Shoty — Restaurant in London

We were specifically looking for a Georgian restaurant before traveling to London from another county. Reviews of Londoners we know supported the idea of going to Shoty.

We were excited to dive into the atmosphere of unique Georgian hospitality, delicious food, and great wine. Well, it did not happen.

Don’t get me wrong, Saperavi and everything we ACTUALLY ordered was beyond perfect.

We booked a table and we were on time. The waitress showed us our table. I ordered the wine, khachapuri and asked for a suggestion for my partner out of the three top meat dishes as he was not familiar with Georgian cuisine.

The waitress suggested something I didn’t quite get so she circled the dish in the menu with a pen and added that it would be perfect with shoty bread. We agreed.

I tried to order cheese khinkali but they were out of cheese. So, I asked for any three khinkali they had.

In a couple of minutes, two plates accompanied with napkins, forks, and knives were chucked on the other side of the table. In a minute, two glasses appeared the same way. Even the owner of the restaurant was surprised with the position of the glasses asking if they were ours. The waitress was opening our wine bottle over a friendly chat with guests sitting at the next table. We got a general impression that you are welcome there only if you are Georgian yourself. It felt like she hated us already and we hadn’t even done anything to annoy her yet.

Here comes the worst part: my partner was served with a dish he didn’t order and it was not even the one suggested by the waitress. The waitress proceeded to insist that was what my partner ordered even after being shown the menu with the dish circled (WHICH SHE CIRCLED HERSELF). It was no surprise for us that the served dish was actually the most expensive one in the meat dish variety… later, I was served with five khinkali instead of three and the lady was again insistent that she double checked and it was actually my order. When I asked her what the filling was,at least, she replied: “How do I know?”

Different situations have occurred to me at various times but I never had such a controversial experience in my life. Food is A+, service is E.

The menu says the service charge of 12.5% is optional but be sure they will charge you this the first thing.

Was the food great? Yes Did it seem authentic? Yes Was the service okay? No Will we suggest anyone...

Nestled in a bustling corner of the city, Shoty offers an authentic and delightful Georgian dining experience. Situated in the basement of a building, the restaurant's warm and inviting ambiance, coupled with its traditional decor, provides a welcoming atmosphere for guests to enjoy the rich and flavorful cuisine of Georgia.

Upon entering, guests are greeted with the tantalizing aroma of freshly baked bread and aromatic spices, setting the stage for a memorable culinary journey. The menu features a wide array of classic Georgian dishes, each prepared with care and expertise, showcasing the diverse flavors and culinary traditions of the region.

One of the standout dishes at Shoty is the Khachapuri, a traditional Georgian cheese-filled bread that is as visually stunning as it is delicious. The combination of gooey, melted cheese and soft, pillowy bread is a true delight for the senses and is a must-try for anyone visiting the restaurant. Keep in mind that this is a VERY heavy dish, and it could upset, the stomach of quite a few people (did it with mine!!). Another crowd favorite is the Khinkali, savory dumplings filled with spiced meat or vegetables, bursting with flavor with every bite.

For those with a penchant for grilled meats, the restaurant offers a selection of succulent kebabs and hearty stews, showcasing the mastery of Georgian cooking techniques. The aromatic spices and tender, juicy meat make these dishes a true standout on the menu.

To complement the meal, Shoty offers an impressive selection of Georgian wines, known for their exceptional quality and unique flavor profiles. Guests can indulge in a glass of Saperavi or Rkatsiteli, perfectly paired with their meal to enhance the dining experience.

Overall, Shoty provides a welcoming environment for guests to savor the authentic flavors of Georgia. With its delectable cuisine, attentive service, and charming ambiance, the restaurant is a must-visit for anyone seeking an unforgettable Georgian...

We've been in other Georgian restaurants way better than this

-the place was cold. Georgian non stop music videos that make you want to jump by the window (its a basement unfortunately). Sagat rated 2004? Was it? -the starters are cold ( it should say)but seems like we misunderstood only the one I ordered was going to be cold so I changed for a warm one. In any case the marinated chicken was fridge cold and tasteless. The red beans I ordered were cold in the middle like not enough microwave. Nothing special, just beans. -bbq pork was a joke: the menu has even a tiny image with a skewer but you get some bad pieces of pork and a side salad with tomato sauce. That's all. -khachipuri was ok but I had better. -service charge added to the bill.

I just hope the owner understands what a review means and doesn't scream at me like other bad reviews or put excuses. It just felt like this for me and this is what happened.

Edit: I didn't order the chicken the owner says and he investigated trying to make fun of me? This is ridiculous. He didn't say anything the beans were just beans half warmed up and the marinated chicken tasteless and cold, very cold from fridge. I may not be Georgian but I know what tastes good and what doesn't. The skewer wasn't a skewer , it was pieces of pork, few, and a side salad. That's all. His answer for everything seems like " you could have asked/you ate it". Some of us just leave the place and not come again rather than arguing with the...