LALIKO

- 80 Carmine St, New York, NY 10014

In a city celebrated for its global culinary scene, Georgian cuisine has been steadily gaining a devoted following, and LALIKO is at the forefront of this delicious movement. Nestled in the heart of the West Village, this restaurant is more than just a place to eat; it's a vibrant and welcoming cultural experience. LALIKO has quickly garnered a reputation for serving some of the best Georgian food in New York, a claim that is frequently echoed by its loyal customers. The restaurant's ambiance is both cozy and trendy, blending modern aesthetics with authentic Georgian elements like handcrafted tiles and hand-painted murals. This creates a space that feels both intimate and elegant, perfect for a special night out or a casual dinner with friends. The mission here is simple: to share the rich and vibrant flavors of Georgia with New Yorkers, and they execute this with a clear focus on tradition, quality, and hospitality. LALIKO is a destination for those seeking a unique and memorable meal that goes beyond the typical dining experience.

LALIKO’s menu is a celebration of classic Georgian dishes, each prepared with a careful attention to detail that showcases the cuisine's depth and complexity. One of the biggest highlights is their take on the national dishes of Khachapuri and Khinkali. The Khachapuri, particularly the boat-shaped Adjaruli with its molten cheese and egg yolk, is a must-try, with one reviewer noting their love for it. The Khinkali, the iconic pleated dumplings filled with a savory broth and various meats or cheese, are also a major draw. A customer enthusiastically declared that you've "never eaten anything tastier," praising the “Mother Khinkali,” a giant dumpling filled with six smaller ones that is a spectacle in itself. Beyond these staples, the menu features a variety of other delicious options, including well-made stews like Chashushuli and flavorful grilled skewers (Mtsvadi). The dishes are known for their bold and refined flavors, providing a comforting yet adventurous culinary journey. While some customers find the dishes to be a bit pricey for the portion size, the quality of the ingredients and the unique dining experience are often considered worth the investment. For those on a budget, the lunch menu is noted as having better deals, making it a great option to try out the cuisine.

The overall experience at LALIKO is what truly sets it apart. The service is consistently praised for being friendly, helpful, and attentive, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. While some have noted that service can be a little slow, the beautiful decor and lovely ambiance make it a pleasant place to wait. The restaurant also boasts a fantastic wine list, comprised entirely of Georgian wines, offering a perfect opportunity to explore the country’s ancient winemaking traditions. This dedication to authenticity extends to every part of the experience, from the decor to the carefully curated beverage menu. The atmosphere is further enhanced by its LGBTQ+ friendly and family-friendly environment, and the availability of amenities like a full bar, gender-neutral restrooms, and Wi-Fi. Whether you're a local or a tourist, LALIKO offers a slice of Georgian culture right in the heart of New York City. The restaurant’s ability to combine great food, a beautiful setting, and genuine hospitality makes it a standout choice for anyone looking for a truly special meal.

Location and Accessibility

LALIKO is conveniently located at 80 Carmine St, New York, NY 10014, USA, in the charming and lively West Village. This location places it in one of Manhattan's most desirable and accessible neighborhoods, known for its historic brownstones, unique shops, and bustling nightlife. The restaurant is a short walk from several major subway stations, including the 1 train at Christopher Street – Sheridan Square and the A, C, E, F, B, D, and M lines at West 4th Street – Washington Square. This makes it a highly accessible destination from various parts of the city. The restaurant itself is committed to accessibility, featuring both a wheelchair-accessible entrance and seating. Its location on a prime corner in the West Village makes it easy to find and a great starting point for an evening out. The area's cozy and intimate feel perfectly complements the restaurant's atmosphere, making a visit to LALIKO a memorable part of exploring the neighborhood.

Services Offered

• Dine-in service with comfortable seating and a full table service experience.
• The restaurant accepts reservations, and they are highly recommended, especially for dinner.
• Curbside pickup, no-contact delivery, and standard delivery services are available.
• The menu includes options for lunch, dinner, brunch, and dessert.
• The onsite bar offers a great selection of alcohol, beer, cocktails, and a notable Georgian wine list.
• High chairs are available, making the restaurant good for kids and family-friendly.

Features / Highlights

• Praised for serving some of the best Georgian cuisine in New York.
• Features a great wine list exclusively of Georgian wines.
• The atmosphere is cozy and trendy, with beautiful decor.
• Known for signature dishes like Khachapuri (especially Adjaruli) and Khinkali (including the unique "Mother Khinkali").
• The staff is consistently described as friendly, helpful, and welcoming.
• The restaurant is LGBTQ+ friendly and a transgender safe space.
• Offers amenities such as a full bar, gender-neutral restrooms, and Wi-Fi.
• Accepts credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.

Contact Information

Address: 80 Carmine St, New York, NY 10014, USA

Phone: (917) 388-3166

What is worth choosing

When looking for a standout dining experience in New York City, LALIKO offers a compelling case for its unique and authentic Georgian cuisine. The primary reason to visit is the food's exceptional quality and flavor. A reviewer passionately called it the "best Georgian cuisine in all of New York," a high praise that speaks to the restaurant's culinary excellence. The menu is a highlight reel of Georgian classics, with the Khachapuri and Khinkali being absolute must-tries. The "Adjaruli," with its melty cheese and perfect egg yolk, is a culinary marvel, while the various Khinkali options, from the standard beef and pork to the truffle-sauce mushroom variety and the impressive "Mother Khinkali," offer a taste of a truly special cuisine. The stews and grilled meats are also well-regarded, providing a range of hearty and flavorful options that showcase the depth of Georgian cooking. While the prices may be on the higher side, the quality of the ingredients and the authenticity of the preparation justify the cost, making it a great value for a special meal.

Beyond the food, the atmosphere and service make LALIKO a truly worthwhile choice. The space is beautifully designed, with a cozy and inviting ambiance that makes you feel immediately at home. The decor, with its unique blend of modern and traditional Georgian elements, adds a cultural dimension to the dining experience. The staff's friendliness and helpfulness are consistently mentioned in reviews, with one customer noting that the server was "very friendly and helpful," creating a positive and welcoming environment. This level of hospitality is what transforms a meal from a simple transaction into a memorable occasion. The availability of reservations is a huge plus, ensuring that you can secure a spot for dinner without a long wait. Furthermore, the restaurant's commitment to creating an inclusive and safe space for all its guests is a commendable feature that makes it even more appealing to a diverse crowd of New Yorkers.

Finally, LALIKO is a fantastic choice for those looking to expand their culinary horizons and explore a new and exciting cuisine. The restaurant's great wine list, featuring only Georgian wines, provides a perfect opportunity to learn about the country's ancient winemaking traditions. This adds an educational and immersive element to the dining experience that is hard to find elsewhere. The variety of menu options, from small plates to hearty main courses and comforting desserts like Napoleon, ensures that there is something for everyone, whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned fan of Georgian food. LALIKO has successfully created a space that celebrates Georgian culture in a way that is both authentic and approachable. It's a true gem in the West Village, offering a delicious and memorable experience that is well worth seeking out for its food, its ambiance, and its warm hospitality.

LALIKO

80 Carmine St, New York, NY 10014, USA