LDNReview
photo credit: Koray Firat
Gurmani Cafe Georgian Restaurant
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Self-promotion is not Gurmani’s style—the restaurant doesn’t have Architectural Digest-worthy interiors and it hasn’t had a hyped TikTok moment. But it does have plenty of interesting things to say. When you find it that is. It’s tucked down a quiet street near Turnpike Lane, where passing traffic consists mostly of bikes. But overlooking this restaurant would mean missing out on satisfying Georgian food and a meal that feels like an exhale after a long day.
photo credit: Koray Firat
photo credit: Koray Firat
photo credit: Koray Firat
The only splashes of colour are from a few hanging artworks, but the priority here is to feed and be helpful, not dazzle with flashy decor. On one visit, a waiter with kindly uncle energy changed a lightbulb above our table because it was flickering and gently recommended the best way to eat the acharuli khachapuri. In both instances, resistance is futile and it turns out uncle knows best. So: rip off hunks of fluffy, still warm bread and dunk into the cheese and egg mixture for a creamy scoop.
photo credit: Koray Firat
photo credit: Koray Firat
photo credit: Koray Firat
Even on a weeknight, families chatter and spread spiced beetroot and garlicky spinach over bread. The atmosphere is very “let's order a bottle of glugable Georgian wine, we only see each other every few months.” Come with your family or for date night that feels relaxed enough that you can rock up in jeans—just not the ripped pair—and share spicy, broth-filled mushroom dumplings. Some mains can be a bit hit and miss, like the slightly dry pork, but this is a good spot for sharing an enjoyable meal with loved ones, even if it’s not a life-changing one.
Food Rundown
photo credit: Koray Firat
Acharuli Khachapuri
photo credit: Koray Firat
Meze
photo credit: Koray Firat
Mushroom Khinkali
photo credit: Koray Firat
Ojakhuri
photo credit: Koray Firat