Karater – Taste of Georgia was born in the space that for decades hosted the charming Flor da Branca, a place that left its mark on Bairro Alto. We preserved the soul of the house: the old flooring, the shelves along the walls, the artistic ceiling — all carefully restored to continue telling stories, now with a new Georgian chapter.

Opened in October 2024, Karater emerged from the meeting of Guram Baghdoshvili and Pedro Carvalho, two people passionate about gastronomy, culture, and the city of Lisbon. Here, traditions are celebrated, memories are shared, and a space is created where time slows down, just like at the long tables of Georgia. With only 30 seats, the restaurant is intimate and welcoming. When the kitchen closes late at night, the atmosphere transforms into a bar where conversation continues and signature cocktails extend the experience. Karater is, in essence, a hug between cultures, served dish by dish.

Karater’s cuisine is a journey through the flavors and stories of Georgia. Each dish is born from Chef Guram Baghdoshvili’s passion for ancestral recipes, reimagined with lightness, creativity, and the finest ingredients, always respecting tradition. Eggplant, the queen of a thousand recipes, appears in preparations that combine simplicity and intensity, while walnuts add depth and richness, balancing flavors with their distinctive presence. Fresh herbs, ever-present on Georgian tables, bring aroma and freshness to every dish, creating a harmony that invites sharing and conviviality.

Georgian classics are present but gain a contemporary touch. Adjaruli Khachapuri arrives at the table in a boat shape, with cheese and egg, inviting guests to immerse themselves in tradition with pleasure. Khinkali, dumplings delicately filled with meat, cheese, or mushrooms, are prepared with patience and care, each telling its own story. Slow-cooked Lamb Chakapuli releases aromas that warm the soul, while Georgian croquettes offer a playful fusion of Portugal and Georgia, surprising the palate and comforting the spirit. For those seeking plant-based flavors, Adjapsandali appears as a creamy vegetable stew, full of texture, color, and aroma, emphasizing Georgia’s strong connection to nature.

Each dish at Karater is more than food: it is an encounter with Georgian history and culture, where tradition and modernity meet, and the chef becomes a storyteller, turning every meal into a unique and memorable experience.

Speaking of Georgia inevitably means speaking of wine. At Karater, the wine list pays tribute to a tradition over eight thousand years old, marked by the ancestral qvevri technique — large clay vessels buried in the ground where wine ferments naturally, developing deep aromas, unique texture, and an unmistakable expression of the land it comes from.

Every bottle is carefully selected, not just for taste but for character and the story it carries. White, orange, and red qvevri wines reflect an ancient production philosophy with contemporary relevance, inviting guests on a true sensory journey. Sipping one of these wines is like opening a window to Georgia: experiencing the time, soil, dedication, and passion behind every grape.

As with our cuisine, wine at Karater is about sharing and discovery. Every glass is an invitation to slow down, toast to life and Georgian culture, and celebrate the joy of discovering something new in every sip.