DakaDaka, an ambitious Georgian restaurant from a newly formed hospitality outfit, opens tomorrow in Mayfair’s Heddon Street foodie enclave, tucked away off Regent Street.
Taking over the site formerly occupied by hit restaurants Manteca and Fallow, DakaDaka is the debut London project from Berkeley Square Hospitality, headed by Georgians Giorgi Mindiashvili and chef patron Mitz Vora. The duo previously worked together at Ennismore, where they launched venues including Tandoor Chop House, Egg Break, Breddos Tacos Soho and Seabird.
Giorgi says: “DakaDaka is a project we’ve been building toward for years. Georgian food is rich in history and soul, and we’ve long felt there was space in London to showcase it with care and precision.”
Mitz adds: “There’s a beautiful depth to Georgian cooking – in the techniques, the ingredients, and the stories behind each dish. DakaDaka is a chance to bring something purposeful and soulful to London’s dining scene.”
The kitchen features a wood-fired oven producing handmade loaves and khachapuri cheese breads, along with a wood grill for dishes cooked on skewers, including quail and duck. Mitz’s menu includes khinkali dumplings stuffed with lamb and sour plum or wild mushroom and black garlic, and he uses prime British ingredients alongside imports from Georgia, as in Adjarian khachapuri with Spenwood cheese; while desserts include a red wine soft serve made with Saperavi grape.
A drinks list based around Georgia’s ancient winemaking traditions has been selected in consultation with natural wine specialist Honey Spencer of Sune in Hackney.
The interior, from Georgian designer Katya Samsonadze, is inspired by patterns of traditional wood carving and architecture found in Georgia’s ethnological museum, while restored antique chairs are covered in fabrics evoking traditional Causasian tapestry.
Unlike some its predecessors at the address, DakaDaka is envisaged as a permanent occupant and is spread over two floors, accommodating 110 guests in the main dining room with a separate bar and private space for events, tastings and entertaining.
