Where to Eat in Tbilisi Right Now: 5 Trending Restaurants Locals Actually Love
From modern wine bars to riverside feasts, this is your shortcut to Tbilisi’s restaurant scene before it goes fully mainstream.
This guide spotlights 5 standout Tbilisi restaurants that are quietly blowing up with locals and in-the-know travelers. Expect Georgian comfort food, natural wine, creative fusion menus, and buzzy spaces that show exactly why Tbilisi is one of the most exciting food cities in 2025.
Where to Eat in Tbilisi Right Now: 5 Trending Restaurants Locals Actually Love
Tbilisi’s restaurant scene is in full glow-up mode. Traditional dishes are getting modern makeovers, natural wine is everywhere, and cozy spots are turning into cult favorites thanks to word-of-mouth and social buzz.
This guide focuses on 5 restaurants that are trending for all the right reasons: high ratings, consistent review momentum, and a vibe that feels very “Tbilisi right now.”
Restaurant Usakhelouri - Elevated Georgian with a cult following
Why it is trending: Restaurant Usakhelouri has quietly become a Tbilisi classic with a cult following. Its 4.8 rating across more than 4,500 reviews and steady recent buzz show that it is not just a tourist hit. Locals keep coming back for reliable quality, generous portions, and a warm, lived-in atmosphere.
What to expect:
- Focus on traditional Georgian dishes done with care rather than gimmicks
- Excellent mtsvadi (grilled meat skewers) and slow-cooked stews
- House wine that overperforms for the price, especially red varieties
- A setting that feels like a big Georgian family gathering, without being chaotic
Best for:
- First or second night in Tbilisi when you want a solid, no-regrets introduction to Georgian food
- Mixed groups where some want adventurous eating and others want familiar comfort
MapsBuddy tip: Reserve for dinner if you are visiting on a weekend. Ask staff to build you a shared table spread with pkhali, badrijani nigvzit (eggplant with walnut), khachapuri, and at least one grilled meat dish. It is the easiest way to sample a lot without over-ordering.
Craft Wine Restaurant - Natural wine and late-night energy
Why it is trending: With a 4.8 rating and a rising growth score, Craft Wine Restaurant is riding the global natural wine wave while staying very Tbilisi. It is not brand-new, but recent reviews point to consistent quality and a growing reputation among wine-savvy travelers.
What to expect:
- A deep list of Georgian natural and qvevri wines, explained in plain language
- Small plates and modern Georgian dishes designed to pair with wine
- A compact, buzzy space that fills up with locals, expats, and visiting winemakers
- Staff who genuinely enjoy guiding you through unfamiliar grape varieties
Best for:
- Wine lovers who want to go beyond supermarket Saperavi
- Date nights or small groups looking for a lively but not rowdy evening
MapsBuddy tip: Tell your server what you usually drink at home and your budget. They are good at matching you with off-the-radar bottles you would never pick on your own. If you are new to Georgian wine, ask to compare a classic Saperavi with a lighter, chillable red.
Ethno Tsiskvili - Destination dining with a show
Why it is trending: Ethno Tsiskvili has long been on the map, but its 4.7 rating across nearly 5,000 reviews plus steady recent feedback show it still delivers. It is trending with visitors who want the full Georgian feast experience in one night, complete with live music and dancing.
What to expect:
- A theatrical version of Georgian hospitality with folk performances and traditional decor
- A huge menu covering most regional classics in one place
- Portions built for groups and celebrations, not quick solo dinners
- A scenic riverside location that feels like an event, not just a meal
Best for:
- First-time visitors who want a one-stop Georgian culture and food immersion
- Groups, celebrations, and family trips
MapsBuddy tip: Book in advance and time your reservation around the live show schedule so you are not arriving just as performances end. Go light on bread and khachapuri early in the meal or you will tap out before the grilled meats and stews arrive.
The Kitchen - Modern comfort with a view
Why it is trending: The Kitchen has a more modest 4.4 rating, but its strong growth score and fresh wave of reviews show renewed interest. Travelers are calling it a relaxed, modern spot with good views and a menu that bridges local and international tastes.
What to expect:
- A contemporary, hotel-restaurant feel that is stylish but not stiff
- A mix of Georgian-inspired dishes and international comfort food
- Brunch-friendly options and cocktails that make it a flexible choice any time of day
- Often, city or river views that elevate the experience
Best for:
- Travelers who want something familiar but still rooted in Tbilisi
- Remote workers or digital nomads looking for a comfortable, polished setting to linger
MapsBuddy tip: Use The Kitchen as a reset meal if you have been eating heavy feasts every night. Look for lighter plates, salads, and grilled fish, then finish with a Georgian dessert so you still get a local touch.
Cafe Daphna Tbilisi / კაფე დაფნა თბილისი - Garden cafe with local buzz
Why it is trending: With nearly 4,000 reviews and a solid 4.4 rating, Cafe Daphna Tbilisi has become a go-to hangout rather than a one-time stop. Its recent review momentum suggests it is resonating with both locals and visitors who want a slower, more atmospheric side of the city.
What to expect:
- A cozy, cafe-first vibe with plenty of greenery and a relaxed pace
- Coffee, cakes, and light meals that work for late breakfasts or lazy afternoons
- A mix of Georgian and Mediterranean-leaning dishes, often with vegetarian-friendly options
- A space that feels like a neighborhood secret even though it is clearly beloved
Best for:
- Slow mornings, laptop sessions, or catching up with friends
- Travelers who want to feel like a local for a few hours rather than rush through a checklist
MapsBuddy tip: Aim for late morning or early afternoon when the cafe is lively but not packed. It is a great spot to plan the rest of your day in Tbilisi, recharge, and sample a more low-key side of the city’s food culture.
How to use this list in Tbilisi
If you are in Tbilisi for a short trip, you can build an easy plan:
- Classic feast night: Restaurant Usakhelouri or Ethno Tsiskvili
- Wine-focused evening: Craft Wine Restaurant
- Modern comfort meal or brunch: The Kitchen
- Cafe day or light bites: Cafe Daphna Tbilisi / კაფე დაფნა თბილისი
Mixing these spots will give you a balanced snapshot of where Tbilisi’s restaurant scene is right now, from big, traditional feasts to intimate natural wine bars.
Why find places with MapsBuddy
Tbilisi changes fast. Places can feel “discovered” almost overnight. MapsBuddy tracks ratings, review momentum, and growth scores so you see what is quietly trending before it becomes impossible to book.
Use this guide as your starting list, then keep exploring on MapsBuddy to find the next wave of under-the-radar spots around every corner.
Places featured in this guide
1. Restaurant Usakhelouri
17/19 Abano St, Tbilisi, Georgia
2. Craft Wine Restaurant
54 Egnate Ninoshvili St, Tbilisi 0112, Georgia
3. Ethno Tsiskvili
99 Akaki Beliashvili St, Tbilisi, Georgia
4. The Kitchen
14 Merab Kostava St, Tbilisi 0108, Georgia
5. Cafe Daphna Tbilisi / კაფე დაფნა თბილისი
29 George Atoneli street, 29 გიორგი ათონელის ქუჩა, Tbilisi, Georgia