What to eat and drink in Batumi, from signature dishes and local drinks to markets, dietary needs and restaurant etiquette.
Food & drink
What to eat in Batumi
Batumi is one of the best places to explore Ajarian cuisine, a rich regional cooking tradition shaped by the Black Sea coast and the mountains of Adjara. The city also has Georgian restaurants, seafood, bakeries, contemporary cafes and a rapidly changing dining scene.
01
Adjarian khachapuri
Boat-shaped bread filled with melted cheese and traditionally finished with an egg and butter. It is the dish most strongly associated with Batumi and Adjara.
Look for it: Available throughout Batumi; specialist khachapuri restaurants and established Georgian restaurants are generally better choices than choosing only by seafront location.
02
Borano
A rich Ajarian dish traditionally based on local cheese and clarified butter.
Look for it: Look for restaurants specializing in Ajarian rather than generic Georgian cuisine.
03
Sinori
Thin rolled baked dough traditionally served with a rich mixture that can include butter, curds or matsoni and garlic.
Look for it: More likely to appear at restaurants emphasizing traditional Ajarian cooking.
04
Achma
A layered Georgian cheese pastry especially associated with western Georgia and commonly found in Adjara.
Look for it: Bakeries and Georgian restaurants around central Batumi.
Local drinks
What locals pour.
Georgian wine
Georgian wine is widely available, while the wider Adjara region has its own small-scale wine traditions including Chkhaveri and Tsolikouri.
Turkish-style coffee
Coffee prepared in the regional style remains part of Batumi and Adjara’s food culture.
Chacha
Georgia’s strong grape spirit. Drink carefully and avoid unlabelled homemade alcohol if you are unsure of its source.
Dietary needs
Vegetarian
Vegetarian travelers have many options in Georgian cuisine, including lobio, pkhali, vegetable dishes, salads and some breads. Ask whether dishes contain meat stock when uncertain.
Vegan
Vegan choices exist, particularly among fasting-style Georgian dishes, but cheese, butter and eggs are especially common in Ajarian cuisine. Confirm ingredients explicitly.
Halal
Batumi has a sizeable Muslim cultural presence and halal options can be found, but certification and kitchen practices vary. Confirm directly with the restaurant if strict compliance matters.
Kosher
Dedicated kosher availability is limited compared with major international cities. Travelers requiring strict kosher preparation should verify current options before arrival.
Allergies
Walnuts, dairy, wheat and eggs appear frequently in Georgian cuisine. Travelers with serious allergies should communicate the specific ingredient clearly rather than relying only on the name of a dish.
Restaurant etiquette
Table service is common. A service charge may already appear on the bill, so check before adding an additional tip. Georgian meals are often designed for sharing, and portions can be larger than expected.