Central Tbilisi · a restored old house
Shavi Lomi
The restaurant that started Tbilisi's modern-Georgian revolution, in a leafy courtyard
Modern Georgian
₾₾
A relaxed supra
Veg & vegan
'The Black Lion' is where Tbilisi's food revolution began: chef Meriko Gubeladze opened it in 2011 and gave classic Georgian dishes a lighter, more creative hand. It has been a favourite ever since.
Set in a bohemian old house with an eclectic interior and a leafy summer courtyard, it is the easy, unhurried supra — familiar flavours plated in a way that feels new, with strong vegetarian and vegan options.
What to order
Pkhali plate
Vegetable-and-walnut pâtés — beetroot, spinach, cabbage.
Chakapuli
Lamb or veal stewed with tarragon, green plums and white wine.
Badrijani
Baked aubergine rolled around walnut paste.
Honey cake
The house dessert to finish on.
Why we send guests here
It suits almost everyone — a calm, characterful room, food that is recognisably Georgian but never heavy, and a kitchen that handles vegetarians and vegans without fuss.