April marks global Earth Month, a time to reflect on our relationship with the planet and the interconnectedness of all living beings. Sadly, human activities are causing irreversible damage to our environment, with 2023 being recorded as the hottest year in history. Despite heightened concerns about the climate crisis, the significant impact of animal agriculture often remains unaddressed. The emissions from our current food system alone will make it impossible to meet our climate targets.
Animal agriculture is a primary contributor to deforestation, biodiversity loss, land degradation, and air and water pollution. Eating a plant-based diet goes beyond personal preference; it is now a survival imperative. Luckily, going plant-based is a simple and enjoyable way to take action!
Below is a compilation of dining spots in Tbilisi featuring entirely vegan menus, alongside businesses committed to expanding their range of vegan options. These establishments have united with nearly 150,000 others globally in supporting the Plant Based Treaty, emphasizing their commitment towards creating sustainable plant-based food systems.
Gold Star Recommendations – Fully Vegan Establishments
1. Plantastic Kitchen
If you’ve ever thought vegan food was boring and restrictive, prepare to have your mind blown at this vibrant vegan bistro! Founded by TOP THE SHAKER – a popular vegan food creator on social media, this place oozes retro diner charm with its cute and lively interior. As you dive into dishes that prove everything you love can be veganized, you’ll discover flavors so delicious, they’ll make you question why you ever ate animal-based foods. Each bite is a delightful surprise. Don’t settle for meals that harm animals when you can enjoy the same, if not better, cruelty-free versions!
“We are proud that our plant-based food is much tastier than animal food. We believe that the future is vegan,” TOP THE SHAKER, owner of Plantastic Kitchen tells GEORGIA TODAY.
WHERE: 17 Giorgi Akhvlediani St, Tbilisi
instagram.com/plantastickitchentbilisi
2. Lutra Lutra Bar
This cozy bar with vegan cuisine is run by a charming young couple, Irene and Ilia, and it’s tucked away in a quiet street in Old Tbilisi just a few steps away from the hustle and bustle of Liberty Square. Whether it’s a live music performance, a workshop event or a food special, there is always something new and exciting happening there, making this bar a fun and pleasant spot to hang out in with your friends, and where you’ll likely make a few new ones!
“We want to promote the ideas of vegan nutrition and show people new tastes and possibilities!” says Ilia Gorgiladze, co-owner of Lutra Lutra Bar.
WHERE: 15 Aleqsandre Diuma St, Tbilisi
instagram.com/lutralutra.bar
3. Daner Pizza
This popular pizza spot is proof that you never miss out on anything when you’re vegan! Drop by their window to indulge in their tasty Classic Pepperoni or Mushroom pizza. The size of these mouthwatering pizzas is perfect for one person; each baked with love and attention, and featuring the finest, tastiest toppings and top-quality dough. They even write your name on the box and tie a string around it like a gift, making each customer feel special! You can enjoy your pizza outdoors under the nearby gazebo, or if you prefer indoors, you can sit and eat at Lutra Lutra Bar which is just up the road (they have a mutual agreement for Daner Pizza customers). Of course, they offer delivery too. Remember – “Eat pizza, not animals!” as their motto goes!
“I make great vegan pizzas, and I want people to try them,” says Danya, owner of Daner Pizza.
WHERE: 4 Shota Nishniadize St, Tbilisi
instagram.com/danerpizza
4. Stricha
Step into a fairy tale world where all your sweet fantasies come true! Indulge in a heavenly array of desserts – from exquisite cakes to divine donuts, each treat is a masterpiece in both presentation and taste. But the magic doesn’t stop there; Stricha’s menu highlights a delightful selection of vegan burgers, wraps, salads, and pasta, catering to all cravings. With both indoor and outdoor seating options, this is the perfect spot for a satisfying meal or a charming afternoon tea.
“I like to show people that vegan food can be as delicious as ‘regular’ food. I see a future where plant-based food will be perceived as a first choice. Therefore, active development towards gastronomic hedonism must take place,” Inga Apridonidze, owner of Stricha tells us.
WHERE: 16 Anton Purtseladze St, Tbilisi
instagram.com/stricha.tbilisi
5. Living Vino: Vegan Food and Kitchen
Living Vino is a fully plant-based kitchen in the city center, just a short walk from Liberty Square. They focus on takeout and delivery, but you can also dine at their neighbor So Lucky Bar after 7pm, or enjoy your meal on a Gudiashvili Square park bench nearby. Their address is Dadiani St, but you can also find them on the adjacent Lermontov Street. They offer a variety of street food, like burgers, wraps, bowls, salads, and soups. You can even order wine and frozen foods such as veggie patties, falafel, and dumplings from their market section. Living Vino is your go-to spot satisfying your hunger with wholesome plant foods!
WHERE: 18 Shalva Dadiani St, Tbilisi
instagram.com/livingvinogeorgia
livingvino.ge
6. Kiwi Vegan Cafe
Kiwi Vegan Cafe, Georgia’s first vegan cafe and proud winner of the 2023 Plant Based Treaty Awards for “Tbilisi’s favorite vegan eatery”, offers a cozy and welcoming atmosphere for all. Just a few minutes’ walk from Liberty Square metro station, this cafe features a wide menu selection to cater to every preference, from burgers and burritos, sandwiches and bowls, to soups and pastas. Beyond being a cafe, Kiwi is a community that advocates for equality for all beings. They often host events like documentary screenings to raise awareness about animal exploitation and the environmental impact of animal agriculture.
WHERE: 6 Ivane Machabeli St, Tbilisi
instagram.com/kiwicafetbilisi
7. Bonus: For those who want to cook plant-based meals at home: Peaceful Butcher
Peaceful Butcher is a plant-based food brand offering a variety of chilled and frozen products like vegan burgers, dumplings and falafel, perfect for those looking to cook plant-based meals at home. Their products are available for delivery or can be purchased via Living Vino at 18 Shalva Dadiani St.
SEE MORE: instagram.com/peacefulbutcher
Silver Star Recommendations
These restaurants and cafes have committed to incorporating more vegan options into their menus:
But First Cacao – 37 Alexander Griboedov St.
Falafel Box – 26 Shalva Dadiani St.
Fiesta: Tequila Bar & Mexican Cuisine – 17 Atoneli St.
Pizza Verde – 26 Shalva Dadiani St.
How YOU Can Take Action for Plant-Based Earth Month!
1. Sign the Plant Based Treaty (at plantbasedtreaty.org) as an individual to endorse the global initiative for plant-based food systems.
2. Visit the mentioned businesses and express your appreciation by leaving a review on the HappyCow app.
3. Download a free copy of the Vegan Starter Kit booklet at linktr.ee/pbt.ge
4. Watch eye-opening documentaries such as “Dominion” (2018) and “Eating Our Way To Extinction” (2021).
5. Get involved with local vegan groups such as Vegan Georgia and Plant Based Treaty Tbilisi by becoming a volunteer!
By Team GT
