Fancy something kooky or different this lunch or dinner time? Try any of the restaurants below. Be it the décor or the menu, they are guaranteed to offer a lively and inspiring experience.

CAFE LEILA

Located in a truly charming part of Tbilisi with fairytale streets and architecture, Cafe Leila’s stunning Georgian-Persian interior fits comfortably with its exterior surroundings. Snug and colorful, Cafe Leila serves a large number of vegetarian twists on traditional Georgian cuisine as well as foreign dishes such as hummus, suitable for those observing religious fasts and vegetarians alike. Sitting outside in a quiet scenic street during the summer, or inside in the warmth of the small dining hall in winter, feels equally cozy. Prices are relatively high (especially alcoholic drinks) due to the specialized nature of much of Cafe Leila’s menu, but this is excused by the high quality of the food. A must for any vegetarian, or those looking for a unique take on familiar Georgian dishes.

18 Erekle II Str., Tbilisi

555 94 94 20

SHAVI LOMI

Restaurants tucked into unexpected places are one of Tbilisi’s signature features. You might have never thought about walking along this small street, but the appeal of fantastic local cuisine is irresistible. “Shavi Lomi” (Black Lion) is easier to find if you look for the painting of a woman on the wall.

As you finally enter, the cozy garden embraces you. Inside, the restaurant looks like a boho-Georgian living room of the early XX century, so order a glass of house wine and make yourself at home. The most popular dish in Shavi Lomi is gobi, an assortment of appetizers- perfect to share with friends. If there is some more space in your stomach, grab the tender chicken in bazhe sauce or trout in pomegranate sauce.

The price range is very moderate as for such a rare choice of dishes. For Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings it is better to book a table in advance.

30 Zurab Kvlividze Str., Tbilisi

(+995) 322 96 09 56

HURMA CAFE SHOP

Tbilisi is seeing many new bistro-style cafés popping up in various districts. The latest addition is Hurma Café, located on Melikishvili Str. The café has a real European feel, with a contemporary-rustic look and open brickwork. It offers a wide range of different coffees, teas and international cuisine and is one of the only places in Tbilisi to offer a full English breakfast for just 8.60 GEL! Breakfast is served until 12pm, but the restaurant also boasts a separate, all-day breakfast menu including sandwiches, wraps, crepes and fixed menus for 9.70 GEL (three dishes + drink) or 8.30 GEL (two dishes + drink). We recommend the pate with crisp bread and any of (or all!) the omelettes. Worth checking out!

Petre Melikishvili, 21,Tbilisi

(+995) 558 63 71 34

POLIPHONIA

Another hidden treasure to be discovered, restaurant Poliphonia specializes in pairing fine wines with fine food. The menu is ever-changing in accordance to the seasons, so you might never step into one culinary flow twice.

Founded by great fans of Georgian traditions and culture, the restaurant often invites singers to show the highest mastery of polyphonic singing. You might even hear the owners joining in! Winemaker John Wurdemann and his long-time friend and business partner Luarsab Togonidze know how to entertain guests with toasts and folk songs, and of course with the best wines, mainly from Georgia. From time to time they conduct thematic dinners – pairing wines with grilled food, serving dishes and wines from specific regions, and combining culinary experience with a revival of history.

So, if you are into fine dinners with numerous gastronomic sensations, pay attention at the little door on Amaghleba Street, under house #23…

23 Amaghleba Str., Tbilisi

(+995) 557 63 71 43

PURPUR

Pricey for food, but scores big on its homely-classy atmosphere. Set on the cozy, old-town Gudiashvili Square, this converted house makes a brilliant place to dine out with friends. The place serves Georgian food with a modern twist as well as central European food and is equally as popular with locals and visitors. We love that the restaurant has a living-room ambiance combined with a great music selection. 

1 Abo Tbileli Str., Tbilisi

(+995) 322 47 77 76