Why Restaurant Spending Is Rising in Georgia and Who Can Actually Afford It?

In May 2025, a notable shift emerged in consumer behavior: restaurant and café spending in Georgia saw a sharp rise. According to TBC Capital’s Consumer Spending Tracker, card payments in this category increased by 21% year-over-year, making it one of the strongest growth areas in the service sector.

But behind this number lies a critical question — who can actually afford this level of spending, and does it reflect broader prosperity?

Geostat reports that average real wages in 2024 rose by 12%, but income disparities remain significant. In Tbilisi, the average monthly salary exceeds GEL 2,000, while in many regions it hovers near GEL 1,000 or less. At the same time, food service inflation in May stood at 8.1%, meaning that only part of the population is experiencing real gains in access to dining out.

According to the National Bank of Georgia, consumer lending rose by 11% in Q1 2025. This suggests that some of the restaurant spending may be financed through credit, raising questions about the sustainability of this consumption.

Cultural and behavioral shifts also play a role. Globally, the post-pandemic period has seen consumers prioritizing social experiences and leisure. Georgia is no exception — TBC Capital data shows particularly strong restaurant spending growth in urban hubs like Tbilisi and Batumi.

Technology has further accelerated this trend. Platforms like Wolt and Glovo, along with QR payments and frictionless card usage, have made food services more accessible and convenient, increasing the visibility and frequency of such transactions.

Still, looking at the country as a whole, it’s clear that this growth in restaurant spending does not reflect universal affordability. For some, eating out has become a daily norm; for many others, it remains a luxury reserved for special occasions.

Georgia’s growing consumption is real — but so are the divides shaping who gets to participate in it.