In the heart of Lisbon’s Bairro Alto, on the historic Rua Diário de Notícias, you’ll find Karater. This is not a new opening, but a settled presence. The space was created by Guram Baghdoshvili, a well-known ambassador of Georgian cuisine, and Pedro Carvalho. The idea is to share the soul of Georgia in Lisbon, combining its traditions with a modern touch and a Portuguese influence.

For anyone who has spent time in Georgia, especially during events like Tbilisi Fashion Week, walking into Karater feels like a genuine homecoming. On one of my own trips to the capital, I had the chance to meet the founders when the project was just an idea. Having fallen in love with Georgian cuisine after many visits, I’ve tried my share of Georgian restaurants outside the country. Few capture the authentic spirit of the place. Karater is the exception. The food here is so good and true to its roots that, for a moment, you forget you’re in Lisbon.

The menu focuses on ancestral Georgian recipes, reimagined with fresh ingredients. Dishes include Adjaruli Khachapuri, a boat-shaped bread with cheese and egg; Georgian Croquetes, a fusion with the Portuguese snack; vegetable stews; slow-cooked lamb stews; and traditional dumplings called Khinkali. The restaurant also offers many options for vegetarians and vegans.

Beyond the food, Karater transforms into an intimate cocktail bar after the kitchen closes, serving drinks made with Georgian spirits. And where to start about the wine? It is so good. The curated list highlights exclusive Georgian grape varieties and the traditional qvevri clay vessel winemaking method, offering a direct taste of the country’s 8,000-year-old wine culture.

If you find yourself in Lisbon and wish to take a direct culinary trip to Georgia, make sure to stop by. A seat at Karater is the closest you can get to Tbilisi without ever leaving the city.

Karater Georgian Bistro
R. do Diário de Notícias 65, 1200-365 Lisboa
Phone: +351 910 208 418