Food
Telavi's best restaurants for Kakhetian food
A practical guide to the best restaurants in Telavi, from traditional mtsvadi to vegetarian options, including opening hours and where to book.
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Telavi’s town centre is compact, and dining options range from traditional courtyards to modern restaurants. If you are staying centrally, most of these spots are a short walk away.
Kakhetian food: Mtsvadi and Rtveli
Kakheti is Georgia’s agricultural centre, and local menus reflect this. The traditional Georgian harvest, known as Rtveli, peaks from mid-September to mid-October.
Mtsvadi, a traditional dish of marinated pork, is a staple in Kakheti. The meat is typically cooked outdoors on an open flame. It is often served with raw onions and tkemali, a sour plum sauce.
Doli
Doli is located at 11 Cholokashvili Street. The kitchen prepares its breads and meats in a traditional tone oven.
It is open daily from 1pm to midnight.
Menu prices do not include 18% VAT. Items include:
- BBQ pork neck mtsvadi: 35.50 GEL
- Veal mtsvadi: 32.50 GEL
- Meat Lover Khoncha: 65.50 GEL
- Vegetarian Khoncha: 55.50 GEL
- Vegan Cauliflower with bazhe sauce: 22.50 GEL
- Vegan Bean Hummus with sunflower seeds: 14.50 GEL
- Vegetarian Guda cheese: 16.50 GEL
The restaurant has limited seating, so booking in advance is recommended during the tourist season.
Kapiloni
Kapiloni is at 10 Barnovi Street, across from the Batonis-Tsikhe Fortress. It is a three-minute walk (0.2 km) from the centre of Telavi.
The restaurant has a two-level dining area and a large outdoor terrace. It is open from 9am to midnight, Saturday to Thursday, and 10am to midnight on Fridays.
The kitchen serves traditional Georgian dishes, including khachapuri and khinkali.
Meidani
Meidani is located at 21 Erekle II Avenue, near the Batonis-Tsikhe Fortress. The restaurant is open daily from 9am to 10pm.
Dishes include chakapuli and chkmeruli. Meidani also serves nadugi khinkali, which contain a creamy, ricotta-like filling.
Meidani does not have wheelchair access. The restaurant offers takeaway and food delivery services.
Zodiako
Zodiako is on Georgian University Street, 1.2 km from the centre of Telavi. It is a five-minute uphill walk.
It has an outdoor courtyard seating area. The menu includes traditional mtsvadi and vegetarian-friendly pkhali (vegetable spreads).
The restaurant opens at 10am, with closing times varying between 9pm and midnight.
Restaurant Batontan
Restaurant Batontan is located at 2 Rustaveli Street. The menu features mtsvadi, kebabs, and tomato salad.
Breakfast and morning coffee
Doli serves breakfast from 8am to 11am. Kapiloni and Meidani both open at 9am on most days.
Guests staying at Our Old House at 25a Shota Rustaveli Avenue can visit the on-site coffee shop or enjoy a homemade breakfast. The meal includes local specialities, cheese, and jam, alongside American, vegetarian, and vegan options. Breakfast is included in some rates or costs 20 GEL per person, and can be served in your room.
