Georgians are well-known as a nation of meat-lovers- from barbecue pork to kebabs. Whether you're new to the city or have spent quite a time here, you may not realize just how much it has to offer in terms of modern eateries that serve plenty other than meat!
Check out our top five vegetarian restaurants in Tbilisi.
KIWI VEGAN CAFE
Ideal for backpackers, those on a budget and those who love vegan food! It's a simply-furnished affair with painted walls and a mishmash of furniture. The smell when you walk in is that of a typical Georgian grandma's house- musky, dusty and dry tea leaves. The food is cheap and filling: Tofu Sandwich & Fries (5 GEL), Falafel Wrap (6 GEL) and more- we recommend the vegan burger! And there is a wide choice of teas and reasonably priced wines. They also offer a book-swap service and are cat-friendly.
ADDRESS 6 Ivane Machabeli Str., Tbilisi,
TEL (+955) 514 00 01 75
OPEN 12:00PM - 11:00PM
CODE DE VINO
A quiet cozy wine bar with a spacious veranda on the central Galaktion Tabidze Street, this is the right place to start your journey into the world of local wines and not get lost. Fine wines from small producers are paired with exclusive dishes from the young Georgian chef. We loved the trout in avocado sauce with a glass of fantastic blended Imeretian wine (Krakhuna, Tsitska and Tsolikouri). Another winning pairing is mushroom pasta with white Qvevri Krakhuna. From time to time, Code de Vino organizes movie evenings with wine. Follow them on facebook in order not to miss an exciting combination of eternal classics!
ADDRESS 14/9 G.Tabidze Str, Tbilisi
TEL 0322 98 29 64
WEB https://www.facebook.com/ BenChelero/
EMAIL Georgia@benchelero.ru
OPEN 12:00 - 22:00
BARBARESTAN
The story behind this cozy restaurant sounds incredible. “Barbarestan” means “At Barbare’s” in Georgian, but it’s not the owner’s name. Back in 1847, noble lady Barbare Jorjadze, a truly progressive mind of the XIX century, speaker for women’s rights and dedicated housekeeper, published a book of recipes and practical household tips. Mid-2010s, one of the copies was discovered at the Tbilisi flea market by one of the restaurant’s founders. The founders are, by the way, the parents of 11 children, and the elder children are also involved in family business. While working on the restaurant concept, they decided to make Barbare’s book the base of the whole menu. The interior design also remembers XIX century Georgia, when nobles gathered for beautiful dinners: brick walls, traditional tablecloths, wooden furniture, wonderfully painted plates… The staff is extremely attentive and polite, and if you happen to meet one of founders, a member of that big Qurasbediani family, you will be enchanted by the manner in which they will treat you. The food is prepared according to old Georgian recipes, so some names and ingredients might surprise you. The waiters can advise you well, plus they are trained to pair wines with dishes, too. Quince soup, cucumber and nadughi salad, assortments of dips, a glass of Qvevri wine and a piece of pelamushi cake are a great option for a light dinner. Hot tea with a variety of homemade jams (white cherry, fig, walnut, feijoa and even aubergine!) is also a great option for a cool autumn evening with family or friends.
ADDRESS 132 Aghmashenebeli Avenue, Tbilisi
TEL 0322 94 37 79
WEB https://www.facebook.com/ barbarestan
OPENING HOURS 08:00 - 23:00
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. 18 Erekle II Str.
TEL 555 94 94 20
MAHARAJAH
Enjoy a pure traditional Indian taste reflection with a 200-year-old history. The best place to have lunches, dinners, and tea breaks, tasting all colors and sweets of the sub-continent while attending birthdays, family functions, business meetings and parties.
Address: 24 G. Akhvlediani Str.
TEL 299 97 99