Hi! I’m Tonia. I’m your local vegan food detective since before it was cool, and I’m so glad you’re here.
I’ve been on the hunt for incredible plant-based food since 2008, and somewhere along the way it became less of a hobby and more of a lifelong obsession. While some people collect magnets or postcards, I collect vegan restaurants. Okay, I do collect magnets too! You should see my fridge.
It all started with one simple question: Can I have an amazing meal here?
As it turns out… the answer is almost always a resounding, yes!
Since then, I’ve spent nearly two decades tracking down unforgettable vegan meals in places where people least expect to find them. Every new city feels like a treasure hunt, every hidden café is a clue, and every memorable meal is another case solved.
These days, my sleuthing has brought me to Tbilisi.
If Georgia isn’t the first place that comes to mind for vegan travel, you’re not alone. That’s exactly why I love introducing people to it. Beneath the mountains, monasteries, and centuries of history is a food culture that’s surprisingly plant-friendly, wonderfully generous, and absolutely delicious.
Before falling in love with Tbilisi, I spent three unforgettable years hosting vegan food tours in Ortigia, Sicily. My favorite part wasn’t simply sharing great food—it was watching strangers become friends over a shared table. Many guests told me it felt less like a tour and more like spending an afternoon with someone they’d known for years. To me, that’s the greatest compliment imaginable.
I believe the best travel experiences happen somewhere between the guidebook and getting wonderfully lost. They’re found in family-run cafés, bustling markets, hidden courtyards, and conversations that linger long after the last bite.
Whether you’ve been vegan for decades (or just for the day), you’re simply vegan-curious, or you just love discovering great local food, you’re welcome here. My tours aren’t about telling anyone what they should eat. They’re about celebrating Georgian food, culture, hospitality, and the joy of discovering something unexpected.
Wear comfortable shoes, bring plenty of curiosity, and most importantly…come hungry. I’ll take care of the rest.
My culinary investigations continue…one delicious bite at a time.
No way! Many of my customers are not and probably never will be vegan. Some take my tours because of food allergies. And many more take the tour to offer solidarity to their plant loving friend or family member. It doesn’t matter why you’re joining me. I’m just so happy that you are. And I promise that I’m not going to try to recruit or shame you for your life choices. Come, enjoy, and leave full of delicious vegan food. Celebrate being “vegan for the day!
Yes! Lactose is a sugar found in milk and dairy products. Since vegan food contains no animal-derived ingredients, including dairy, it is always lactose-free.
Sometimes! Gluten is a group of proteins found in certain grains, primarily wheat, barley, and rye. It acts as a “glue” that gives dough its elasticity, helps bread rise, and gives baked goods a chewy texture. Currently, we do not offer a gluten-free tour.
Not always! The top five food allergens include cow’s milk, eggs, shellfish, peanuts, and tree nuts. While vegan food on this tour will always be free of animal products, some food items may contain tree nuts, peanuts, gluten, soy, and other allergens.
A plant-based diet emphasizes whole, minimally processed foods from plants, including fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. Some plant-based individuals may even adopt a flexitarian approach, occasionally consuming small amounts of animal products. The decision to eat mostly plant-based is often motivated by the health benefits. They also do not necessarily exclude all animal products from their lifestyle; for example, they may still wear leather belts or shoes or visit zoos.
Veganism is an ethical lifestyle choice. It is a philosophy that avoids all animal exploitation, not just in food but also in clothing (including leather, silk, and wool), cosmetics (including animal-based ingredients and testing), and entertainment (such as zoos and circuses). A vegan diet excludes meat, dairy, eggs, honey, and any animal-derived ingredients. While better health is an excellent side effect, the core principle of a vegan lifestyle is animal rights.
We chose not to accept payment in advance. Instead, Tonia will take payment at the first tour stop using a Mobile Point of Sale (POS) terminal provided by the Bank of Georgia. She can accept any debit/credit Visa or Mastercard, and contactless options like GooglePay and ApplePay. If necessary, she can accept payment in cash including Georgian Lari, Euro, USD, or GBP
