Best Restaurants in Tbilisi

Amo Rame Bani

Amo Rame, a local recommendation, turned out to be a pleasant surprise during a hungry and windy stroll. Interestingly, I had originally intended to visit a different branch but stumbled upon this one instead. It quickly became evident why it’s a favorite among locals—the atmosphere was buzzing with activity and conversation.

The restaurant’s design, particularly the area overlooking the garden, was incredibly stylish. Every detail, from the lighting to the table flowers and curtains, seemed meticulously curated. It was evident that a lot of thought had gone into creating a visually appealing space.

It’s unfortunate that the coriander is quite an issue in Georgia. Feeling a bit defeated when I couldn’t even have it removed from my avocado salad, I opted for the lentil soup, only to find it blended with coriander as well. Frustrated, I decided to forgo trying the famous Khinkali dumplings after learning about the 40-minute wait time. Instead, I opted for a version of Georgian pita khachapuri, without egg, and it turned out to be one of the most delicious things I’ve ever tasted. Thankfully, it was coriander-free, so I found myself enjoying this pita almost daily during my stay.

However, what detracted from the experience were the somber expressions on some of the employees’ faces, perhaps due to being overwhelmed with customers. Despite this, I still recommend the place for its flavorful dishes, diverse menu options, and inviting ambiance.

Daphna

Arriving at around 9:30 PM at this establishment, which typically has a queue forming by 7 or 8 o’clock, we were pleasantly surprised to walk right in without waiting. The warm and modern atmosphere, enhanced by the color of the walls and the artwork hanging throughout, immediately caught our attention. We decided to try the khinkali, although the service was a bit slow, the dish itself was good, albeit with the usual coriander issue. However, we found that our own version of manti was preferable to the Georgian manti. For those who share our aversion to coriander, the potato version is a safe bet. Additionally, the unique shape of their beer bottles added a nice touch to the experience.

At Café Daphna, we indulged in both the panna cotta and the pumpkin dessert. Despite not being a fan of pumpkin, I was pleasantly surprised by the modern twist on this classic dessert—it was a unique interpretation that I hadn’t encountered before. The panna cotta, with its crispy croquant base and delectable sauce on top, was also a highlight of the meal.

Puri Guliani

On my first night out, I found myself drawn to this place, particularly its charming garden and inviting lighting. However, the service left much to be desired—it was noticeably slow, likely exacerbated by the crowd.

I opted for one of their eggless covered pitas, and while the filling didn’t initially impress me, the delicious dough paired with a different cheese in the middle won me over. I tried the Sour Cherry cocktail, but found it to be sweeter than expected, lacking the sour kick I anticipated. However, those who tried the lemonade seemed to enjoy it, as it was a popular choice among other customers.

Unfortunately, the Georgian white wine recommended by our waiter didn’t quite hit the mark with our group. Additionally, while the ambiance was pleasant, the music left something to be desired—it felt a bit uninspired, especially considering how much more impressive the atmosphere could have been with better tunes.

RadioCafe

RadioCafe came highly recommended by locals. As we approached, we were greeted by the soothing melody of a piano playing outside. However, upon taking our seats, the music sadly ceased.

We decided to try a variety of dishes, including the Georgian plate with olive oil dishes and cheese, a local dish featuring potatoes and pork, a selection of three pitas (mushroom, spinach, and classic), and a wine plate as part of their bottled wine promotion. To our delight, the meal also included some delectable rosemary bread, which we found to be particularly delicious.

As a fan of pastries, I enjoyed the pitas, with the mushroom one being similar to taste of a pizza. However, the spinach one left something to be desired. While the potato and meat dish was a bit on the bland side, the wine selection was fairly standard. We found some options from the Georgian plate to our liking, while others didn’t quite hit the mark. Nonetheless, we made sure that nothing went to waste, sharing the leftovers with the street dogs of Tbilisi, who were more than happy to indulge.

Moulin Electrique

Moulin Electrique offers a versatile experience, serving as a spot for night entertainment, a bar, cafe, and restaurant all in one. Since we decided to grab a bite to eat, I’ll focus on that aspect. I ordered the Georgian salad with cucumber, tomato, and nut sauce, hoping it would be coriander-free, but unfortunately, it was in the sauce again. However, the Moulin potatoes, boiled and then fried without coriander, were absolutely delicious—the highlight of the meal for me. My friend opted for a tuna sandwich and was equally pleased, especially with the delicious bread.

Interestingly, the grilled chicken breast salad didn’t contain any coriander, and it was also delightful. For drinks, I chose the forest fruit lemonade, while my friends opted for the forest fruit prosecco, which was a hit. We had fun trying to catch the fruit with our straws and munching on it.

The atmosphere at Moulin Electrique is comfortable and relaxed, with a shabby-chic vibe in the middle of a courtyard. While the ambiance could be improved, it seems they deliberately chose this setting for its laid-back charm.

Restaurants and Bars in Fabrika

Fabrika offers a plethora of restaurant and bar options, all of which seem to offer similar levels of service. However, it’s important to note that it can get extremely crowded, especially on weekends, making it difficult to find a spot. Despite the beautiful weather, we found ourselves having to sit indoors due to the lack of available outdoor seating.

As someone who sticks to mojitos, I don’t have much to say about the restaurant offerings. However, my friends who opted for Japanese cuisine and mushroom pasta were satisfied with their choices, although they weren’t particularly impressed with the coffee.

You might also want to check out my post on “Best Cafes in Tbilisi“.