A Love Letter to Georgian Flavours
Nestled in the niche gourmet area of Islington, Barnsbury, this little gem is a heartfelt tribute to the vibrant and soulful cuisine of Georgia. From the moment you step through the door, you are transported to a world where taste knows no bounds, and food is a celebration of life.
Ambiance:
It’s like you’ve been whisked away to some eatery in Georgia, with Soviet-era posters, cool artifacts, and wooden tables adding to the vibe. It was snug, comfy, and the perfect backdrop for a tasty adventure.
Even though they’ve got loads of space, the night I visited was packed, and I saw all sorts of crews – from couples on early dates (they were so cute) to big group dinners.
Service:
I got the vibe that almost like a family-owned restaurant. They knew their menu, but I’m not sure if the service was all that fancy.
Oh, and I’m kind of old school. I’d rather have a paper menu in my hands than fumbling with my iPhone. Especially when it comes to unfamiliar Georgian grub – I need pictures, not just scrolling through all the text.
Drinks:
I hoped they’d have more Georgian wines on the list, and honestly, the wine quality didn’t really win me over.
Price: ££
Their big plates come at a decent price, but when it comes to desserts and wines, I’m not entirely sure.
What I Ordered:
*Meze (A selection of six delicious vegetarian salads)
I totally loved all those six different salads, but that roasted aubergine one? It was crazy yummy. And the beetroot and potato salads weren’t half bad either, so, basically, everything was great.
This dish set my expectations super high. From a little tanginess to the explosion of flavor in those stuffed vine leaves, this plate has got something for everyone’s taste buds.
Khachapuri
Khachapuri, that famous Georgian cheese-filled bread, was like a warm hug from Georgian cuisine.
Picture this: a golden-brown bread boat with cheese bubbling and oozing from its center, and a raw egg in the cheesy sea. This dish was perfect for a chilly reainy evening.
The texture was a delightful blend of soft and crispy. The outer layer of bread provided a satisfying contrast to the gooey, melty cheese inside.
The cheese had just the right amount of saltiness, but honestly, they went all out with the butter and egg yolk in the middle. They turned the luxury dial up to eleven, and I couldn’t quite finish the dish.
Khinkali
I got pretty hyped because these dumplings looked like Xiaolongbao. But, when I bit into them, the dough was surprisingly big, and I wasn’t sure what to do with all that extra dough once I’d finished the filling, even with the sour cream sauce.
The filling was a mix of pork and beef, but I was missing that juicy burst I usually get when I munch on dumplings. Since it was my first time trying these, I’m guessing they’re meant to be milder in flavor, not that big, bold punch I’m used to?
Carnivore’s Kotnis Lobio
As a main dish, it didn’t really catch my eye visually. And you know, I had a bit of a treasure hunt trying to find the slow-cooked meat—it was hiding behind a bunch of beans.
Plus, I was hoping for a bit more spice and a richer flavor with all those herbs, spices, and garlic, but it didn’t quite hit the mark.
Honey Cake
If you’re into sweets, those honey-infused cake layers might be your thing. But, to be honest, I felt like the sponges could’ve been moister, and I was hoping for more of that earthy honey goodness. The sugary top was real sweet, but the creamy layers in between were all about that indulgent creaminess.
Conclusion:
Feeling in the mood for a whirlwind romance with Georgian flavors? Little Georgia Islington is the place to be. People often use the term ‘hidden gem,’ but Little Georgia Islington is a true hidden treasure.
It’s an enchanting restaurant that will transport you to a culinary wonderland where the taste of Georgia reigns supreme. You’ll appreciate that you’re living in this culturally mixed city, London.
Tips from Hanako:
- I’m no expert on Georgian food, so keep in mind this article’s just my personal take on it.
- They are open until 11 pm, which is good when you are looking for a dining option in London.
- Better to book, even if it’s for a late evening. They also have one in Hackney, but Islington has more space.
Website: https://littlegeorgia.co.uk/
