Prospero's Books & Caliban's Coffee is a legendary place for Tbilisi, combining a bookstore and the city's first independent coffee shop. Founded back in 1999,
Prospero's was a pioneer of Tbilisi's coffee culture in an era when instant coffee was everywhere.
A professional espresso machine and its own grain roasting were among the first to appear here. For many years, Prospero's remained almost the only outlet with real espresso in the city.
The atmosphere is unique: shelves with English-language books, a spacious hall, quiet background music. Expats, journalists, and students like to gather in the courtyard surrounded by greenery. This is a cozy oasis in the middle of bustling Rustaveli Avenue.
Special feature: in addition to coffee and pastries, literary meetings are held here, and posters of cultural events are on the walls. Prospero's also has a branch office in the National Archives building in Beijing (with a similar format).
Rationale for the choice: for more than 20 years, Prospero's has earned the status of an institution. Despite the arrival of new players, she is still highly appreciated for her consistently good coffee and atmosphere.
Many include her in their personal top cafe in Tbilisi, especially for the best patio for a coffee break. The historical role and continued popularity of Prospero's Books & Caliban's Coffee make it an integral part of our rating.
