Aba-Ra!

Tucked away on the vibrant Brick Lane in London, Aba-Ra! is the kind of hidden culinary gem you wish you had stumbled upon sooner. It’s a women-owned restaurant that brings the rich, comforting flavors of Georgian cuisine to the heart of East London-and does it with style, soul, and just the right amount of chutzpah.

The vibe? Cozy, unpretentious, and full of character. It’s the kind of place where you can settle in for a solo dinner without ever feeling alone, thanks to the warm ambiance and the friendly service that seems genuinely happy to walk you through the menu. Whether you're grabbing a quick takeaway, ordering in, or enjoying a relaxed dine-in experience, Aba-Ra! serves with heart.

Let’s talk food. If you’ve never had Khachapuri with Spinach, this is your gateway. A baked boat of dough filled with molten cheese and spinach, crowned with an egg, this dish is comfort incarnate. It’s not just a meal-it’s an experience. And if you’re in the mood for something brothy and soul-soothing, the Dumpling Soup or Chakapuli Soup (a herby, tangy lamb stew) delivers those deep, layered flavors that make Georgian food so distinct.

But the hits don’t stop there. The Pkhali, a colorful medley of vegetable pâtés mixed with walnuts and spices, is a vegan-friendly showstopper. And don’t sleep on the Aubergine Walnut Rolls-slender slices of grilled eggplant wrapped around a garlicky walnut paste that somehow manages to be both rich and refreshing. These dishes, grounded in tradition, feel like they’ve been handed down through generations-and now find their way to your plate with a modern touch.

And yes, Georgian wine is on the menu. Whether you're a red wine lover or curious about something more niche like Chacha (Georgia’s fiery grape brandy), Aba-Ra! stocks selections that pair beautifully with their hearty cuisine. For something lighter, the cider and craft beer options make a great companion to a spread of shared small plates. Even Matcha makes an appearance on the drinks menu-because why not?

While the venue itself doesn’t feature things like an assistive hearing loop or wheelchair-accessible car park, the team does their best to accommodate with care and flexibility. And although it may lack in some accessibility features, it shines in authenticity, personality, and flavor.

Dessert is another strong suit here-don’t skip it. From rich chocolate offerings to lighter fruit-forward dishes, the dessert menu is compact but hits hard. It’s a sweet finish to a deeply satisfying meal.

Aba-Ra! doesn’t try to be trendy-it just is. With its roots proudly Georgian and its heart firmly planted in London, it blends cultures through cuisine in the best way possible. Whether you're looking for a solo dining spot that feels like home or planning to share a Georgian feast with friends, this is one of those spots you'll want to come back to again and again.