Wine Bars & Food Scene

Tbilisi as a Culinary Capital

Tbilisi is experiencing a culinary renaissance. Alongside traditional restaurants (where Khinkali and Khachapuri reign), a young food scene has developed that combines Georgian tradition with modern influences. And everywhere: wine, wine, wine.

Wine Bars — The Best Addresses

Tbilisi has one of the most exciting natural wine scenes in the world. Georgian Qvevri wine (fermented in clay vessels, amber-colored) was the insider tip — now it's celebrated internationally.

• Vino Underground: The first natural wine bar in Georgia, in a cellar in the Old Town. Only Georgian natural wines from small producers. Tasting flights from 15 GEL. The epicenter of the scene.
• g.Vino: Chic wine bar at Erekle Square with over 500 Georgian wines. Excellent food to accompany. Terrace seating with views of the Old Town.
• Wine Factory N1: In a former wine factory. Huge selection, cozy atmosphere, regular wine tastings.

Where to Eat in Tbilisi?

• Samikitno: The best address for traditional Georgian cuisine. Huge portions, all the classics, affordable. Always busy — expect a wait.
• Shavi Lomi (Black Lion): Modern-Georgian cuisine in a beautifully renovated Old Town house. Tradition meets innovation here.
• Café Leila: Georgian-Middle Eastern fusion cuisine in a charming side alley. Excellent brunch.
• Machakhela: Chain with many branches, but top-notch Khinkali — the locals swear by it. Veal Khinkali from 0.80 GEL per piece.
• Tone (Bakeries): The round earth oven bakeries (Tone) are everywhere in the Old Town. Fresh Shotis Puri (bread) for 1 GEL — warm, crispy, with a charcoal aroma. In the morning, watch the bakers slap the dough onto the oven wall.

Markets

• Dezerter Bazaar: Tbilisi's largest market behind the train station. Mountains of fruits, vegetables, spices, cheese, Churchkhela, and everything the Georgian kitchen needs. Locals shop here — prices are a fraction of restaurant prices.
• Dry Bridge Flea Market: On weekends, artists, retirees, and collectors sell everything on the Dry Bridge: Soviet medals, old daggers, paintings, vintage jewelry, stamps, and curiosities. THE place for unique souvenirs.