Five Date Ideas

Some might call it a cliché, but we’d say it’s a time-honored classic and still a show-stopping plan. An evening at the theater sets the tone, and it’s worth getting the second act right: pick a restaurant within walking distance so a long drive doesn’t blur the afterglow.

At Roastbeef, it all lines up perfectly: five minutes after the final applause, and you’re already there. Dry-aged steaks, the signature «yesterday’s» borscht, roast beef with mushroom sauce and salad, and gnocchi with veal and button mushrooms in a creamy sauce are all time-tested favorites. Add an impressive wine collection and polished service, and you’ve got true old-money style.

This is the most free-spirited, and arguably the most romantic, plan of all: no set agenda. A stroll along the right-bank riverfront is lovely on its own, with pedestrian lanes, city lights, and the freedom to duck into any side street and savor the moment.  

And when you want to warm up, drop by Gemrieli, a cozy spot for Georgian home-style cooking. It feels like a classic no-name family cafe somewhere in Tbilisi: shelves lined with folk-style souvenirs, clay jugs, and cups that look like they were gathered from friends and relatives. No trendy reinterpretations here, just time-tested staples: khachapuri, khinkali, odzhakhuri, and house wine. Everything you need to keep the conversation front and center.

Starting your date at the Botanical Garden is close to a sure thing: plenty of space, and the feeling that the city is far away. After the walk, it’s only natural to warm up in a more intimate setting with a glass of wine and an unhurried dinner. 

Wine Street is a perfect fit for that plan. Here, tables are framed by wine racks, so picking a bottle becomes part of the fun. Another highlight is the restaurant’s own aquarium, home to oysters and even lobsters, and those orders come with a complimentary bottle of wine. The main menu features dozens of tempting dishes, from Burgundy snails to beef tongue steak with truffle puree and halibut in beurre blanc. For dessert, don’t miss the house-made Spanish cheesecake.

If you’re in the mood for something highbrow, head to the National Museum. Spacious halls, modern architecture, and exhibitions that are best taken in unhurried. The best place to talk about what you’ve seen is somewhere cozy, over coffee and desserts.

At Delish, look out for their generously sized pistachio-and-caramel choux, as well as custard-filled Berliners. Desserts here are made in-house and, of course, baked fresh daily. The drinks list is just as fun, from matcha with melon to batch brew and buckwheat tea with mango and pineapple.

When you’re craving movement and a little adrenaline, go with an active plan. The indoor ice rink at Mega Silk Way is one of the most comfortable in the city: spacious, bright, and friendly even if you’re not very confident on skates. 

Right after, check out Coco by abr group for fun street food.  It’s a great way to refuel on the calories you’ve burned together. The menu is small but thoughtfully put together: burgers, chicken strips, wings, rolls, and pitas, all with a subtle fancy touch. An absolute must-try: chicken strips with honey butter.

P. S. Reminder from our editors: dates aren’t just for February 14!

Photos: restaurant websites and social media, Yandex Maps