“Experiencing Georgian Culture in Just 6 Hours and 45 Minutes? Impossible!” Think Again Tbilisi is…
Top 10 Tbilisi Restaurants: A Local Foodie’s Guide to Georgian Cuisine

Do you want to experience the essence of Georgian cuisine during your short layover in Tbilisi? Even with limited time, you can still savor authentic local flavors.
Below, we introduce popular restaurants, easy-to-access food spots for transit travelers, and even romantic rooftop dining options. Plus, we’ll share essential dining etiquette and tips to make your culinary adventure smooth and enjoyable. Let’s dive in!
Welcome to Tbilisi – A Paradise for Georgian Cuisine!
Tbilisi is the heart of Georgian gastronomy, home to a diverse range of traditional dishes and exceptional restaurants. To help you make the most of your visit, we’ve handpicked the most popular restaurants among travelers, offering an authentic taste of Georgia’s rich culinary heritage.
Savor Local Flavors! Top 10 Restaurants Loved by Travelers
- Barbarestan🍽 A family-run restaurant reviving 19th-century Georgian recipes.
- 🕒 Hours: 2:00 PM – 11:30 PM
- 📍 Address: D. Aghmashenebeli Ave. 132, Tbilisi
- 🚇 Access: 10-minute walk from Marjanishvili Metro Station
- Café Littera🌿 Modern Georgian cuisine served in a historic courtyard setting.
- 🕒 Hours: 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- 📍 Address: 13 Ivane Machabeli St, Tbilisi
- 🚶 Access: 15-minute walk from Freedom Square

3. Shavi Lomi
🦁 A hidden gem loved by locals, serving authentic Georgian cuisine.
- 🕒 Hours: 12:00 PM – 2:00 AM
- 📍 Address: 28 Zurab Kvlividze St, Tbilisi
- 🚇 Access: 15-minute walk from Marjanishvili Metro Station
4. Sakhli #11
🏡 A cozy, home-style restaurant serving traditional Georgian family dishes.
- 🕒 Hours: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- 📍 Address: 11 Ioane Shavteli St, Tbilisi
- 🚶 Access: 10-minute walk from Freedom Square
5. Machakhela
🥟 A casual spot for must-try Georgian classics like Khinkali & Khachapuri.
- 🕒 Hours: Open 24/7
- 📍 Address: 23 Tumaniani St, Tbilisi
- 🚶 Access: Near Metekhi Church

6. Racha
🍲 A beloved local spot offering traditional Georgian cuisine at affordable prices.
- 🕒 Hours: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM
- 📍 Address: 6 Mikheil Lermontovi St, Tbilisi
- 🚶 Access: 5-minute walk from Freedom Square
7. Pasanauri
🥟 A go-to restaurant for Khinkali, loved by both locals and tourists.
- 🕒 Hours: 10:00 AM – 12:30 AM
- 📍 Address: 1 Vazha-Pshavela Ave, Tbilisi
- 🚇 Access: 10-minute walk from Rustaveli Metro Station
8. Samikitno
🍽 A budget-friendly chain serving Georgian fast food and local favorites.
- 🕒 Hours: Open 24/7
- 📍 Address: 3 Kote Afkhazi St, Tbilisi
- 🚶 Access: 5-minute walk from Freedom Square

- Funicular Restaurant Complex🌆 A fine dining spot perched on a hill with breathtaking views of Tbilisi.
- 🕒 Hours: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- 📍 Address: Mtatsminda Plateau, Tbilisi
- 🚋 Access: Reachable via the Funicular Railway
- Ethno Tsiskvili
🎶 A cultural dining experience with traditional Georgian dance and music.
- 🕒 Hours: 4:00 PM – 1:00 AM
- 📍 Address: 99 Akaki Beliashvili St, Tbilisi
- 🚖 Access: About a 10-minute taxi ride from Liberty Square Station
Short Layover? Enjoy Delicious Food on the Go!
✈ Looking for a comfortable place to rest during your Tbilisi layover? ✈
Even if you have just a few hours, make the most of your transit time with a day-use hotel!
👉 Check out the best day-use hotels in Tbilisi here
Short layover? No worries! Here are some quick and delicious food spots where you can enjoy authentic Georgian flavors.
Samikitno – Fast & Affordable Georgian Classics
A great place to grab traditional Shkmeruli (garlic chicken) and Khachapuri on the go. Budget-friendly and perfect for those in a hurry!
- Hours: Open 24/7
- Address: Shota Rustaveli Ave 23, Tbilisi
- Access: 5-minute walk from Freedom Square Station
Machakhela – Convenient & Quick Bites
Easily accessible from the airport, this restaurant serves classic Georgian soups and grilled skewers, perfect for a quick yet flavorful meal.
- Hours: Open 24/7
- Address: 11 Kote Afkhazi St, Tbilisi
- Access: 15-minute drive from Tbilisi International Airport

Stunning Rooftop Restaurants for a Romantic Night Out
Looking for a special dining experience with breathtaking views? Enjoy delicious cuisine while gazing at the stunning Tbilisi skyline. Perfect for couples and unforgettable nights!
Ati Rooftop Restaurant
🍷 Panoramic Views & Fine Wine Selection
Located atop a high-rise building, this elegant rooftop spot offers a spectacular city view and an extensive wine list for a luxurious evening.
- 🕒 Hours: 6:00 PM – 1:00 AM
- 📍 Address: 14 Merab Kostava St, Tbilisi
- 🚇 Access: 5-minute walk from Rustaveli Metro Station
Funicular Restaurant Complex
🌆 A Hilltop Dining Experience Overlooking Tbilisi
Perched on a scenic hill, this restaurant offers authentic Georgian dishes alongside breathtaking panoramic views of the city.
- 🕒 Hours: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- 📍 Address: Mtatsminda Plateau, Tbilisi
- 🚋 Access: Take the funicular railway to Mtatsminda Station

Dining Etiquette & Tips in Tbilisi: What You Need to Know
To fully enjoy Georgian cuisine, keep these key dining customs in mind!
- Toast with “Gaumarjos!” 🍷
Georgia has a rich wine culture, and the traditional toast “Gaumarjos!” (meaning “To victory!”) is a must at any gathering. - Dishes Keep Coming! 🍽️
Georgian meals are served family-style, with large plates continuously brought to the table. Sharing is the norm! - Service Charges Are Often Included 💰
Most restaurants include a 10% service charge, but if you receive exceptional service, leaving an extra tip is appreciated.
Final Thoughts: Savor the Best of Tbilisi’s Culinary Scene!
Even with limited time, you can fully immerse yourself in Tbilisi’s rich food culture. Take advantage of your layover to taste local flavors and experience authentic Georgian cuisine. Once you discover the depth of Georgian food, you’ll surely want to return for more! 🍷🍽️✨