Where to Eat in Georgia: The Ultimate Food Trail for First-Time Visitors
In Georgia, every meal is a celebration, every dish tells a story, and hospitality is a way of life. Nestled between Europe and Asia, Georgia’s rich culinary heritage is a flavorful fusion of its diverse history, regional variety, and natural bounty. Whether you’re wandering the streets of Tbilisi or hiking through the valleys of Svaneti, food is the gateway to understanding Georgia’s culture. Here’s your ultimate guide to exploring local delicacies, where to find them, and a few offbeat culinary gems along the way.
Must-Try Georgian Dishes
Khinkali – Georgia’s beloved dumpling, usually stuffed with spiced meat or mushrooms and served steaming hot.
Try it at: Zakhar Zakharich (Tbilisi), Pasanauri (Multiple locations)
Khachapuri – The cheesy bread of dreams, especially the Adjarian version, shaped like a boat with molten cheese, butter, and egg in the centre.
Try it at: Retro Café (Batumi), Lagidze Water (Tbilisi)
Churchkhela – A natural Georgian candy made from grape must and nuts, hung like colourful strings at market stalls.
Find it at: Dezerter Bazaar (Tbilisi), Telavi local markets
Lobio – A hearty bean stew often served in clay pots, seasoned with garlic, onions, and coriander.
Try it at: Salobie Bia (Tbilisi)
Mtsvadi – Georgian barbecue skewers grilled over an open fire, best enjoyed during a supra (traditional feast).
Try it at: Keto and Kote (Tbilisi), countryside family-owned guesthouses
Badrijani Nigvzit – Eggplant rolls filled with a creamy walnut-garlic paste and pomegranate seeds.
Try it at: Shavi Lomi (Tbilisi)
Lesser-Known Georgian Dishes Worth Exploring
Chakapuli – A tangy lamb or veal stew made with tarragon, white wine, and plums.
Chikhirtma – A traditional chicken soup with egg-lemon thickening, perfect for a chilly day.
Kubdari – A spiced meat-filled bread from Svaneti, rustic and deeply satisfying.
Elarji – A sticky cornmeal and cheese dish from western Georgia, gooey and indulgent.
Tashmijabi – Mashed potatoes whipped with cheese until stretchy and stringy.
Best places to try these: Ethno Tsiskvili (Tbilisi), family-run guesthouses in Mestia or Ushguli, and regional food festivals.
Markets & Offbeat Food Spots
Dezerter Bazaar (Tbilisi) – For fresh produce, Churchkhela, spices, and street-side khinkali.
Tbilisi Food Market Tours – Join a guided tour with companies like Eat This! Tours or Taste Georgia to explore hidden gems.
Supper Clubs – Look out for Georgian Table and Tbilisi Supper Club, where locals host home-style feasts in private settings.
Fabrika (Tbilisi) – A trendy repurposed Soviet sewing factory with food stalls, fusion cafes, and wine bars.
Pair It with Georgian Wine
Don’t forget to pair your meals with traditional qvevri wine — fermented in large clay jars underground. Visit 8000 Vintages in Tbilisi for curated tastings, or enjoy a vineyard tour in Kakheti for the full experience.
Final Tip
To truly experience Georgian food, go beyond restaurants. Join a local feast, walk through vibrant markets, and don’t be shy to say “Gaumarjos!” (Cheers) as you sip on homemade wine under the Caucasus sun.