DakaDaka in Mayfair doesn’t do quiet, drawn-out dining. It’s the kind of place where plates land quickly, the table fills up before anyone’s really ready, and the whole thing feels more like a lively gathering than a formal meal. The idea is simple: food designed for sharing, arriving in a steady rhythm that keeps everyone leaning in, passing things around, and ordering just one more dish.
At the heart of it all is Georgian cooking, full of bold flavours and comforting heft, but with a slightly more polished, modern touch. The menu leans into the classics. Khachapuri arrives hot and indulgent, its molten cheese centre rich enough to demand attention, especially when topped with a glossy egg. Then there are the khinkali dumplings, twisted at the top and packed with spiced meat and broth, the kind of dish that turns into a bit of a ritual as everyone figures out the best way to eat them without losing the juices.
Fire plays a big role here too. Skewers and grilled meats come through with that unmistakable smoky edge, adding depth to an already flavour-heavy lineup. But it’s not all about meat. Vegetables hold their own, often built around walnuts, aubergine or beans, transformed into dips, spreads and slow-cooked dishes that feel just as satisfying. There’s a lot of garlic, a lot of herbs, and plenty of sharpness cutting through the richness, whether it’s from pickles or those distinctive sour plum sauces.
DakaDaka is the project of a team passionate about bringing Georgian food into a London setting without losing its soul. The founders drew inspiration from traditional supra feasts, where food, wine and conversation flow freely, and reimagined that energy for a city crowd. Since opening, it’s carved out a space for itself as something a little different in Mayfair, less polished fine dining, more high-energy, flavour-first experience.
The atmosphere leans into that. It’s busy, a little chaotic, and very much alive. The open kitchen adds to the noise and movement, while the service keeps things moving at pace. It’s not the place for a quiet catch-up, but that’s kind of the point.
What people tend to remember are the highs: the breads, the dumplings, the grill. Not every dish lands perfectly every time, but when it does, it really does. DakaDaka isn’t trying to be subtle. It’s loud, generous and full of character, the kind of place you go when you want something a bit different and don’t mind getting caught up in the buzz.
DakaDaka
10 Heddon Street
London W1B 4UK
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