Kartuli is a Georgian restaurant and wine shop at 65 Lordship Lane in East Dulwich, set within the beautifully preserved former David Greig premises. Founded by friends from Georgia and the United Kingdom, it brings the country’s tradition of generous hospitality to London through regional cooking, shared feasts and a remarkable collection of Georgian wines.
Cold starters include badrijani, with tender aubergine wrapped around walnut, garlic and spices, alongside colourful vegetable pkhali and fresh salads. The kitchen bakes its bread to order, including Imeruli khachapuri filled with cheese and boat shaped Acharuli khachapuri finished with egg and butter.
Pleated khinkali dumplings are freshly prepared with minced pork, beef and aromatic broth. Slow cooked lobio combines pinto beans with onions, herbs, garlic and chilli, while chakapuli brings lamb shank together with tarragon, coriander, spring onion and Georgian white wine. Chargrilled pork or chicken mtsvadi is served with plum sauce, herbs and pomegranate.
Other substantial dishes include poussin in creamy garlic sauce, chicken simmered with tomato and herbs, and beef slowly cooked in Saperavi wine. Ajapsandali offers a fragrant vegetable combination, while layered honey cake provides a rich finish. Georgian amber, red and white wines, as well as chacha, allow diners to explore the country’s ancient drinking culture alongside the food.
Address: 65 Lordship Lane, East Dulwich, London SE22 8EP, United Kingdom