The hedonistic travelers who seek the pure pleasures of dining and wining will find Tbilisi fascinating and equally full of contrasts as visitors with a passion for architecture. At one side, Dezertirebi Bazroba (“Deserter’s Bazaar”), the place where army deserters sold their weapons in the 1920s, is one of the best-known Tbilisi markets selling fresh vegetables, fruit, meats, and cheeses.
This is where to go to observes the locals choosing the ingredients for their next homemade meal. Food tours will take you here too for a glimpse of the “wild side.” Culinary Backstreets Tbilisi is one of the best-rated companies that will guide you around this bazaar and they’ll even take you to the best places in town that serve khashi, Georgia’s legendary tripe soup that cures hangovers.
But we don’t stop in Tbilisi today for peasant meals or food tours. This time, we look at some of the nicest eateries in town, those with idyllic or romantic settings and decor, where the chefs try to impress you.
The Dining Room
The restaurant offers a large selection of wines, mainly imported from small international producers. There’s also a good choice of quality Georgian wines, but the main appeal of the place is the food, which is largely posh.
You can have fresh oysters, cheese-stuffed zucchini flowers fried in olive oil, grilled sea bass with wasabi mashed potatoes, and other inventive creations. The desserts are appetizing as well, and the cocktails have a consistent quality pairing well with the menus.
Address: 38 Zakaria Paliashvili Street
Phone: +995 322 25 09 00
Wine House Sirajkhana
The owners of the new restaurant studied publications of the 19th and 20th centuries to create a unique restaurant with an extensive wine selection and good food to pair. The result is a joint effort by sommelier Magda Surguladze and chef Keti Bakradze. The interiors of the restaurant are signed by designer & artist -Nino Arziani.
Sirajkhana is one of the best places in Tbilisi to taste authentic Georgian wines from all over the country.
Address: 8/10 Vakhtang Orbeliani St
Phone: +995 322 24 49 99
Cafe Littera
Cafe Littera is such a romantic al fresco spot. The tables are not crammed together. Instead, there’s plenty of vegetation between seating areas, allowing for privacy and relaxation. They also have seating areas inside so that you can enjoy the place rain or shine. But call for reservations: they are quite popular.
Address: 13 Ivane Machabeli St
Phone: +995 595 03 11 12
Restaurant Terrace
Call for reservations or check their Facebook fan page before you go. Their beautiful garden, with swings decorated with pink blossoms, is a popular weddings venue.
Address: Expo Georgia, 118 Akaki Tsereteli Ave
Phone: +995 322 34 18 38
Bern Restaurant & Bakery
You can enjoy their cakes and sweets on site, or have your favorites beautifully packaged to go.
Address: 38 Irakli Abashidze Street
Phone: +995 595 70 22 22
Do you have other favorites in Tbilisi? Feel free to let us know in your comments.
