Little Georgia Islington

Little Georgia Islington is one of the few Georgian restaurants in London and one of the most beloved neighbourhood dining destinations in N1 -- an eccentric, warmly atmospheric restaurant on Barnsbury Road from chef-owner Tiko Tuskadze. Time Out praises it as "your ultimate saviour in that residential pocket between King's Cross and Angel: an eccentric, friendly and delicious BYOB restaurant dedicated to serving you the very best in Georgian food and wine, with vintage travel posters and lighting that seems almost scientifically designed to make you look your best." The Nudge calls it "a happy find for anyone craving some indigenous Eurasian cuisine," with "a colourful dining room stuffed with vintage Georgian artefacts and plastered with vintage political posters."

Georgia's ancient food culture -- walnuts, pomegranates, wild herbs, slow-cooked meats and the world's oldest wine tradition -- takes centre stage: khachapuri (cheese-filled bread in several regional styles, including the boat-shaped Adjaruli with butter and egg); khinkali (large soup-filled dumplings held by the topknot); chakapuli (lamb with tarragon and white wine); aubergine rolls with walnut paste and garlic. The Islington branch is the larger of the two and is fully licensed, serving Georgian and natural wines alongside traditional Chacha (grape vodka). BYOB also welcome at a small corkage. Open Tuesday to Sunday, evenings only. Website: littlegeorgia.co.uk.