LALIKO
Georgian restaurant · West Village ·
Khachapuri, khinkali dumplings, Georgian wine, and chacha
Khachapuri, khinkali dumplings, Georgian wine, and chacha
"One of the newest additions to MICHELIN's New York City selection, this West Village Georgian restaurant lays out a full breakfast spread with sunny-side-up eggs, tomato-cucumber salad, kebab balls, and lobio—a kidney bean and walnut stew—plus shares of fresh Georgian bread and cheese; the just-launched brunch menu also features chvishtari, a cheesy cornmeal flatbread, and lali pies inspired by the owner’s grandmother." - David Shortell
"A Georgian debut that inspectors included on the list; it is noted for being home to a formidable "mother dumpling." - Erika Adams
"On a prime corner in the West Village, this welcoming restaurant radiates with Georgian pride. All of the classics are accounted for, starting with a selection of vibrant salads. Khachapuri is a must. The well-known, hearty adjaruli variation packed with melted cheese as well as the lighter imeruli made with mint both delight. Skewers and stews are available but consider crowding your table with several rounds of khinkali, large, plump dumplings filled with hot broth and the likes of ground lamb or beef and pork. Servers are quick to explain how to eat them. A long communal table anchors the center of this handsome room surrounded by murals and colorful touches. Adding to the fun is a wine list that’s entirely Georgian." - Michelin Inspector
"Laliko’s khinkali are subtly glossy, impeccably pleated, and so thin they sag under the weight of the doughy knobs on top. They’re just about perfect, which feels right for a spot with a dedicated dumpling chef and a few sister restaurants in Tbilisi. In a compact fishbowl of a room with floor-to-ceiling windows facing 7th Ave, this West Village restaurant serves polished Georgian food, with an emphasis on khinkali and khachapuri. Those are the headliners here, but there are plenty of other worthwhile items to help round out your meal. Stop by for a casual date night, order the chicken in a moat of silky walnut sauce, and pair it with something from the extensive Georgian wine list. A shot of Georgian brandy is another smart move, especially when chased with a gulp of beefy broth from a pepper-spritzed khinkali. photo credit: Jovani Demetrie photo credit: Jovani Demetrie photo credit: Jovani Demetrie Pause Unmute Food Rundown Imeruli Khachapuri All the khachapuri are fantastic, but this one wins by the tiniest margin. It’s impressively thin and fluffy, with a touch of mint mixed into the cheese filling. photo credit: Bryan Kim Adjaruli Khachapuri If you want to swim in a pool of cheese and butter, go for the adjaruli khachapuri. The edges are crisp as a baguette, perfect for dipping into the molten center. photo credit: Bryan Kim Khinkali Order the beef-and-pork variety, say yes to the optional dusting of black pepper. photo credit: Bryan Kim Pork Mtsvadi If you want a straightforward option to pair with your khinkali and khachapuri, choose these glistening, fatty chunks of pork with a mustardy salad on the side photo credit: Bryan Kim Chicken With Elarji This crackly chicken is served over a bed of polenta-like elarji, which is surrounded by a thick and creamy walnut sauce. Not a light dish, but one you’ll remember. photo credit: Bryan Kim Chicken In Chkmeruli Chicken is never a bad choice here. If you want yours submerged in a pool of creamy garlic sauce, go this route. photo credit: Bryan Kim" - Bryan Kim
"Laliko, a Georgian place in the West Village, has three chefs: an executive chef, a khachapuri chef, and a khinkali chef, who is presumably responsible for the Mother Khinkali (one giant dumpling, with six dumplings inside it). In addition to their wide selection of cheesy breads and dumplings, the restaurant also serves traditional Georgian beef stew, grilled pork skewers, and sausage with celery root purée. The cocktail program is centered around the Georgian spirit chacha, and they have plenty of Georgian wines as well." - will hartman, bryan kim
