Planning a layover in Georgia but wondering if you need a visa? Even seasoned travelers…
Your Ultimate Tbilisi Food Guide: Discover Georgia’s Culinary Treasures
If you’re in Tbilisi, don’t miss out on a culinary adventure! Traditional dishes, local markets, wine bars—there are plenty of spots to enjoy, even on a short stay. No time? No problem! This guide will help you savor the best flavors of Tbilisi.
The Charm of Georgian Cuisine: The Deep Flavors of Fermentation
The secret of Georgian cuisine lies in fermentation. From wine and cheese to bread and soup, fermentation is at the heart of many dishes. If you love Japanese fermented foods, you’ll surely be captivated by these rich, deep flavors!
📝 Examples of Fermented Foods
- Qvevri Wine: A traditional wine-making method with over 8,000 years of history.
- Sulguni Cheese: A deliciously tangy and slightly salty cheese that’s irresistibly addictive!
- Khachapuri: Fermented dough filled with melted cheese—pure bliss in every bite!
If you want to learn more about the basics of Georgian cuisine, check this out! 👉 Essential Guide to Georgian Cuisine
Popular Cafés & Restaurants in Tbilisi for Travelers
1. Cafe Lieli (Cafe Lieli)
☕ A Fusion of Georgian Tradition & Modern Café Culture
Enjoy modern interpretations of traditional Georgian ingredients in a stylish setting with a spacious terrace—perfect for a relaxed brunch.
📍 Address: Rustaveli Avenue 14, Tbilisi
🕒 Hours: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
🚶 Access: 15-minute walk from Tbilisi Central Station
2. Fabrika (Fabrika)
🎨 Where Art, Food, & Culture Collide
A trendy hotspot with a hostel, bar, shops, and an art space all in one. Always buzzing with locals and travelers alike!
📍 Address: Ninoshvili Street 8, Tbilisi
🕒 Hours: Café 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM (Bar open 24/7)
🚇 Access: 5-minute walk from Marjanishvili Metro Station
Explore Local Markets: Experience Authentic Georgian Flavors
Dezertiri Market (Dezertiri Market)
🌶 A Haven for Spices & Fresh Ingredients
One of Tbilisi’s largest markets, offering essential Georgian spices, traditional cheeses, and handmade pickles—perfect for food lovers!
📍 Address: Tsinamdzgvrishvili Street, Tbilisi
🕒 Hours: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
🚶 Access: 3-minute walk from Tbilisi Central Station
Want to dive deeper into the market scene? 👉 Check out this market guide
Irresistible Shkmeruli! A Rich Garlic Chicken Dish Perfect for Japanese Tastes
You can’t talk about Georgian cuisine without trying Shkmeruli! The ultimate combination of garlic, cream, and chicken will knock your taste buds out—in the best way possible.
Recommended Spot: Georgian House (Georgian House)
🔥 A Top-Rated Restaurant for Authentic Shkmeruli
Enjoy a rich, garlicky cream sauce that’s simple yet unforgettable. One bite, and you’ll be hooked!
📍 Address: 10 G. Tabidze St, Tbilisi
🕒 Hours: 7:00 AM – 10:00 AM (Mon-Fri), 7:30 AM – 10:30 AM (Sat-Sun)
🚶 Access: 7-minute walk from Liberty Square Station
Experience Traditional Georgian Wine in the Birthplace of Winemaking
Wine lovers, if you’re in Tbilisi, don’t leave without tasting Georgian wine! Fermented in Qvevri (large clay vessels), these wines offer a truly unique flavor found nowhere else in the world.
Recommended Wine Bar: 8000 Vintages
🍷 A Must-Visit for True Wine Enthusiasts
From local favorites to rare selections, this wine bar boasts an extensive collection. Enjoy Georgian wine in a stylish setting at your own pace.
📍 Address: 1 Irakli Abashidze St, Tbilisi
🕒 Hours: 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM
🚖 Access: 10-minute taxi ride from Rustaveli Avenue
👉 Learn more about Georgian wine here
Perfect for Short Layovers! Quick Food Spots in Tbilisi
🚀 Short on time? Don’t miss out on the taste of Georgia!
Airport Lounge Cafe (Inside Tbilisi International Airport)
✈ Enjoy Authentic Georgian Flavors Without Leaving the Airport
A convenient spot to try Georgian dishes like Shkmeruli-style chicken and Khachapuri without leaving the terminal.
📍 Address: Tbilisi International Airport
🕒 Hours: Open 24/7
The Temptation of Georgian Sweets! Local Favorites You Must Try
🍬 A Must-Try for Sweet Lovers! Nuts & Wine – An Unexpected Delight
One of Georgia’s most iconic sweets is Churchkhela—nuts coated in wine syrup and dried into a chewy, flavorful treat.
🛍 Where to Buy: Dezertiri Market & street vendors around the city
💰 Price: 1–2 GEL (Approx. $0.50–$1)
👉 Learn more about Georgian sweets here
Conclusion: Must-Try Culinary Delights in Tbilisi
Even with limited time, you can still savor the best of Tbilisi! From the magic of fermented Georgian cuisine to exquisite wines and vibrant local markets, don’t miss out on this city’s incredible food culture. Embark on a gastronomic adventure in Tbilisi today! 🚀🔥
After indulging in delicious meals, why not relax and recharge?
👉 Check out the best day-use hotels in Tbilisi for a comfortable stay! Click here
