Kartuli

Visiting Kartuli in East Dulwich, South East London, was my first experience with Georgian cuisine, and I couldn’t have been more excited. From the moment I stepped into the restaurant, I felt a warm welcome. Kartuli proudly supports local businesses, sourcing its ingredients from nearby shops like the fishmonger and butcher. This independent eatery has a charm that makes it stand out, especially in a bustling area. As I navigated the busy road outside, I was reminded of the importance of using the crossing for safety.

Once inside, I was captivated by the beautiful interior, with its impressive range of wines and stunning tiling. The atmosphere was incredibly relaxing, thanks to the greenery and the delightful conservatory setting. Kartuli’s menu was a treasure trove of options, featuring an array of soups, sandwiches, appetizers, starters, main courses, and desserts. My choices for the evening included the khachapuri, a unique boat-shaped bread filled with cheese, eggs, and butter, as well as khinkali, the famous pleated dumplings, and a traditional beef stew.

When the khachapuri arrived, the server encouraged me to mix the warm ingredients together and indulge with my hands. It was rich and filling, a delightful blend of cheese, egg, and butter that instantly made me feel at home. Next, the kinkali and beef casruli were brought to my table. I was pleasantly surprised by the khinkali, which had a rich, earthy broth nestled inside each dumpling. The presentation was unlike anything I had ever seen before. I found myself reaching for pepper to enhance the flavour, which made it even better.

The beef stew was truly a revelation. This hearty stew was brimming with deep flavours, featuring tender beef, potatoes, chillies, pomegranates, and a wonderfully rich broth. The balance of flavours was exceptional—the sweetness of the pomegranate paired beautifully with the kick from the chillies, creating a dish that I will long remember.

As I savoured each bite, I was struck by the care and attention that had gone into the cooking. The beauty of the restaurant, combined with the relaxed atmosphere and attentive service, made the experience all the more enjoyable. When the bill arrived, I was pleased to find that the total for our meal was £45, with an additional £8 for a lovely medium-bodied red wine and a 12.5% service charge.

In conclusion, I give Kartuli a solid 9/10. The hearty, flavourful dishes and the welcoming atmosphere make it a must-visit for anyone looking to explore Georgian cuisine. I encourage you to try it for yourself and share your thoughts. As I sat in the sun reflecting on my experience, I felt grateful for the delicious meal and the joy of discovering something new.