Daka Daka, London: A Modern Georgian Restaurant in Mayfair You Need to Try

If you’ve never tried Georgian food, let this be your sign to add Daka Daka to your London food list! Tucked away on Heddon Street in Mayfair, this London new modern Georgian restaurant brings together bold flavours, open-fire cooking, Georgian wines and beautifully presented dishes that make you want to try a little bit of everything. I visited with friends, and what started as a meal out quickly turned into a sharing-style feast filled with dishes we were still talking about long after we left.

I love discovering restaurants that introduce me to cuisines I might not usually order, and Daka Daka was exactly that kind of experience. Georgian food was something I was curious to explore, particularly because of its reputation for comforting breads, hearty dumplings, grilled meats and flavour-packed dips. Add an open kitchen, a menu made for sharing and a wine list featuring Georgian bottles, and I was already excited to see what this place had to offer.

What I particularly loved was how the meal felt like an experience rather than simply sitting down to eat. From the smooth kidney bean dip and smoky aubergine to the cheese-filled bread and juicy roast chicken, there was so much variety across the dishes we ordered. Some were familiar enough to feel comforting, while others introduced flavours and textures I wasn’t expecting.

And honestly, when you find yourself ordering a second round of one of your favourite dishes before you’ve even finished the rest of your meal, you know it’s worth talking about! Here’s everything you need to know about Daka Daka, including the atmosphere, service, what we ate and whether I think it’s worth adding to your London dining itinerary.

Background About Daka Daka

Located at 10 Heddon Street in Mayfair, London, Daka Daka is a modern Georgian restaurant bringing the flavours of Georgia to one of London’s well-known dining neighbourhoods. Its menu takes inspiration from Georgian and Eastern European cuisine, with an emphasis on open-fire cooking, traditional dishes and ingredients that allow the flavours to shine.

Georgian cuisine is particularly interesting because it brings together so many different elements. You’ll find rich, comforting dishes alongside fresh salads, aromatic herbs, grilled vegetables, dumplings and generous amounts of cheese-filled bread. There is also a strong emphasis on sharing, making it a lovely cuisine to explore with friends when you want to order several dishes rather than commit to just one main course.

One of the things that makes Georgian food stand out is the balance between hearty and fresh flavours. You might have something rich and cheesy alongside a bright, refreshing salad, or enjoy smoky grilled vegetables with a creamy dip and freshly made bread.

Getting there is also relatively straightforward. The nearest Tube station is Oxford Circus, approximately a five-minute walk away, making it convenient to visit while exploring central London. Whether you’re planning a dinner with friends, a date night or simply looking for somewhere different to eat in Mayfair, Daka Daka is worth considering.

What Is Daka Daka Known For?

Daka Daka is known for its modern take on Georgian cuisine, with open-fire cooking, Georgian wines and traditional dishes that are well suited to sharing. If you’re new to this type of food, I think it’s a particularly approachable place to start because the menu offers a mixture of comforting favourites and more distinctive dishes.

One of the first things I’d recommend trying is khinkali, the famous Georgian dumplings. These hand-folded parcels are typically filled with meat or mushrooms and contain a delicious broth inside. Think of them as having something in common with xiao long bao, although the shape, folding technique and flavours are different. You bite into the dumpling carefully, sip the broth and then enjoy the filling and dough. It’s a fun dish, and definitely one I’d recommend ordering if you’ve never tried Georgian food before.

Another must-try is khachapuri, a category of Georgian cheese-filled bread that is a huge part of the country’s food culture. With its warm bread and rich, melted cheese, it’s easy to understand why this dish is so loved. Daka Daka’s Petit Imeruli Khachapuri was one of my personal favourites, and we enjoyed it so much that we ordered another one. That probably tells you everything you need to know!

What Is the Experience Like at Daka Daka?

From the moment we sat down, one of the things that stood out to me was how friendly the staff were. They took the time to explain the menu to us, which I really appreciated because Georgian cuisine might not be something everyone is familiar with. When you’re trying a new cuisine, having staff who can talk you through the dishes makes a difference, particularly when there are ingredients or cooking styles you haven’t encountered before.

The open kitchen was another highlight. I always enjoy being able to see a little of what’s happening behind the scenes, and watching the bread being made added to the experience. There’s something about seeing food prepared in front of you that makes the meal feel more personal, especially when freshly made bread is involved.

The restaurant also paid attention to the smaller details, which I think can make a big difference to an overall dining experience. Whenever we finished a dish, the staff brought us fresh plates, and they wiped down the table to make sure everything was clean and ready for the next course. It might sound like a small thing, but when you’re ordering lots of dishes to share, it helps keep the table comfortable and organised.

Service was attentive throughout our visit, without making us feel like we were being watched or rushed.

Our table had four people, and we were able to take our time, enjoy the food and chat between courses. I particularly appreciated that we didn’t feel pressured to finish quickly or make room for the next group of diners.

For me, that’s an important part of dining out. Good food is one thing, but having the time and space to enjoy it properly makes the experience even better. Since Georgian cuisine is so well suited to sharing, I think being able to settle in and work your way through the menu is part of the fun.

Overall, the atmosphere and service made the meal feel relaxed and enjoyable. We could focus on the food, try different dishes and enjoy the experience together, which is exactly what I want from a restaurant visit with friends.

What Is the Food Like at Daka Daka?

Now, onto my favourite part, the food!

We ordered a selection of dips, vegetables, salad, bread, dumplings, meat dishes and dessert, so there was plenty to try. I would definitely recommend visiting with a group if you can, as sharing allows you to experience more of the menu. There were dishes I went into expecting to enjoy, and others that surprised me in the best way.

Lobio: Kidney Bean Hummus (£10.50)

We started with the Lobio, a kidney bean dip served with ajika chilli crisp and pumpkin seeds, and I was immediately impressed by how smooth it was.

I’m always a fan of a good dip, especially when it has enough flavour to stand on its own rather than simply acting as something to spread on bread. This one had a lovely creamy consistency with bold flavours that made it genuinely enjoyable.

The ajika chilli crisp added an extra layer of flavour, while the pumpkin seeds brought a little texture to the dish. I loved how everything came together without the dip feeling too heavy.

If you’re someone who likes ordering a few starters for the table, I’d definitely recommend this one. Make sure you order bread alongside it, because you’ll want something to scoop up every last bit.

Badrijiani: Grilled Baby Aubergine (£15.50)

Next was the Badrijiani, featuring grilled baby aubergine with sunflower seed tahini, Corno pepper and confit garlic.

I’ll admit that I wasn’t expecting this dish to stand out as much as it did, but the smoky flavour really surprised me. The aubergine had a lovely depth from the grilling, and it paired beautifully with the creamy sunflower seed tahini and mellow garlic.

I particularly liked how the different textures worked together. The aubergine was soft, while the accompanying ingredients added richness and flavour without overwhelming it.

It’s a great option if you enjoy vegetable dishes that feel substantial and thoughtfully prepared. Even if aubergine isn’t usually the first thing you reach for on a menu, I’d encourage you to give this one a try.

Kurdznis Salati: Grape Salad (£14.50)

The Grape Salad was another pleasant surprise. Made with mizuna, mibuna, red kale, sorrel, St Tola cheese and honeycomb, it had a refreshing contrast to some of the richer dishes we ordered.

I was initially curious about the combination of grapes, cheese and honeycomb, as I didn’t want the salad to be overly sweet. Thankfully, it had a lovely balance and tasted much fresher than I expected.

The grapes and honeycomb added sweetness, while the greens and cheese helped balance everything out. It was a nice change of pace between the richer, more indulgent dishes, and I appreciated having something fresh on the table.

I think this is a good example of why I enjoy ordering a variety of dishes when dining with friends. You get those comforting, rich flavours, but you also have lighter options that stop the meal from feeling too heavy.

Petit Imeruli Khachapuri: Cheese-Filled Bread (£13.50)

This was one of our favourite dishes of the entire meal, and we actually ordered another one!

The Petit Imeruli Khachapuri features Ogleshield cheese, feta and Westcombe Cheddar, bringing together different cheeses in a warm, comforting Georgian bread.

If you love cheese, this is one you need to order. The bread was delicious, and the combination of cheeses made it wonderfully satisfying. It was the kind of dish that everyone at the table wanted another piece of, which explains why we decided to get a second serving.

I also think it’s a great introduction to Georgian cuisine. Khachapuri is such an important part of the country’s food culture, and this version makes it easy to understand the appeal. There’s something so comforting about warm bread and melted cheese, especially when you’re sharing it straight from the table.

My advice? Don’t skip it, and don’t assume one order will be enough if you’re dining with a group!

Lavashi: Georgian Flatbread (£5.50)

I know I’ve already talked about the khachapuri, but we also ordered Lavashi, the Georgian flatbread, and this is another item I’d recommend getting.

For me, bread is essential when you’re ordering dips, and this was perfect for pairing with the Lobio and scooping up the other flavours on the table.

It’s a simple addition, but sometimes those are the things that bring a meal together. Having fresh bread alongside the dips and grilled vegetables made it easy to enjoy every last bit, and it complemented the rest of our order nicely.

If you’re planning to order several starters, I would definitely include the flatbread. It’s particularly worth considering if you’re someone who loves a good dip as much as I do.

Khinkali: Iberico Pork Pluma (£14.50 for three pieces)

If you’re visiting Daka Daka for the first time, make sure the Khinkali is on your order.

These Georgian dumplings were larger than I expected, and I loved that they reminded me of xiao long bao because of the delicious soup inside. The idea is to bite into the dumpling carefully, enjoy the broth and then eat the rest of the dumpling with its filling.

Daka Daka’s version features Iberico pork pluma, summer savory and red chilli. The combination makes for a flavourful filling, while the broth inside adds that lovely juicy element that makes these dumplings so enjoyable.

We were dining as a group of four, and unfortunately, the serving came in a portion of three rather than four. We ended up sharing them between us, which worked out fine, but I would have loved an option that gave everyone their own dumpling!

Still, this is one of those dishes I’d happily order again. The dumplings are satisfying, full of flavour and a lovely way to experience a classic Georgian dish. If you’ve never had khinkali before, I think this is a great place to start.

Shkmeruli: Half Garlic Roast Chicken (£28.50)

As someone who loves garlic, the Shkmeruli was immediately a yes from me.

This half roast chicken is served with garlic cream and ajika chilli, and it was every bit as comforting as I hoped it would be. The chicken was well cooked and moist, while the creamy garlic sauce brought everything together beautifully.

I loved how the garlic flavour came through without taking away from the chicken itself. The sauce was rich and creamy, making each bite feel indulgent, while the ajika chilli added another layer of flavour.

It’s a dish I’d recommend if you’re looking for something hearty to share alongside the starters and bread. We had already ordered several dishes, but the chicken still felt like a worthwhile addition to the table.

Honestly, anything with garlic has a good chance of winning me over, and this one certainly did!

Nekni: Aged Tamworth Pork Chop (£34.50)

We also ordered the Nekni, an aged Tamworth pork chop weighing 400g, served with red tkemali.

The pork chop was juicy and tender, making it a satisfying choice for anyone who enjoys a good meat dish. I liked that it has something different from the garlic roast chicken, giving us another flavour profile to enjoy as part of the meal.

This is a good option if you want something substantial to share, although it would also appeal to someone who prefers ordering a meat-focused main course.

Between the pork chop and the roast chicken, we had plenty of hearty food on the table, and both were enjoyable in their own way.

Chilled Red Wine: Ojaleshi Argvani Samegrelo 2023 (£17 per glass)

One thing I was particularly curious about at Daka Daka was the wine.

Georgia has a long history of winemaking, and since Georgian wine is such an important part of the dining experience here, I wanted to try a glass rather than stick with something familiar.

I don’t drink a lot of wine, so I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect, but the chilled red Ojaleshi Argvani Samegrelo 2023 ended up being my favourite drink of the meal.

I found it smooth and easy to enjoy alongside the food, and I loved that I was trying something different from the wines I might normally choose. It was a nice reminder that exploring a restaurant’s drinks menu can be just as interesting as trying unfamiliar dishes.

At £17 a glass, it’s certainly something to factor into your budget, but if you’re curious about Georgian wine, I think it’s worth considering a glass to accompany your meal.

Napoleon: Honey Mille-Feuille (£12)

We finished with the Napoleon, a honey mille-feuille served with whipped sour cream, dark chocolate and dulce de leche.

After all the savoury dishes, I wanted something sweet to round off the meal, and this was a nice way to end things.

I particularly enjoyed the contrast in textures, with the crisp layers of pastry balanced by the softer cream. The combination of honey, chocolate and dulce de leche added sweetness and richness, while the whipped sour cream helped keep the dessert from feeling too heavy.

It was a satisfying finish without feeling like too much after a meal that involved plenty of sharing and sampling.

If you’re someone who likes to leave room for dessert, I’d recommend saving a little space for this one. It’s a nice option for ending the evening on a sweet note.

What Is the Price Like at Daka Daka?

Daka Daka sits in the mid-range to upscale category, with the prices reflecting its Mayfair location, ingredients and style of dining.

Looking at the dishes we ordered, starters and sides ranged from £5.50 for the Lavashi flatbread to £15.50 for the Badrijiani grilled aubergine. The Khachapuri was £13.50, while the Khinkali cost £14.50 for three pieces. For larger dishes, the garlic roast chicken was £28.50, and the 400g Tamworth pork chop was £34.50.

Dessert was £12, and the Georgian red wine we tried was £17 per glass.

Of course, the final bill will depend on how many dishes you order, whether you share larger plates and how much you spend on drinks. Since we went with a group of four and ordered a variety of dishes, the meal was more about sampling different things together than everyone ordering a single main course.

Personally, I didn’t find Daka Daka overly priced. Considering the flavours, the portions we received and the overall dining experience, I thought the pricing was reasonable for the kind of restaurant it is.

The food felt thoughtfully prepared, and there was enough variety across the menu to make the meal interesting. I also appreciated that we could build our meal around several smaller dishes before moving on to the larger plates.

If you’re working with a budget, I’d recommend visiting with friends and sharing a selection of dishes. You can try several things without everyone needing to order their own starter, side and main. I’d also keep the wine prices in mind if you plan to have a few glasses, as drinks can make a noticeable difference to the final bill.

Overall, I think Daka Daka is worth considering for a special meal, a catch-up with friends or an evening when you want to try something a little different in London.

Final Thoughts: Is Daka Daka Worth Visiting?

After trying a range of dishes at Daka Daka, I can honestly say that I really enjoyed the experience and would 100% visit again.

What stood out to me most was the variety of flavours across the menu. The Lobio was smooth and full of flavour, the Badrijiani had that lovely smoky taste, and the Grape Salad was refreshingly balanced. The Petit Imeruli Khachapuri was easily one of my favourites, especially considering we enjoyed it so much that we ordered another one.

The Khinkali was another highlight, and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to try a traditional Georgian dish. There’s something fun about the experience of eating these soup-filled dumplings, particularly when you’re sharing them with friends and trying something new together.

I also loved the Shkmeruli. The combination of tender roast chicken and creamy garlic sauce was exactly the kind of comforting food I enjoy, while the pork chop gave us another hearty dish to round out the meal.

Beyond the food, the service made a difference. The staff were friendly, took the time to explain the menu and remained attentive without making us feel rushed. The open kitchen added interest to the setting, and the attention to detail throughout the meal helped make the experience feel comfortable.

I also think the Georgian wine deserves a mention. Even though I don’t drink much, trying the chilled red was one of the unexpected highlights of my visit. It made me more curious about Georgian wine and how it pairs with the country’s cuisine.

Would I recommend Daka Daka to someone who has never tried Georgian food? Absolutely. The menu offers a lovely introduction to the cuisine, from cheese-filled bread and dumplings to grilled vegetables, hearty meat dishes and traditional wine.

My biggest tip would be to go with a few friends, order a variety of dishes and treat the meal as a sharing-style feast. That way, you can explore more of the menu and discover your own favourites along the way.

Daka Daka has definitely earned a place on my list of London favourite eats, and I’d happily return to try more of the menu. If you’re exploring Mayfair and looking for a restaurant that offers something a little different, this is one I’d keep in mind.

Highlights about Daka Daka

• A London favourite for Georgian food: Daka Daka offers a modern take on Georgian and Eastern European cuisine in Mayfair.
• Recommended dishes: Honestly everything I ordered was my favourite so everything listed in this blog post!
• Great for sharing: The menu is well suited to groups who want to order several dishes and try a bit of everything.
• Friendly, attentive service: The staff explained the menu, refreshed our plates between dishes and allowed us to enjoy our meal without feeling rushed.
• Would visit again: I loved the food, service and overall experience, and would happily return.

Details about Daka Daka

• Location: 10 Heddon Street, Mayfair, London W1B 4BX
• Nearest Tube station: Oxford Circus, approximately a 5-minute walk.
• Opening Hours: Monday–Friday (12 pm–2:30 pm and 5:30 pm–10 pm); Saturday (12 pm–11 pm); Sunday (12–4 pm)
• Price: Mid-range to upscale (££)
• Cuisine: Modern Georgian and Eastern European, with open-fire cooking and Georgian wines.
• Best for: Dinner with friends, sharing plates, trying Georgian food for the first time, date nights and exploring London’s restaurant scene.

---

MORE ON MY BLOG

Explore more of my food blog

Explore more of my travel blog

---

CONNECT WITH ME

♡ Instagram: @juliaxeats

♡ Tik Tok: @juliaxeats

♡ YouTube: @juliaxeats

♡ Blog: www.juliaxeats.com

Business inquiries: juliaxeats@gmail.com

---

Explore London, UK

---

More London, UK Posts

---

Tags: Daka Daka London, Daka Daka review, Daka Daka Mayfair, Daka Daka restaurant, Georgian food London, Georgian restaurant London, modern Georgian restaurant London, London food blog, London food guide, London restaurant review, Mayfair restaurants, best restaurants in Mayfair, London food recommendations, London foodie, London food spots, London favourite eats, where to eat in London, Georgian cuisine, Georgian food guide, Khinkali London, Georgian dumplings, Khachapuri London, Georgian cheese bread, Georgian wine London, open fire cooking London, Mayfair food guide, London restaurant recommendations, must try restaurants London, London dining experience, Heddon Street restaurants