European/american
Restaurant Mediterranean
Lunch, dinner. The lively atmosphere, authentic décor and creative cuisine all reflect the region that inspired the restaurant. The extensive menu has Italian, French, Greek and Spanish influences. Unique dishes, fresh salads and seafood, pasta & risotto, grilled specialties and exclusive desserts have earned âMedâ an impeccable reputation. The menu is complemented by an impressive wine list with a large âby-the-glassâ selection and a full bar.
Asian cuisine
Italian cuisine
Prego
The best Italian food in Tbilisi. Prices are reasonable and service is usually good. Look out for the daily specials - usually a bit pricier, but worth it.
Piano
This new Italian eatery feels more like a swank New York restaurant than a Georgian-style trattoria, with black-and-white Botticelli-inspired wallpaper and uber-trendy minimalist light fixtures. The food is reasonably priced for the - admittedly expensive - area, but it's good especially the super-fresh tomato-based sauces and air-conditioned to boot. Beware of the bread; it's so delicious, you'll be full before your appetizers arrive.
Georgian cuisine
Taglaura
Good Georgian food, locally brewed beer, traditional barbeque, live music and outdoor seating. Four locations in Tblisi.
Cafe Flowers
Sporting the most stunning views in Tbilisi, the terrace at Cafe Flowers so named for the gorgeous flora that adorn the terrace and adjacent garden overlooks the Old Town from across the river. Food is generally good, although be wary of dairy-based dishes lest you come down with "Saakashvili's Revenge" .
Kala
Hip cafe/restaurant with live Jazz most evenings. Seemingly twinned with its far cheaper neighbor KGBs. Wi-Fi; Credit card payment accepted. Food seems to have gone downhill in recent months, however, and is increasingly overpriced for the quality.
Dzveli Saxli (Old House)
Live traditional Georgian music and singing starts at around 6 PM every day, although it's also the perfect place for a quiet post-flea market weekend lunch. Stunning river-views and faux-rural atmosphere - enormous portions at relatively reasonable prices. Credit cards accepted.
KGBs
With the tagline "we're still watching you," this painfully hip piece of Soviet Kitsch wouldn't be out of place in Williamsburg. Menu offerings include "Proletariat pizza" and meals advertised as "Lenin's favorite dish." The cheque comes in vintage Soviet working papers. Much cheaper than Kala.
Prospero's Bookstore and Caliban's Coffehouse
With wireless internet, a bucolic courtyard, and spotless furnishings, this expat bookstore-cum-coffeehouse could be located in London's Notting Hill. The English books are reasonably priced, but the real gem is the atmosphere - a perfect escape for when Tbilisi's more chaotic pleasures start to become overwhelming. Enjoy an iced coffee or a scrumptious sandwich, effectively bilingual waitstaff, and try to strike up conversations with other foreigners.