Best Cafes in Tbilisi
First of all, 3rd wave coffee houses and more modern style places in Tbilisi are on your way from Stamba towards the university, so I recommend you to stop by for the combination of good coffee and nice places, even though there are not many touristic places to visit in this region. Among the ones I have written below, Stories, Hurma, Pulp, No More Mondays are the ones in this area. I didn’t sit in TheySaidBooks’ cafe, it was a little too dark, but if you like the book-cafe mode, you can prefer it as well.
Since Slink is one of the cafes close to Fabrika Hostel, I thought I would visit it on Sunday, but contrary to what my friend said, it was full and had a party atmosphere instead of peaceful atmosphere. Tbilisi becomes very different when the weather gets nicer, be careful if you read the guides of those who go in winter and go in summer. It’s not stated on Maps, but it was closed on Monday.
I stopped by Madame Choux Cafe while my friends were sitting there, but I didn’t have anything to taste. The calmness and modern appearance of the courtyard is nice, but they were not very satisfied with the tiramisu.
Let me add that credit cards were accepted in all the places I went, because I traveled all over Tbilisi without changing even 5 cents.
Stories Cafe
I stumbled upon Stories café while heading to Mziuri with the pride of having completed all the marked places on my last day. I saw it across the street and I thought, “Oh, how beautiful it looks like,” and wrote down its name. When I passed by it on the way back again, I couldn’t resist stopping by on my way back for a coffee.
It draws attention with its charming structure in beige tones and being elevated than the road level. The café’s tables were adorned with flowers, and the staff, particularly the friendly woman who served me, radiated positive energy. Plus, the oat milk cappuccino I ordered was the best I’ve had in a while. I’d recommend Stories for its welcoming atmosphere and delicious coffee.
Hurma Cafe
Another place from my last day discoveries that also has a local recommendation. Despite its name being in Georgian on the entrance, I guessed it was Hurma and asked the staff when I went in. Surprisingly, it turned out to be a modern spot rather than the authentic place I expected.
Hurma’s avocado pesto sandwich might be the best thing I ate in Tbilisi, for one thing it didn’t have coriander in it :)) The atmosphere was bright, with a designated corner for working. I noticed a mirror facing the chairs away from the road, allowing everyone to either people-watch or check themselves out. Although there weren’t many outdoor tables, I enjoyed my time there, especially the music.
Linville
Are you a fan of vintage vibes? If so, you’ve got to check out Linville. From the décor to the cups, this place oozes vintage charm. As soon as you spot the drawing of two girls on the door, you know you’re in for something special. Plus, they offer Turkish coffee on the menu, and it’s surprisingly good. And let’s not forget about the brownie – it comes with ice cream and it’s absolutely delicious.
Every room is decked out with unique vintage decorations, creating a cozy and harmonious atmosphere. From the armchairs to the TV-shaped aquarium, every detail adds to the charm. Linville was one of those cafes that I’m so glad I’ve visited. I ended up spending a good chunk of time there, feeling inspired enough to jot down a few thoughts. While they offer more than just desserts and coffee – with food options on the menu – I personally stuck to indulging in the sweet treats.
Prospero’s Books & Cafe
Prospero’s Books & Cafe is a charming spot with a bookstore and café in a cozy courtyard. Though I didn’t stay for coffee since I just had a coffee in Kvartz, the café had a peaceful vibe with its light decorations and calm morning atmosphere.
I highly recommend exploring the bookstore side of Prospero’s. They have a great selection of books in English, and you might even find some lovely gifts among their offerings. Plus, the teddy bear featured on the home page of this article is actually from Prospero’s Books & Cafe.
Pulp
Pulp was bustling when I visited, even on a Monday. The style of the customers had a European vibe, I can tell that most of them were expats. Since having 2 cups of coffee and a beer, I didn’t have room for anything to drink, I opted for a peppery and salty cake, it wasn’t bad. Their desserts, however, looked amazing 🙁 I wish I had space in my stomach.
The outdoor seating was limited to two benches and a few cozy tables under the tree creating a perfect atmosphere to socialize. Their beverage options are somewhat limited to coffee, I think they must brew a mean cup of coffee given the cafe’s popularity.
Cafe Mziuri
Café Mziuri, nestled within the park, offers a serene ambiance that I found quite enchanting. Their music selection, with curated playlists of jazz and mellow pop, added to the peaceful atmosphere—I even discovered some tracks that I still enjoy at home.
During my visit, I had the chance to try the Georgian craft beer, Black Lion, which isn’t widely available elsewhere, and it was delightful. Being conveniently located near universities and business centers, it attracts a diverse crowd, including many expats. From what I can sense from photos, it seems like a lovely spot to unwind in the evenings.
The Museum
The Museum café, located within the Georgian Museum of Fine Arts, welcomes visitors whether or not they’re exploring the museum. Its walls are adorned with vibrant photographs and writings, creating an artistic atmosphere. The dessert display is particularly striking, and though I opted for a small pistachio choux, it was tasty, though not exceptional. The cappuccino didn’t quite meet my expectations, but the café itself, resembling a mini museum with unique touches like the eye-shaped mirror in the restroom, offers a pleasant escape to relax and unwind.
No More Mondays
No More Mondays may sound enticing, but its interior is somewhat small, and the outdoor seating options are either uncomfortably close to pedestrians or facing the less appealing side of the street, near the garbage bin. This was a bit disappointing for me. However, their breakfast offering of hummus on bread helped lift my spirits. While it may not have been the best hummus breakfast I’ve ever had, it was still delicious. As for the coffee, it was decent, albeit a tad too strong for my liking.
Kvartz Cafe
the infamous café where your portrait is drawn on the coffee cup – a favorite among influencers. While the resemblance of the drawing to the actual person might be up for debate, it’s still a charming keepsake from your time in Tbilisi. The café itself is quite petite, and perhaps because I visited on a Saturday morning, it was surprisingly empty; I didn’t have to wait in line at all. Unfortunately, if you’re looking for anything to eat, you’ll be out of luck as the options are limited. However, the coffee itself is not bad at all.
Leila Cafe
Leila Cafe is located in the center in the Old Town. It seemed like a bigger and more beautiful in the photos, but upon stepping inside, I was slightly disappointed. While the wall decorations did add a unique ambiance, overall, I felt it was just alright. I ordered Turkish coffee and apple pie, hoping for a taste reminiscent of those in Amsterdam. Although it didn’t quite live up to that standard, it wasn’t bad either. One thing worth mentioning is the quality of their cups and plates – they were quite nice.
Uli-Croissant Cafe
I chose Uli for croissants on my first morning. I can say that the main reason for my choice was the teddy bears they put on the benches. There are many types of croissants, especially sweet options. I chose the classic, it was an average croissant, I guess one expects the best from a place dedicated only to croissants.
Bok-Art Souvenir Store & Cafe
By chance, I stumbled upon a souvenir shop situated at the start of the Betlemi Stairs while making my descent. Inside, I found a treasure trove of handmade items and charming magnets.
What caught my eye was their balcony, cleverly converted into a café. Though it seemed they only served beverages, the view and ambiance were delightful. Despite my desire to linger and relax, my stomach was already full, so I reluctantly passed on the opportunity to sit down. Nonetheless, it certainly seemed like a spot worth returning to for a moment of respite.
Best Restaurants and Bars in Tbilisi
Since I was alone most of the time when dining in Tbilisi, I did not choose the stylish places, even though they were in my notes. We decided to check out Bassiani nightclub, but upon arriving, we encountered a discouraging scene at the door. Despite being a group of four women, we were turned away with a simple “Not Tonight.” It seemed to be a common occurrence, as many other groups were also being denied entry. Located in a secluded area under the stadium, the venue had a high entrance fee, which made us question if it was worth the effort. Ultimately, I don’t think it is worth the hassle.
Among my notes, there were Ambavi and Canudos in the nightclubs category, recommended by the locals. I was especially curious about Ambavi, but we could not fit it into the program. They said Lolita could also be preferred for a night out or for a meal. Rooms Hotel’s Kitchen can also be preferred for dinner or breakfast, the atmosphere is pleasant.
I also stopped by Bazari Orbeliani, a food hall with different cuisines, but I didn’t have the opportunity to try the restaurant/cafe because I was full. If you get bored of Georgian cuisine and want to try a different cuisine, you can come by. It is a 2-storey area. There were restaurants and cafes that were crowded even at noon. It’s not a place I would definitely recommend going to, but if you’re nearby and hungry, you can stop by. Some restaurants/cafes have low scores, some have high, I recommend you check out before making your choice. Coffee Lab was one of the recommended places.
