The global pandemic has significantly affected our lifestyles, made us lose ordinary habits like shaking hands, hugging and kissing when meeting our friends, and going out without face masks. No-one has ever thought we would miss the ordinary things like using public transport or going to the restaurant to have fun with loved ones and enjoying delicious local cuisine.
Luckily, as the epidemiological situation in Georgia has relatively improved and the numbers of new cases reported daily decreased, the government decided to begin lifting the coronavirus-related restrictions.
Outdoor catering establishments and restaurants in Georgia will be able to resume operation from February 15 – news which has delighted many, especially those of us who are tired of our home environment and who are looking forward to tasting our favorite dishes in the fresh air.
Notably, the restrictions, including those established regarding the operation of restaurants, will be maintained over the weekends.
Here, we offer a list of some of the best outdoor cafes in Tbilisi, where you can relax and enjoy distinguished dishes in a safe and comfortable environment.
MZIURI CAFE
This freshly renovated cafe in one of Tbilisi’s most popular recreational parks in central Vake has reopened its doors to visitors. Mziuri Café is one of the locals’ favorite hangouts due to its location in deep greenery, its healthy dishes, and interesting events, such as film screenings and educational evenings. Unfortunately, due to restrictions, the facility is not yet allowed to arrange those special events it has become famous for, but is back to offer its creative and well-loved dishes and a friendly outdoor environment to guests.
At Mziuri, emphasis is put on healthy dishes, completely side-stepping junk food. Along with a choice of European fare, one can also find vegan and vegetarian options on the menu.
23 Chavchavadze Street 23, Vake, Tbilisi
Daily from 11 AM – 7 PM (except weekends)
(+995) 577 68 75 75
https://www.facebook.com/cafemziuri/
CAFE CECILIA
Also located in Vake, Café Cecilia offers special dishes from an Italian menu – pizza, pasta, risotto, soup, wine, ice cream, tea & coffee, and cake.
The fresh air, a comfortable environment surrounded by trees, and delicious dishes are sure to leave you feeling impressed and refreshed!
10 Irakli Abashidze Str., Vake, Tbilisi
Daily from 11 AM – 9 PM (except weekends)
(032) 218 01 83
https://www.facebook.com/cafe.cecilia1/
ART-CAFE HOME
The facility has four floors, including a veranda and fooftop with amazing views over Tbilisi.
Art-Café Home, both inside and out is very artsy. The exterior of the building is very minimalistic, blending in with the surrounding Old Tbilisi style buildings, while its unique interior is a great example of 90s contemporary lux design.
It also boasts a home-kitchen menu, friendly staff, a safe environment and a pop-up clothing store. Make your next dinner or lunch date one for this beautiful Old Tbilisi rooftop!
13 Betlemi Str., Old Tbilisi
Daily from 5 PM – 9 PM (except weekends)
(+995) 599 70 80 79
https://www.facebook.com/HOMEartcafe
IVERIA CAFE
Iveria Café in the city center is a perfect place for lunch or even just a delicious cup of coffee.
Guests can expect affordable prices, high-quality service, a welcoming environment, a delicious cup of coffee and freshly made sandwiches.
Iveria Cafe offers a wide selection of tea, confectionery, and delicious ice cream. A distinctive caramel cappuccino, vanilla-ginger latte, or white chocolate latte will win the hearts of every coffee lover; the delicate synthesis of wood and glass in the interior creates a favorable, cozy atmosphere for visitors.
Iveria Cafe is located next to the Radisson Blu Iveria Hotel. (Address: 1 Republic Square, Vera, Tbilisi).
Daily from 12 AM – 9 PM (except weekends)
(+995) 591 02 78 33
https://www.facebook.com/RadissonBluIveriaHotelTbilisi
AMO RAME
Café-gallery Amo Rame, located in Old Tbilisi, is distinguished for its extremely delicious cuisine, with both Georgian and European dishes. However, the Georgian traditional dish Khinkali is one of the most popular offers of the eatery among food enthusiasts in the city. Its pizza and mushroom soup are also popular.
Nice staff, a cozy atmosphere, café/bistro type food, fresh beer, wines, very nice relaxing music makes Amo Rame a perfect place to spend an evening with friends.
4 Pavle Ingorokva St, Tbilisi
Daily from 12 AM – 9 PM (except weekends)
(032) 298 48 38
https://www.facebook.com/AmoRameTbilisi
CAFE LEILA
Vegetarian/vegan café Leila is a restaurant with a unique concept in the renovated, colorful streets of Old Tbilisi, focused on healthy dishes and a vegan menu. Grab a table in the cozy pedestrian street and enjoy the early spring air as you dine.
18 Ioane Shavteli St, Tbilisi
Daily from 12 AM – 9 PM (except weekends)
(+995) 555 94 94 20
https://www.facebook.com/Cafe-Leila
CAFE STAMBA
The building of A Soviet-era publishing house, built in the 1930s, is now one of Tbilisi’s most famous hotels. You will find a cafe of the same name in the space offering a variety of cuisine, high-quality service and a characteristic interior – with all these components Cafe Stamba is one of the best places in Tbilisi to meet friends and loved ones. Enjoy its grassy yard away from the noise and bustle of the city.
14 M. Kostava Str., Tbilisi
Daily from 11 AM – 8 PM (except weekends)
(032) 202 19 99
https://www.facebook.com/cafe.stamba/
For the latest updates on opening times and special offers, please check the Facebook pages of the facilities listed above.
Please note that wearing face masks and keeping a social distance when visiting the outdoor cafes is mandatory. Have fun, take care of your health and that of others and enjoy tasty meals! Bon appetit!
By Ana Dumbadze