Georgian Cuisine & Restaurants

Top 10 Must-Try Georgian Dishes & Where to Eat Them in 2025

2 weeks ago
21
Top 10 Must-Try Georgian Dishes & Where to Eat Them in 2025

Top 10 Must-Try Georgian Dishes & Best Places to Eat Them in 2025

Georgia is home to one of the most unique and diverse culinary traditions in the world, deeply rooted in its history, geography, and culture. With influences from the Caucasus, Persia, and the Mediterranean, Georgian cuisine is an irresistible fusion of flavors, spices, and traditions. Whether you’re visiting the bustling streets of Tbilisi or the scenic landscapes of Kakheti, trying authentic Georgian food is a must.

Here’s a list of the top 10 must-try Georgian dishes and the best places to eat them across the country.

1. Khinkali (Georgian Dumplings)

Khinkali is Georgia’s most iconic dish, a juicy dumpling filled with spiced meat (usually beef, pork, or lamb), herbs, and broth. The correct way to eat khinkali is to hold it by its twisted top, take a small bite, and sip the delicious broth inside before finishing it.

Where to Eat:

  • Zakhar Zakharich (Tbilisi) – Famous for juicy, peppery khinkali. Visit their website
  • Ethno Tsiskvili (Tbilisi) – Offers traditional khinkali with live folk music. Check menu
  • Shavi Lomi (Tbilisi) – Serves modern twists on classic khinkali. Explore here

2. Khachapuri (Cheese-Filled Bread)

Often called Georgia’s national dish, khachapuri is a cheesy, buttery bread baked in different styles. The most famous is Adjarian khachapuri, shaped like a boat and filled with cheese, butter, and a runny egg yolk.

Where to Eat:

  • Retro Café (Batumi) – Famous for authentic Adjarian khachapuri. View location
  • Machakhela (Tbilisi) – Offers various khachapuri styles. Visit website
  • Bread House (Tbilisi) – Known for its unique, wood-fired khachapuri.

3. Lobio (Spiced Bean Stew)

Lobio, a hearty stew made from kidney beans, is a staple of Georgian cuisine, seasoned with coriander, garlic, and chili peppers. It is often served with cornbread (mchadi) and pickled vegetables.

Where to Eat:

  • Café Leila (Tbilisi) – Offers a rich vegetarian lobio. Check their Facebook
  • Barbarestan (Tbilisi) – A historical restaurant serving traditional lobio recipes. Visit website
  • Salobie Bia (Tbilisi) – One of the best places for authentic lobio.

4. Mtsvadi (Georgian BBQ)

Mtsvadi, or Georgian shashlik, is a mouthwatering dish of skewered meat grilled over an open flame, marinated with salt and local spices. The best mtsvadi is usually served in the countryside, paired with Georgian wine.

Where to Eat:

  • Phaeton Restaurant (Tbilisi) – A traditional spot for Georgian BBQ.
  • Gorgasali Restaurant (Tbilisi) – Specializes in pork and lamb mtsvadi.
  • Winery Khareba (Kakheti) – Enjoy mtsvadi with wine tasting. Learn more

5. Chakhokhbili (Braised Chicken Stew)

Chakhokhbili is a rich and flavorful chicken stew cooked with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and fresh herbs. Originally made with pheasant, this dish is now commonly prepared with chicken.

Where to Eat:

  • Cafe Gabriadze (Tbilisi) – A historic restaurant offering traditional chakhokhbili.
  • Funicular Restaurant Complex (Tbilisi) – Enjoy this dish with stunning city views. Visit website
  • Sabatono (Kutaisi) – Known for home-style chakhokhbili.

6. Ajapsandali (Georgian Ratatouille)

Ajapsandali is a flavorful vegetable stew, similar to Mediterranean ratatouille, made with eggplant, tomatoes, peppers, and garlic. It’s a must-try for vegetarian travelers.

Where to Eat:

  • Keto and Kote (Tbilisi) – A cozy spot serving delicious ajapsandali. Check out their menu
  • Culinarium Khasheria (Tbilisi) – A fusion restaurant with traditional dishes.
  • Kakhelebi (Rustavi) – Famous for authentic Georgian vegetarian meals.

7. Chakapuli (Lamb & Tarragon Stew)

Chakapuli is a tangy and aromatic lamb stew, slow-cooked with white wine, tarragon, plums, and garlic. This dish is traditionally enjoyed during Georgian holidays.

Where to Eat:

  • Purpur (Tbilisi) – Serves premium-quality chakapuli.
  • Bread & Wine (Kakheti) – Enjoy chakapuli with local wines. Visit winery
  • Samikitno (Tbilisi) – Budget-friendly place for authentic chakapuli.

8. Churchkhela (Georgian Candy)

Churchkhela, also called “Georgian Snickers,” is a unique candy made from nuts and grape juice, naturally sweet with no artificial sugar. It’s a great energy booster for hikers.

Where to Eat:

  • Dry Bridge Market (Tbilisi) – Best street market for fresh churchkhela.
  • Tbilisi Central Market – A variety of handmade churchkhela.
  • Badagoni Winery (Kakheti) – Try churchkhela paired with wine. Visit winery

9. Satsivi (Walnut Chicken Sauce)

Satsivi is a creamy walnut-based sauce served over cold chicken or turkey, a staple dish during Georgian Christmas and New Year celebrations.

Where to Eat:

  • Café Littera (Tbilisi) – A high-end spot for traditional satsivi. Visit website
  • Tiflis Veranda (Tbilisi) – Modern presentation of satsivi.
  • Chveni (Tbilisi) – Home-style Georgian cooking.

10. Pkhali (Vegetable & Walnut Spread)

Pkhali is a healthy, flavorful vegetable pâté made with spinach, beets, walnuts, and garlic, commonly served as an appetizer.

Where to Eat:

  • Barbarestan (Tbilisi) – Famous for gourmet pkhali dishes.
  • Shavi Lomi (Tbilisi) – Offers seasonal pkhali varieties.
  • Wine Factory N1 (Tbilisi) – Perfect for pairing pkhali with Georgian wine.
2 weeks ago
21