Nestled in the charming neighborhood of Barnsbury, Islington, Little Georgia is celebrated as one of London’s premier homes for authentic Georgian cuisine. Known for blending rich culinary tradition with a nostalgic atmosphere evocative of Soviet-era Georgia, this restaurant invites visitors on a sensory journey to the Caucasus with every dish. In 2025, it continues to enchant locals and tourists alike with its warm hospitality, hand-crafted recipes, and vibrant setting.
This comprehensive, fully updated article serves as the ultimate guide to Little Georgia Barnsbury Islington, covering its history, detailed menu offerings, drinks selection, ambience, customer reviews, pricing, accessibility, and insider tips to experience Georgian food and culture at this unique London destination.
History and Concept
Little Georgia opened as a testament to Georgian culinary heritage and hospitality, bringing flavors rarely found in London’s food scene to the heart of Islington. The founders — a family passionate about preserving Georgian food culture — sought to recreate recipes passed down through generations, paired with an interior that reflects the vintage charm and homeliness of old Soviet Georgia.
The cozy décor is peppered with wooden furniture, Soviet-era posters, knickknacks like old telephones, and subtle fairy lights creating an ambiance both nostalgic and welcoming.
The staff uphold these traditions through sourcing fresh, local UK ingredients infused with authentic Georgian spices, ensuring each dish offers a genuine taste profile closely aligned to original home-cooked meals from Georgia.
Ambiance & Décor
Little Georgia’s interiors transport you back to eras gone by with:
- Walls adorned with Soviet-style posters and memorabilia: Creating a distinctive vintage aesthetic
- Rustic wooden tables and chairs: Promoting warm, communal dining
- Fairy lights and soft candlelight: Adding intimacy to the space, perfect for romantic dinners or cosy groups
- Friendly, personable staff: Serving with knowledge and genuine enthusiasm for Georgian culture
During evenings, the venue buzzes with laughter and chatter, often filled with birthday celebrations and large group bookings, adding layers of conviviality to the experience.
Full 2025 Menu Overview
Starters & Small Plates
The restaurant’s menu showcases a beautiful array of traditional Georgian starters, perfect for sharing or enjoying individually.
- Nigvziani Badrijani (£12.50): Aubergine rolls stuffed with a richly spiced walnut filling, seasoned with traditional Georgian herbs—a perfect vegetarian option bursting with flavour.
- Badrijnis Salata (£12.00): Roasted aubergine salad with garlic, onions, walnuts, chilli, coriander, and pomegranate seeds—vibrant and refreshing.
- Lobio Salad (£9.50): Red kidney beans combined with tangy spices and onions, richly seasoned and served cold.
- Beetroot Salad (£9.00): Chopped beetroot with coriander, walnuts, garlic, vinegar, and traditional Georgian spices—earthy and delightful.
- House-made Borscht (£9.00): A traditional beetroot soup with apple and fennel, garnished with dill and served alongside homemade bread and creme fraiche.
Signature Dishes
- Adjaruli Khachapuri (£16.00): The superstar of Georgian cuisine here—bread shaped like a boat, filled with molten cheese, topped with a perfectly cooked egg and a knob of butter. It’s rich, indulgent, and worth the wait (freshly baked, takes about 20 minutes).
- Khinkali Dumplings (£13.50): Hand-made pork and beef dumplings served piping hot, intended to be enjoyed with sour cream. Each bite bursts with traditional flavours and juicy meatiness.
- Chashushuli (£14.00): Slow-cooked beef stew in a tomato-based sauce, seasoned to perfection with Georgian spices, showcasing rustic flavours.
- Pork and Lamb Kebabs (Mtsvadi and Kababi £14.50): Grilled to juicy perfection, served with homemade chutneys and seasonal sides.
- Ajapsandali (£11.50): A hearty aubergine and vegetable ragout, slow-cooked and topped with cheese, a true taste of Georgian comfort food.
Vegetarian & Vegan Options
- Meze Plate (£18.00 Small / £36.00 Large): A selection of six vegetarian salads including walnut-stuffed aubergine, mushrooms, spinach, green beans, and more—served with cheese or bean bread.
- Kotnis Lobio (£12.00): A traditional bean dish enriched with Georgian spices, offered with pickled vegetables and freshly baked bread.
- Soko Ketze (£11.00): Mushroom dish baked with melted mozzarella, rich and satisfying for non-meat eaters.
Side Dishes and Starters
- Homemade bread (£4.00): Freshly baked daily, served with seasoned butter, ideal to accompany any dish.
- Chunky Chips (£5.50): Served with your choice of Ajika mayonnaise or Tkemali plum sauce, offering a Georgian twist on a British favourite.
- Tkemali (£3.00) & Ajika (£3.00): Traditional Georgian sauces for dipping or adding extra layers of flavour.
Desserts and Drinks
While desserts are fewer, the quality shines through traditional treats alongside Georgian wines and drinks.
- Georgian Wines: Including Mukuzani Reds and Tsinandali Whites, offered wine pairing options to elevate dining experiences.
- BYOB Option: Popular amongst guests wanting to bring their preferred bottles, with a modest corkage fee.
Customer Reviews and Experiences
Reviews across TripAdvisor, OpenTable, and food blogs paint a picture of a loved institution praised for its authentic flavours and atmosphere:
- Flavour and Authenticity: Most reviewers highlight the exceptional authenticity in dishes like Khachapuri and Khinkali. The blending of Georgian spices with local ingredients strikes a perfect balance.
- Ambiance: Many love the “nostalgic and intimate setting” that transports them to another time and place.
- Service: Though generally friendly and knowledgeable, some reviewers note occasional slow service during busy periods.
- Pricing: Slightly above average for the area, but justified by portion size, quality, and unique experience.
Sample review quotes:
- “The best Georgian food in London! The khachapuri was heavenly, and the warmth of the staff made us feel right at home.” — Sara M.
- “A hidden gem in Islington. The retro Soviet decor paired with exquisite food creates a unique dining experience.” — Daniel P.
- “At busy times the service can lag, but food worth the wait.” — Anonymous
Accessibility and Visitor Information
Little Georgia is wheelchair accessible and caters to various dietary requirements, including vegetarian and vegan options. Bookings are highly recommended, especially on Fridays and weekends.
- Address: 14 Barnsbury Road, London, N1 0HB
- Phone: +44 20 7278 6100
- Opening Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 6:00 PM–10:00 PM; closed Mondays.
Best Tips for Visiting Little Georgia
- Arrive early or book ahead to secure a table on busy nights.
- Try sharing a variety of dishes to experience the richness of Georgian cuisine.
- Consider bringing your own wine, taking advantage of the BYOB option.
- Engage with staff to learn about Georgian culture behind the dishes.
- Don’t miss the freshly baked Khachapuri; it takes 20 minutes but worth every second.
Cultural Significance and Community Impact
Little Georgia has become more than a restaurant; it is a cultural ambassador in Islington. It promotes Georgian heritage through food, interior aesthetics, and community engagement, bringing a slice of Tbilisi to London.
Related UK Food and Travel Experiences
- Mamma Mia Experience London 2025 Guide
- National Portrait Gallery Tickets London 2025
- Paradox Museum London Tickets 2025
About the Author
