Anna’s Guidebook
Places to Eat and Drink
When they say Barbarestan is a family restaurant, they mean it. Diners are welcomed by one of the members of a huge (10 children) family and most of them are involved in the restaurant business. Babare stands for Barbare Jorjadze - a legendary Georgian chef and the author of the first extensive book about Georgian cuisine from the 19th century. The restaurant has revisited this cook book and now allows both visitors and Georgians alike to rediscover forgotten treasures of the country’s heritage: the pumpkin patties and cherry soup with mint are our favourites. One word of warning: the restaurant doesn’t serve any beer, but does offer a wonderful selection of kvevri wines, fitting given that the basement is an original 19th century wine cellar; wine is also available by the bottle to go. Live retro Georgian music on Saturday nights from 20:00 to 22:00. Essential: don’t leave Tbilisi without visiting.
205 lokalkjente anbefaler
Barbarestan
132 Davit Aghmashenebeli AveWhen they say Barbarestan is a family restaurant, they mean it. Diners are welcomed by one of the members of a huge (10 children) family and most of them are involved in the restaurant business. Babare stands for Barbare Jorjadze - a legendary Georgian chef and the author of the first extensive book about Georgian cuisine from the 19th century. The restaurant has revisited this cook book and now allows both visitors and Georgians alike to rediscover forgotten treasures of the country’s heritage: the pumpkin patties and cherry soup with mint are our favourites. One word of warning: the restaurant doesn’t serve any beer, but does offer a wonderful selection of kvevri wines, fitting given that the basement is an original 19th century wine cellar; wine is also available by the bottle to go. Live retro Georgian music on Saturday nights from 20:00 to 22:00. Essential: don’t leave Tbilisi without visiting.
Cafe Stamba is where the industrial chic aesthetic shines brightest. A menu of modern comfort food makes an easy segue between Georgian and international cuisines with expertly crafted cocktails on offer at the adjacent Pink Bar,bounded by an outdoor terrace. One can also enjoy a charming Chocolaterie and Roastery presenting a selection of high quality artisanal chocolate made in-house and coffee.
205 lokalkjente anbefaler
Stamba Hotel
0108 Merab Kostava StCafe Stamba is where the industrial chic aesthetic shines brightest. A menu of modern comfort food makes an easy segue between Georgian and international cuisines with expertly crafted cocktails on offer at the adjacent Pink Bar,bounded by an outdoor terrace. One can also enjoy a charming Chocolaterie and Roastery presenting a selection of high quality artisanal chocolate made in-house and coffee.
This cafe is a marvelous case of multifaceted expression of one's talent. Rezo Gabriadze, famous Georgian screenwriter, painter, sculptor and puppeteer, made all the details of his cafe by himself, investing not just his time and talent, but also his soul in it and this is the thing you feel.
The interior is so awesome that you can spend a lot of time not eating, but looking around. The food is very delicious.
Every hour at the clock tower appears the angel counting the hours. His "working time" is from 10 till 18. Don't miss it!
144 lokalkjente anbefaler
Gabriadze
13 Ioane Shavteli StThis cafe is a marvelous case of multifaceted expression of one's talent. Rezo Gabriadze, famous Georgian screenwriter, painter, sculptor and puppeteer, made all the details of his cafe by himself, investing not just his time and talent, but also his soul in it and this is the thing you feel.
The interior is so awesome that you can spend a lot of time not eating, but looking around. The food is very delicious.
Every hour at the clock tower appears the angel counting the hours. His "working time" is from 10 till 18. Don't miss it!
Shavi Lomi (Black Lion) is one of the most iconic in Tbilisi and it’s really worth visiting. It is especially charming in the summer when you can sit for hours in the garden. A visit to Shavi Lomi is one way to experience Tbilisi at its best.
Shavi Lomi became the first place in Tbilisi to offer Georgian fusion cuisine, quickly gaining cult status among locals and foreigners alike. The name ‘Shavi Lomi’ is translated as ‘Black Lion’ and is named after a famous painting by the artist Pirosmani.
One of Shavi Lomi’s signature dishes is a huge bowl with a set of appetizers and several mchadi (cornmeal flatbread) called Gobi.
191 lokalkjente anbefaler
Shavi Lomi
28 Zurab Kvlividze StShavi Lomi (Black Lion) is one of the most iconic in Tbilisi and it’s really worth visiting. It is especially charming in the summer when you can sit for hours in the garden. A visit to Shavi Lomi is one way to experience Tbilisi at its best.
Shavi Lomi became the first place in Tbilisi to offer Georgian fusion cuisine, quickly gaining cult status among locals and foreigners alike. The name ‘Shavi Lomi’ is translated as ‘Black Lion’ and is named after a famous painting by the artist Pirosmani.
One of Shavi Lomi’s signature dishes is a huge bowl with a set of appetizers and several mchadi (cornmeal flatbread) called Gobi.
Restaurant Pasanauri is one of the best places to eat khinkali, Georgian meat dumplings. The restaurant has two locations in the city, On Maidan Square and Griboedovi street – both are open 24 hours. Come here for an authentic Georgian experience: the interior is filled with rustic wooden tables, separated by thick dividers for intimacy. Black and white pictures of old Tbilisi by Robert Capa adorn its walls, while a unique installation of a Georgian supra hangs on its ceiling.
98 lokalkjente anbefaler
Pasanauri
37 Alexander Griboedov StreetRestaurant Pasanauri is one of the best places to eat khinkali, Georgian meat dumplings. The restaurant has two locations in the city, On Maidan Square and Griboedovi street – both are open 24 hours. Come here for an authentic Georgian experience: the interior is filled with rustic wooden tables, separated by thick dividers for intimacy. Black and white pictures of old Tbilisi by Robert Capa adorn its walls, while a unique installation of a Georgian supra hangs on its ceiling.
A recently opened Georgian restaurant in Vera, an older area of Tbilisi, is a bit difficult to find. You need or google maps or a friend, who has already been here. The house has been transformed into a large restaurant featuring old Georgian balconies, corbels, wooden spaces architecturally with the interior a mix of modern sensibilities. The restaurant has large courtyard from where you can enjoy a wide, panoramic view of Tbilisi.
203 lokalkjente anbefaler
Keto & Kote
3 თორაძის ჩიხიA recently opened Georgian restaurant in Vera, an older area of Tbilisi, is a bit difficult to find. You need or google maps or a friend, who has already been here. The house has been transformed into a large restaurant featuring old Georgian balconies, corbels, wooden spaces architecturally with the interior a mix of modern sensibilities. The restaurant has large courtyard from where you can enjoy a wide, panoramic view of Tbilisi.
The place is a bit hidden, but almost always full because of delicious food you get there. A lot of Georgian and Eastern European specialties, plus nice interior make you feel really well.
If the weather allows it, sit outside: it's very nice and authentic with those grape vines hanging above you.
By the way, it's a cat friendly place: especially in summer you may often find cute cats around!
Food recommendations: Okroshka and home-made lemonade in summer, as well as spicy mushroom Khinkali in winter are a must!
53 lokalkjente anbefaler
Sofia Melnikovas Fantastiuri Duqani
Stamba Dead EndThe place is a bit hidden, but almost always full because of delicious food you get there. A lot of Georgian and Eastern European specialties, plus nice interior make you feel really well.
If the weather allows it, sit outside: it's very nice and authentic with those grape vines hanging above you.
By the way, it's a cat friendly place: especially in summer you may often find cute cats around!
Food recommendations: Okroshka and home-made lemonade in summer, as well as spicy mushroom Khinkali in winter are a must!
A very special spot, both stylish and cozy. Don’t come here - you’ll get addicted! The interior is very nicely arranged and the food is amazing.
You can chill on the terrace or choose one of the rooms inside: one hall is perfect for a cozy night out with a small group of friends, and the other one is ideal for a bigger crowd.
The establishment's specialty is traditional Georgian food made in a modern way. The choice of dishes is not so abundant, but there are only the best items on the menu. The variety of wine compliments the food really well. The owners personally selected wines from various regions of Georgia to share only the best of the best with their dear guests.
The staff have been through a strict selection process. Everyone is extremely friendly, courteous and professional.
Friendly warning: I advise you to book in advance, especially for the evening!
50 lokalkjente anbefaler
Veriko
1 Vasil Petriashvili StreetA very special spot, both stylish and cozy. Don’t come here - you’ll get addicted! The interior is very nicely arranged and the food is amazing.
You can chill on the terrace or choose one of the rooms inside: one hall is perfect for a cozy night out with a small group of friends, and the other one is ideal for a bigger crowd.
The establishment's specialty is traditional Georgian food made in a modern way. The choice of dishes is not so abundant, but there are only the best items on the menu. The variety of wine compliments the food really well. The owners personally selected wines from various regions of Georgia to share only the best of the best with their dear guests.
The staff have been through a strict selection process. Everyone is extremely friendly, courteous and professional.
Friendly warning: I advise you to book in advance, especially for the evening!
This is a nice restaurant of a non-standard format — a garden café. Fans of spending time on the patio and those who want to escape from the scorching sun in the middle of a hot day will enjoy it the most.
The café captivates with its atmosphere above all else. The café's territory is full of greenery and beautiful trees. There are unusual tables with swing-like seats — you sit opposite each other and swing back and forth, back and forth. You can swing like that forever.
The menu represents the traditional Georgian cuisine. The food is delicious, the serving is beautiful — a feast both for your body and eyes. It should be noted that guests of the café often give its service mixed reviews and wish it could be faster. However, Tbili Sio is perfect for when you are not in a hurry and want to relax a bit in a cool place or just sit with friends in a pleasant atmosphere and drink cold Georgian wine.
Tbili Sio works from 1 p.m. to 2 a.m. You won't be able to have breakfast here, but you can go for a glass of wine to rest from your promenade or relax in the evening surrounded by greenery.
23 lokalkjente anbefaler
Tbili Sio
1 Petre Melikishvili StThis is a nice restaurant of a non-standard format — a garden café. Fans of spending time on the patio and those who want to escape from the scorching sun in the middle of a hot day will enjoy it the most.
The café captivates with its atmosphere above all else. The café's territory is full of greenery and beautiful trees. There are unusual tables with swing-like seats — you sit opposite each other and swing back and forth, back and forth. You can swing like that forever.
The menu represents the traditional Georgian cuisine. The food is delicious, the serving is beautiful — a feast both for your body and eyes. It should be noted that guests of the café often give its service mixed reviews and wish it could be faster. However, Tbili Sio is perfect for when you are not in a hurry and want to relax a bit in a cool place or just sit with friends in a pleasant atmosphere and drink cold Georgian wine.
Tbili Sio works from 1 p.m. to 2 a.m. You won't be able to have breakfast here, but you can go for a glass of wine to rest from your promenade or relax in the evening surrounded by greenery.
Salobie Bia is a small artsy restaurant that offers traditional meals with of Western Georgia and is set in a lovely decorated art place, surrounded by paintings, selected old furniture mixed with modern objects.
It´s modern, it´s creative and it´s delicious.
Their lobio, the beans stew is excellent and so is the choice of wines.
Here you can enjoy traditional meals in a modern environment and if you´d like to, also buy some modern paintings.
They sell delicious home made green ajika (chili) in small jars - makes a perfect souvenir
59 lokalkjente anbefaler
Salobie Bia
17 Shota Rustaveli AveSalobie Bia is a small artsy restaurant that offers traditional meals with of Western Georgia and is set in a lovely decorated art place, surrounded by paintings, selected old furniture mixed with modern objects.
It´s modern, it´s creative and it´s delicious.
Their lobio, the beans stew is excellent and so is the choice of wines.
Here you can enjoy traditional meals in a modern environment and if you´d like to, also buy some modern paintings.
They sell delicious home made green ajika (chili) in small jars - makes a perfect souvenir
Am exceptional wine store and degustation place. The name symbolizes the history of winemaking in Georgia that counts 8,000 years. A distinguishing part about this shop is that it organizes blind tastings for a panel of winemakers, wine connoisseurs, and sommeliers. Only wines that pass the tasting are sold in the shop and it still offers the largest variety of local and foreign wines in Tbilisi. The place also offers selection of side dishes perfectly paired with wine.
13 lokalkjente anbefaler
8000VINTAGES
27 Revaz Tabukashvili StAm exceptional wine store and degustation place. The name symbolizes the history of winemaking in Georgia that counts 8,000 years. A distinguishing part about this shop is that it organizes blind tastings for a panel of winemakers, wine connoisseurs, and sommeliers. Only wines that pass the tasting are sold in the shop and it still offers the largest variety of local and foreign wines in Tbilisi. The place also offers selection of side dishes perfectly paired with wine.
Super cool place, an old soviet factory turned into a vibrant place with lots of cool cafes, bars and shops filled with locals.
346 lokalkjente anbefaler
Fabrika Tbilisi
8 Egnate Ninoshvili StSuper cool place, an old soviet factory turned into a vibrant place with lots of cool cafes, bars and shops filled with locals.
ნინიას ბაღი - Ninia’s Garden
97 Dimitri Uznadze StreetDelicious Georgian food and lovely atmosphere.
Very nice and cozy place, good atmosphere outside with beautiful garden, perfect place where you can sit and sip coffee, drink cocktails or eat delicious food.
ZILLIco ზილიკო
64 Vasil Barnov StVery nice and cozy place, good atmosphere outside with beautiful garden, perfect place where you can sit and sip coffee, drink cocktails or eat delicious food.
If you want to taste the best bbq in Tbilisi, this is the right place!
13 lokalkjente anbefaler
Honoré
4 Constitution StreetIf you want to taste the best bbq in Tbilisi, this is the right place!
Daraba.art
18 Mikheil Lermontovi StreetBlack Dog Bar
33 Lado Asatiani StEzo
16 Geronti Kikodze StLovely place with cozy garden
El Chapo
16 Ivane Machabeli StreetSome Mexican vibe in heart of Tbilisi. Tacos, quesadillas and more.
ERTI KAVA coffee room Tbilisi
8 Mitropan Laghidze StSuper nice breakfast stop with kid friendly environment!
Valiko Bar & Hostel
1 Abo Tbileli StreetSightseeing
Dominating the Old Town skyline, Narikala dates right back to the 4th century, when it was a Persian citadel. The choice way to reach it is by cable car from Rike Park. Or you can walk up from Meidan. The views over Tbilisi from the top of the fortress are superb.
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Legenden om Narikala-festningen
Dominating the Old Town skyline, Narikala dates right back to the 4th century, when it was a Persian citadel. The choice way to reach it is by cable car from Rike Park. Or you can walk up from Meidan. The views over Tbilisi from the top of the fortress are superb.
The landmark Metekhi Church, and the 1960s equestrian statue of King Vakhtang Gorgasali beside it, occupy the strategic rocky outcrop above the Metekhi Bridge. This is where Vakhtang Gorgasali built his palace, and the site’s first church, when he made Tbilisi his capital in the 5th century. The existing church was built by King Demetre Tavdadebuli (the Self-Sacrificing) between 1278 and 1289, and has been reconstructed many times since.
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Metekhi St. Virgin Church
Metekhi StreetThe landmark Metekhi Church, and the 1960s equestrian statue of King Vakhtang Gorgasali beside it, occupy the strategic rocky outcrop above the Metekhi Bridge. This is where Vakhtang Gorgasali built his palace, and the site’s first church, when he made Tbilisi his capital in the 5th century. The existing church was built by King Demetre Tavdadebuli (the Self-Sacrificing) between 1278 and 1289, and has been reconstructed many times since.
The ride up Mtatsminda on the recently reconstructed Funicular is spectacular, as are the views from the top – and the Funicular Complex restaurant building has a couple of great places to eat or drink. It's also usually several degrees cooler up here than in the city below, which can be very welcome in the heat of summer.
280 lokalkjente anbefaler
Funicular Complex
9 ქაქუცა ჩოლოყაშვილის ქუჩაThe ride up Mtatsminda on the recently reconstructed Funicular is spectacular, as are the views from the top – and the Funicular Complex restaurant building has a couple of great places to eat or drink. It's also usually several degrees cooler up here than in the city below, which can be very welcome in the heat of summer.
For most visitors the highlight here is the hall of wonderful canvases by Georgia’s best known painter Pirosmani (Niko Pirosmanashvili, 1862–1918), ranging from his celebrated animal and feast scenes to lesser-known portraits and rural-life canvases. There’s also a good selection of work by other top 20th-century Georgian artists Lado Gudiashvili and David Kakabadze. Enter from the park beside the Kashveti Church.
158 lokalkjente anbefaler
Nasjonalgalleriet
11 Shota Rustaveli AveFor most visitors the highlight here is the hall of wonderful canvases by Georgia’s best known painter Pirosmani (Niko Pirosmanashvili, 1862–1918), ranging from his celebrated animal and feast scenes to lesser-known portraits and rural-life canvases. There’s also a good selection of work by other top 20th-century Georgian artists Lado Gudiashvili and David Kakabadze. Enter from the park beside the Kashveti Church.
This collection of traditional, mostly wooden houses, collected from all around Georgia, is spread over a wooded hillside with good views, and makes for an enjoyable visit. The most interesting exhibits are in the lower section (near the entrance), where the buildings are kitted out with traditional furnishings, rugs and utensils, and the attendants can often explain things in English. A Georgian lunch at Rachasubani is a nice idea while you're here.
162 lokalkjente anbefaler
Åpent museum for etnografi
კუს ტბის ქუჩაThis collection of traditional, mostly wooden houses, collected from all around Georgia, is spread over a wooded hillside with good views, and makes for an enjoyable visit. The most interesting exhibits are in the lower section (near the entrance), where the buildings are kitted out with traditional furnishings, rugs and utensils, and the attendants can often explain things in English. A Georgian lunch at Rachasubani is a nice idea while you're here.
A short walk south from Meidan, a collection of strange brick domes rises from the ground behind a small park. These are Tbilisi’s famed sulphur baths, the Abanotubani. Alexanders Dumas and Pushkin both bathed here, the latter describing it as the best bath he’d ever had. The domes are the roofs of subterranean bathhouses. Outwardly more impressive, the above-ground Orbeliani Baths have a Central Asian feel to their blue-tile facade.
235 lokalkjente anbefaler
Abanotubani
A short walk south from Meidan, a collection of strange brick domes rises from the ground behind a small park. These are Tbilisi’s famed sulphur baths, the Abanotubani. Alexanders Dumas and Pushkin both bathed here, the latter describing it as the best bath he’d ever had. The domes are the roofs of subterranean bathhouses. Outwardly more impressive, the above-ground Orbeliani Baths have a Central Asian feel to their blue-tile facade.
The art here is, apart from the odd temporary exhibition, all the work of one man – the museum's founder Zurab Tsereteli. This now Moscow-based Georgian is one of those lucky artists who becomes a financial success in his own lifetime, and the sculptures and paintings here are characteristic of his grandiose, larger-than-life work found in many countries.
75 lokalkjente anbefaler
Moma Tbilisi
27 Shota Rustaveli AveThe art here is, apart from the odd temporary exhibition, all the work of one man – the museum's founder Zurab Tsereteli. This now Moscow-based Georgian is one of those lucky artists who becomes a financial success in his own lifetime, and the sculptures and paintings here are characteristic of his grandiose, larger-than-life work found in many countries.
Smart Funicular cable railway with new carriages. Only 6 GEL (US$2.20) for return trip. Good views from the carriages. Buy a plastic card at the station and use this on the turnstiles to enter the railway and at the top keep for the return trip.
Mtatsminda Park is worth a look, it is January so not all rides are open, but some were and the restaurant at the top was open and seemed well attended.
43 lokalkjente anbefaler
Funicular
9 ქაქუცა ჩოლოყაშვილის ქუჩაSmart Funicular cable railway with new carriages. Only 6 GEL (US$2.20) for return trip. Good views from the carriages. Buy a plastic card at the station and use this on the turnstiles to enter the railway and at the top keep for the return trip.
Mtatsminda Park is worth a look, it is January so not all rides are open, but some were and the restaurant at the top was open and seemed well attended.
This extraordinary flea market will keep you entertained for hours. There is a mesmerising assortment of antiques, jewellery and bric-a-brac on sale. In the tough days of Perestroika and the early years of independence, the Dry Bridge is where hard-up citizens of Tbilisi would come to sell their possessions in order to make a little cash. For some people that is still the case today, though for others this is their main business. Everything is laid out on the ground, often carefully arranged on on sheets of material, other times it is a haphazard collection. One person might be trying to sell you twenty-year-old batteries or an old toothbrush, while their neighbour will be touting antique amber and silver jewellery. If you want to buy anything remember to haggle. Prices may be inflated, especially for tourists. Open daily if the weather is good, from 10:00 - 17:00. At weekends there are usually more sellers, but more tourists too.
198 lokalkjente anbefaler
Tørrbrosmarkedet
This extraordinary flea market will keep you entertained for hours. There is a mesmerising assortment of antiques, jewellery and bric-a-brac on sale. In the tough days of Perestroika and the early years of independence, the Dry Bridge is where hard-up citizens of Tbilisi would come to sell their possessions in order to make a little cash. For some people that is still the case today, though for others this is their main business. Everything is laid out on the ground, often carefully arranged on on sheets of material, other times it is a haphazard collection. One person might be trying to sell you twenty-year-old batteries or an old toothbrush, while their neighbour will be touting antique amber and silver jewellery. If you want to buy anything remember to haggle. Prices may be inflated, especially for tourists. Open daily if the weather is good, from 10:00 - 17:00. At weekends there are usually more sellers, but more tourists too.