"Refined Georgian cooking and live folk music make Qalaqi one of central Tbilisi's most polished tables for a celebration dinner."
About Restaurant Qalaqi
Restaurant Qalaqi, whose name means city in Georgian, is an upscale dining room at 45 Merab Kostava Street in central Tbilisi. It serves a refined take on Georgian and European cooking and sits among the higher-end tables in our Tbilisi guide, regularly named on lists of the city's best restaurants.
The room looks the part of a fine-dining destination, yet the kitchen stays loyal to Georgian classics done well and in generous portions, with live traditional music most evenings. It is built for a celebration rather than a casual lunch. For what separates a kitchen worth the bill, see our guide to the signs of a great restaurant.
The Kitchen
The menu walks through the Georgian canon, raised a notch: khachapuri and khinkali, slow-cooked and grilled meats, fresh fish and the herb-and-walnut salads that define the cuisine, alongside Georgian wines. Portions are generous and presentation is careful. Spending sits above the city average, which fits the polish of the room and the live music, and reservations are wise on busy evenings.
The Room
The dining room is handsome and softly lit, dressed more like a smart European restaurant than a folk taverna, with space for large parties. Live performers play traditional Georgian melodies through the evening, which lifts a birthday or a group dinner. Service is attentive and used to celebrations, and the kitchen runs from midday into the night.
Best for an anniversary, birthday or a group celebration
Reserve for an anniversary or a lively birthday with the music playing; the space and the polish also make it a strong room for a team dinner.
Not for
A cheap, quick neighbourhood meal: this is an upscale dining room with prices above the city average, best saved for an evening that warrants the occasion.
Frequently Asked
What kind of restaurant is Qalaqi in Tbilisi?
Qalaqi is an upscale Georgian-European restaurant on Merab Kostava Street in central Tbilisi. It serves refined versions of Georgian classics in a smart dining room, usually with live traditional music.
What does Qalaqi serve?
The Georgian canon raised a notch: khachapuri, khinkali, grilled and slow-cooked meats, fresh fish and herb-and-walnut salads, in generous portions, paired with a list of Georgian wines.
Does Qalaqi have live music?
Yes. Traditional Georgian performers play most evenings, which makes it a lively choice for a birthday, an anniversary or a group celebration rather than a quiet, low-key dinner.
How expensive is Qalaqi?
Spending sits above the Tbilisi average, in line with the polished room and the live music. It is a special-occasion restaurant rather than an everyday neighbourhood table.
Where is Restaurant Qalaqi?
It is at 45 Merab Kostava Street in central Tbilisi, open daily from midday into the evening, with reservations advised on busier nights.
Reserve a Table
Reserve at Restaurant Qalaqi
Book ahead for evenings and large parties; open daily, with live music most nights.
Affiliate disclosure: Restaurants for Kings may earn a commission when you book through our reservation links, at no cost to you. Our scores are editorial and never paid for.
Practical Information
Address45 Merab Kostava Street, Tbilisi
NeighbourhoodMerab Kostava Street, central Tbilisi
CuisineGeorgian-European
Price$$$ · above the city average
RecognitionRanked among Tbilisi's leading dining rooms
SignatureRefined khachapuri and khinkali with live Georgian music
