The Georgians are as obsessed with coffee as any European nation, though it is only in the past half-decade that the world of possibilities in the bean-drinking culture has been revealed by the bold and brave, to much success, we might add.
If you’re in a village, they’ll offer you instant or Turkish. But if you seek a locale with a little more choice, check out Where.ge’s recommendations below.
TBILISI
DOUBLE B COFFEE & TEA
Serving "the best coffee in town," Double B boasts professional baristas offering a wide choice of coffee brewed in a non-standard way (Alternative Coffee). Ideal for your morning boost or a mid-afternoon pick-me-up over gossip with friends.
Here's what the owners say of one of their coffees: "Burundi Sehe made by Salum Ramadhan in his Buziraguhindwa washing station is Double B’s superstar single-origin coffee. It’s well balanced towards acidity and sweetness.The taste is very bright and dynamic, the body is light and pleasant. Depending on how you brew it, you can taste the flavors of black currant, cranberries, and green apples. If you want to understand what is the cane sugar aftertaste, come try it!"
9 G.Tabidze Str., Tbilisi
TEL (+955) 557 63 15 54
https://www.facebook.com/doubleb.georgia/
OPEN 9 AM - 10 PM
KAKHETI
CAFE BRAVO, TELAVI
Before paying a visit to this restaurant in Telavi, we received multiple recommendations from the locals, and it exceeded our expectations! We advise booking in advance, since the place tends to be full of eager customers most evenings.
‘Bravo’, we thought as we left behind our polished plates and empty coffee mugs. The menu offers all the Georgian favorites, and some classic European options too, such as pizza, and steak, as well as a wide range of drinks, too – from locally-made wines to cocktails, and beers.
Located in the center of the city, it can be reached by foot from most hotels and guest houses.
11 Nadikvari, Telavi, Kakheti
OPEN 10 AM - MIDNIGHT
KNOWLEDGE CAFE, TSNORI
Two hours outside Tbilisi, in the large village of Tsnori, Kakheti region, a three-floor house has been opened as a Knowledge Café, a multi-functional library, meeting spot and café, and the only one in the area so far. It was opened in 2016 by Nana Bagalishvili and her friends from Tsnori.
“There were no public spaces in Tsnori, unlike in Tbilisi, where people could meet,” Nana told GEORGIA TODAY. “So, me and my friends, all from Tsnori and having studied together in Tbilisi, decided to do something about it." So, they opened a bookshop and social cafe. The books are the cheapest you'll find in the country and the cakes are to die for!
The Café team has already organized more than 100 educational and cultural activities in the Knowledge Café, lots of their projects realized with the help of volunteers locally and even some coming from other towns and villages in the region to help.
If you're in Kakheti, pop in and do your bit for the local community while enjoying something delicious from their 'Smart Cafe'.
3 Akhmashenebeli Str., 3rd Entrance, Tsnori, Kakheti
TEL (+995) 595 96 46 56
https://www.facebook.com/tsodniscafe/
BATUMI
RUSUDAN PETVIASHVILI ART CAFE-GALLERY
Stay out in the sea air by choosing the street-side seating, or head inside to browse the impressive selection of Rusudan's unique drawings and paintings of feminine figures, fierce warriors and oriental scenes. Then move into the cafe section of the establishment for a tea, coffee or glass of wine, while being serenaded by the grand piano in the gallery.
Try the breakfast omelette, or just a warm tea as you read a book or chat with friends or business partners. Of an evening, this is where you'll find the art crowd, especially in the warmth of summer.
7 Gamsakhurdia Str., Batumi
TEL (+995) 599 745223
GUDAURI
VITAMIN CAFE
Warm up on their open terrace or in their conservatory area with a coffee, hot chocolate or mug of glint wine after a few hours skiing. Great lunches, too, and very popular!
Gudauri Ski Resort, Gudauri
TEL (+995) 599 17 44 22
https://www.facebook.com/vitamingudauri/
OPEN 9 AM – 8 PM
SVANETI
CAFE LAILA, MESTIA
If you’re looking for a lively atmosphere with regular live music from Georgian folk groups, then this energetic café is for you.
That taste of culture transfers to the local food, coffee and wine available. Prices are low, quality high and you will leave wanting to recommend it to your friends.
Warm and friendly waiting-staff will greet you with a smile and are on-hand to offer advice on what to order. Children are welcome and high chairs are available.
7 Seti Square, Mestia
TEL (+995) 577 57 76 77
https://www.facebook.com/CafeBar.Laila/
SAMSKHE-JAVAKHETI
CAFE-LOUNGE RABATI
Located in Rabati Castle itself, this is the hot place to come for an evening out for both locals and tourists. The prices are high, but the view and atmosphere make it totally worth it in this small city-town. During the day, chill out on the sunny terrace as the tourists pass you by, sipping on coffee or tea.
1 Kharischirashvili Str., Akhaltsikhe
TEL (+995) 571 00 00 21
https://www.facebook.com/cafeloungerabati/
KUTAISI
PALATY RESTAURANT, KUTAISI
This glamorous European restaurant has an elegant atmosphere which is perfect for eating out of an evening, or just meeting for some drinks or coffee. Enjoy live music played most nights by a professional pianist, violinist and flutist.
Praised by the vegetarian and vegan community for its range and quality of food, the menu offers something for everyone. Try a freshly-made pasta salad, or hot steamy Khachapuri, or even a thick, succulent steak cooked to your liking. The roast chicken is superior in its tenderness, with a crunchy glaze, dripping with an unusual but well-suiting Georgian plum sauce.
Complimenting the exceptional food are a team of staff who evidently enjoy their jobs; they are helpful and able to recommend choices based on what you have a taste for, always meeting you with a smile.
2 Pushkini Str., Kutaisi
TEL (+995) 431243380
https://www.facebook.com/palatypalaty/
OPEN 11 AM - midnight
Photos thanks to Double B