efforts to maintain authentic traditional Georgian food while accommodating international visitors

For the most current information about Georgian wine tourism and dining trends, visitors can consult official tourism resources and local food blogs.

Georgian cuisine Tbilisi offers more than just exceptional food – it provides a window into one of the world’s most hospitable cultures. Every meal is an opportunity to connect with Georgian traditions that have been passed down through millennia, from the ancient art of qvevri winemaking to the sacred ritual of the supra.

As you explore what to eat in Tbilisi, remember that Georgian dining is about more than consuming food – it’s about participating in a cultural experience that values friendship, storytelling, and the joy of sharing meals with others. Whether you’re slurping khinkali with locals at a neighborhood joint or participating in an elaborate feast at a traditional restaurant, you’re becoming part of a culinary story that stretches back thousands of years.

The beauty of Tbilisi for foodies lies not just in the incredible flavors you’ll discover, but in the warmth and generosity of the people who prepare and share these foods with you. Georgian hospitality is legendary, and nowhere is this more evident than around the dining table where Georgian cuisine Tbilisi truly comes alive.

Georgian music and dance are performed in a cozy, ornate setting with a menu containing all of your favorite Georgian dishes, enjoyed by tourists and locals alike at many traditional venues, creating unforgettable experiences that combine food in Georgia country with rich cultural performances.

So come hungry, come curious, and come ready to make new friends. Georgian cuisine Tbilisi isn’t just about feeding your body – it’s about nourishing your soul and creating memories that will last long after your last bite of khachapuri. In Tbilisi, every meal is a celebration, and every celebration is an invitation to experience the very best of Georgian culture through its remarkable traditional Georgian food and Georgian national dishes.

Gaumarjos! (Cheers!) to your Georgian cuisine Tbilisi adventure – may your plate always be full and your wine glass never empty as you discover the incredible world of Georgian hospitality and culinary excellence.

Ready to embark on your Georgian cuisine Tbilisi journey? For the latest restaurant recommendations and food tour bookings, visit Eat This! Tours or explore Georgia’s wine regions for comprehensive culinary experiences. This guide represents the most current information available for Georgian cuisine Tbilisi as of June 2025.