Where can you eat well and cheaply in Tbilisi?
What kind of places to look for and what lunch costs.
Short answer
In Tbilisi, eat well and cheaply at canteens, khinkali houses and family cafes away from Shardeni and Rustaveli, where lunch for one usually costs up to 30 GEL. For a quick, cheap snack, grab khachapuri from a bakery or shawarma. Tried-and-tested places under 30 GEL are in our 'Cheap eats in Tbilisi' ranking.
Why
- Prices in the touristy parts of the Old Town are noticeably above average.
- Saburtalo, Vake and Didube have many places for locals with moderate prices.
- Many cafes offer inexpensive business lunches on weekdays.
Details
Before ordering, check whether a service charge is included. Khinkali are ordered by the piece, usually at least five per person.
Tip
Look for where locals eat: canteens and bakeries near metro stations are usually cheaper and tastier than tourist restaurants.
What may differ
Prices at seaside and central cafes are higher than in residential areas, and many places are packed in summer.
People also ask
- Where can I eat cheaply in Tbilisi?
Prices were collected in September 2026 and are given as ranges; they vary between venues.
Cheap eats in Tbilisi: our rankingRelated questions
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How do khinkali differ from manti?
Khinkali are a Georgian dish boiled in water, while manti come from Central Asian and Turkic cuisines and are steamed.
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Khinkali and khachapuri: whose dishes are they?
Both khinkali and khachapuri are Georgian dishes.
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Which cheese do you need for khachapuri?
In Georgia, khachapuri uses Imeretian cheese, a young brined cheese with a mild tang, and sulguni, which stretches well.
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How do you make khachapuri at home?
The easiest home khachapuri is Imeretian: make a dough of matsoni or kefir with flour, egg and baking soda, fill it with grated cheese, flatten it and fry in a pan or bake.