3 Best Restaurants in Batumi, Georgia

For the full Georgian dining experience, head to this traditional-looking stone, wood, and tile building at south end of Lake Ardagani, along Batumi Boulevard. The old school theme continues inside, where exposed thick wood beams support the ceilings and door frames and a replica of a traditional Georgian kitchen has been set in the corner. Unless you are a smoker, it may be better to grab a table on the outside terrace. On the menu are typical Ajarian dishes like Adjarian khachapuri (cheese-stuffed bread with egg and butter), chikhirtma (chicken soup with coriander), and borano (cheese and butter fondue baked in a clay pot).

Climb to the 19th floor of the Radisson Blu Hotel for probably the best dining views in the city at one of its most upscale restaurants. Clouds serves an international menu to cater to its traveling clientele, but dishes like gazpacho, spaghetti, and Swedish meatballs sometimes find it hard to keep up with the high quality of the interior design and overall vibe, which, with it the panoramic views of the sea on all sides, is reminicent of a first-class cocktail lounge on a luxury cruise ship. But it's still well worth a visit for cocktails, the wine, and—as many diners demonstrate—gazing into your lover's eyes. DJs and live music are added attractions on weekends.

For design charm, look no farther than this café a stone's throw from the Sheraton Hotel. A cross between an eccentric grandmother's sitting room and a mixed-media artist's showroom, FanFan draws inspiration from Georgian literary legend and Soviet dissident Chabua Amirejibi, who owned the building. During the day, the brightly covered café tables host lazy conversations over tea and occassional snoozing cats, but at night, the space assumes a restaurant identity, serving regional dishes including its signature bacon rolls stuffed with walnuts and prunes. Live music, mostly jazz, is a regular feature in the evenings.