10 Best Georgian Restaurants In London
Georgian food might just be the most underrated in London. With Persian and Caucasus influence, its cuisine has been developed over thousands of years, creating rich, complex and delicious flavours.
From iconic dishes like khinkali, khachapuri, and a host of stews and salads, to one of the best wines in the world, this is a paradise for foodies. And London has some great authentic spots, ranging from sleek, modern openings to family-run neighbourhood spots. Here’s our pick of the best Georgian restaurants in London.
Kartuli
As if Dulwich needed another reason to move there, it happens to have arguably the best Georgian restaurant in the city tucked away in its leafy suburb. Must orders here are the khinkali, which are individually hand-pleated, and the acharuli khachapuri, the iconic boat-shaped bread stuffed with heaps of melted cheese and topped with an egg, a sort of ridiculously indulgent Georgian pizza. Pair with a fantastic selection of Georgian wines and over-order on the homemade adjika hot sauce.
where: Kartuli, 65 Lordship Ln, London SE22 8ep
Website: www.kartuli.co.uk
Kinkally
If you want dumplings, Kinkally is the spot – it’s literally named after them. Located on Charlotte Street, the restaurant’s interiors are as stylish as its food, drawing inspiration from the Caucasus mountains. Bar Kinky downstairs is also worth a visit for a pre- or post-dinner cocktail. Alongside the signature khinkali, filled with langoustine, portobello king oyster mushrooms or wagyu beef, expect small plates such as baked aubergine with satsebeli and vanilla sauce, pickled kimchi tomatoes and beef tartare.
where: 43 Charlotte St., London W1T 1rs
Website: www.kinkally.co.uk
Little Georgia
The décor is retro/vintage, and features Soviet-era posters and artefacts, and the atmosphere is lively but laid–back. Little Georgia Islington is the ideal destination to enjoy traditional Georgian food.
Start with borscht – Georgian beetroot soup – and their own special khachapuri with extra adjika, before moving on to mains like stuffed oven-baked trout, marinated pork kebabs and traditional smoked bean soup.
where: 14 Barnsbury Rd, London N1 0hb
Website: www.littlegeorgia.co.uk
Samaia
You might have to trek out to Barnes for Samaia, but trust us, it’s worth it. They do all the Georgian classics, but also with some unique spins. Try the black seafood khinkali, dumplings stuffed with prawns, salmon and white wine, and a ‘steak and eggs’ acharuli, which takes the traditional dish up to eleven by topping the charred boat of cheese with a 220g rib-eye.
If you still have room for dessert, get the honey cake and some marani, Georgia’s flagship spirit.
They do all the Georgian classics, but also with some unique spins
where: 195 Castelnau, London SW13 9ER
Website: www.samaiarestaurant.com
Iberia
Pimlico has a bit of a reputation as the London version of a fly-over state – it’s probably a convenient location to live, but is there actually anything there? When was the last time your friends plotted a night out in Pimlico?
But if great Georgian food is high up on the priority list, which it probably should be, then you should consider it. Iberia, named after the modern eastern Georgians who originated from the early Georgian state of Iberia, is a true hidden gem. Menu highlights include a rainbow-coloured selection of phkali, herby, spicy stews with lamb and beef, as well as classic khachapuri and khinkali. It also has a great selection of Georgian orange wine to sample.
where: 3 Lupus St, Pimlico, London SW1V 3as
Website: www.iberarestaurant.com
Mimino
Mimino has been serving up authentic, neighbourhood Georgian cooking since 2006 near Holland Park, with a wine list straight from the Caucasus mountains, and classic dishes like hearty soups, baked-to-order mchadi and spiced kebabs.
They also offer a free shot of Chacha before the meal, a clear, strong Georgian brandy, which sets you up nicely.
They also offer a free shot of Chacha before the meal, which sets you up nicely.
Where: 44 Blythe Rd, London W14 0HA
Website: www.mimino.co.uk
Aba Ra
The tagline of Aba Ra reads ‘bread, cheese and wine’, a pretty good summation of what you’re going to get at this family-run Georgian spot on Brick Lane. Yes, they do other things, but those three form the base, and are done to such a high standard. A standout here is the Ajapsandali khachapuri, which combines Georgia’s favourite veggie stew, baked into the house khachapuri and finished with melted cheese. It’s worth the trip alone.
where: 108 Brick Ln, London E1 6RL
website: www.abara.com
Shoty
If those living out in West London are looking for a new local favourite, or just looking for some khinkali within walking distance, Shoty fills the gap perfectly.
They do the classics here, really well, in a homely environment just off Exhibition Road. Gorging on bread and cheese is the perfect tonic to the particular type of fatigue only walking around a gallery for hours can produce. Other musts are sampling the Georgian wine list, the walnut and honey cake, a selection of Georgian barbeque and the titular Shoty, named after a particular type of bread.
They do the classics here, really well, in a homely environment just off from Exhbition road
where: 30 Old Brompton Road, London SW7 3DL
website: www.shoty.com
Saperavi Social
If you’re really looking to delve into the rich, thousand-year-old wine tradition in Georgia, Saperavi is a must. With regular tastings a broad selection and knowledgable staff that will point you in the right direction, you’ll walk with a greater appreciation for the countries importance in vinoculture development. While the vibe is more wine-bar adjacent, the food is still excellent.
Where: 212 Essex Rd, London N1 3AP
website: www.saperavisocial.co.uk
Geamos
This spot in St. John’s Wood is run by husband-and-wife owners dedicated to serving authentic Georgian dishes accompanied by renowned Georgian wines. Anna is in charge of the food, creating dishes passed down through generations, and Zaza looks after the drinks, handpicking every wine and Chacha, which features a range of house Sapaeravi, Rcatsiteli and Qvervry Wines.
where: 122 Boundary Rd, London NW8 0RH
website: www.geamos.co.uk
