Georgian Kitchen Chaos: Loud Music, Fire Cooking & Mixed Reviews

DakaDaka, a new Georgian restaurant, has opened on London's Heddon Street, bringing a unique, high-energy dining experience. The venue is characterized by its loud Georgian dance music and a fully visible, chaotic open kitchen that creates an immersive, almost lock-in atmosphere reminiscent of Tbilisi. Its decor features dark, candle-lit, metal-clad premises, complete with traditional elements and blackboards.

The restaurant offers a significant selection of 100 Georgian natural wines by the glass, praised for their quality and variety. The floor staff, described as remarkable, provide enthusiastic service and detailed explanations of the menu items, which include dishes like badrijani, imeruli, kababi, lobio, and khinkali.

However, the culinary execution at DakaDaka has met with mixed results. While some dishes, such as the grilled aubergines with walnut and pomegranate, were lauded, others like the cheese flatbread and lamb kababi were found wanting. The live fire cooking, a highlighted feature, led to a poorly prepared sea bream, described as mushy and overcooked.

Despite the culinary inconsistencies, DakaDaka offers an unforgettable experience, particularly for those seeking a lively atmosphere, Georgian heritage, and a place to let loose. The unique red-wine ice-cream, finished with balsamic and salt, adds to its distinctive, if polarizing, appeal.