Archipelago

Went here on a work team dinner 9th May 2007 for 11 people. Bit unusual in that our table (possibly biggest) was immediately as you came in the door, but as it's a small venue, was nice not having to weave through the restaurant.

Decor/ambience was as expected.....dark with subtle music in background. Tables had unmatching wine glasses/tumblers - made it very unique - which you could purchase if you liked them that much!

Starter was GOOD - crocodiile wrapped in vine leaves with plum sauce. Cant stress enough how delicious this was. Half our group had it, and some said was best starter they'd ever had. Also had love salad (containing locusts), definitely caused lots of cheering/laughter as we each ate a deep fried locust - good ice breaker if it's first time people are out together (ie bonding work meal!!).

Only downside, but no doubt preferable to non-smokers, was if you wanted to smoke you had to go downstairs to the "smoking lounge". The majority of our party smoked, so there was a regular mass exodus, but in light of 1st July ban, something we'll all have to get used to!

Not sure if I'd go again, as it was, in my opinion, a one-off unique eating experience, but would definitely recommend it, especially the starter!
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Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 6
Tuesday, May 29, 2007

I went this this resturant on Saturaday 12th May and I have to start by saying that this was simply one of the best resturants that I have ever eaten in. It was just devine, The staff were amazing, they made you feel really comfortable and relaxed about the courses and explained on every course exactly what you were about to eat, it was a real pleasure to eat there and it was the most outstanding service and food I have ever experienced. The décor and atmosphere where one of sheer romance and the entire night was amazing, I urge you to make the most of the hidden louge after dinner, and I can defiantly confirm that I will be going back but next time with friends.
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Tillie
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Monday, May 14, 2007

Adventurous cooking and absolutely delicious food. Unbeatable ambience. Perfect for a date with someone adventurous and fun-loving. Just impressive!
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Candy
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 8
Thursday, April 26, 2007

After reading such fabulous reviews I decided to bring a dear friend who was visiting London there as an exotic treat. The decor is intricade and beautiful and the food unusual and very tasty. The menu is very different which is great for the adventourous (which we are)! However, I did not think it was up to the dizzy standards that others have found. It is good but not out of this world.

It is a very intimate setting and we were out for an exciting flamboyant night this did dampen it a bit as there wasnt all that many people in the place. And thats when its full! This is maybe why despite gorgeous surronding and attentive staff, the athmosphere was very quiet. I suppose what I am trying to say is - good food, lovely staff, amazing decor.... just dont expect a buzz
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Kiara
Overall rating
Food 6 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 3 | Value for money 5
Friday, March 16, 2007

Never have I read so many glowing reviews about just one restaurant! However, my friend and I are hoping that the faulty towers treatment we received up deigning to just turn up and ask for a table (look! you never know) and the frosty "why are you bothering me!" attitude when booking by phone today, is not a reflection of the rest of the Archipelago experience. So, this is not a review of the restaurant, but a pre-review. Despite the “doctor’s surgery” grumpiness, I can't wait!!
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Leo Slater
Overall rating
Food 0 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 0 | Value for money 0
Tuesday, March 13, 2007

My visit to Archileago has been by far the most exotic restaurant experience i have had in my life. It serves unique dishes and exquisite liqours and drinks, the service and atmosphere gave life to the restaurant. I would say it's Londons Aphrodisiac, if i had the chance i would have breakfast lunch and dinner there. Very well priced and an overall once in a lifetime experience.
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Mohammed Al-Hashimi
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Sunday, December 24, 2006

We just got back from a wonderful evening at Archipelago. It was definitely one of the best dining experiences I have had, the atmosphere and decor is amazing and fun, the food is certainly interesting! But great flavours and choice. Service was good and there is little to complain about and much to recommend. It's a bit pricey but you get a lot for your money and there are certainly no other restaurants that can offer any kind of exotic experience like Archipelago!!!!
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Peter, Fitzrovia - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 8
Tuesday, November 07, 2006

absolutly fantastic ! ... brilliant food ... lovely atmosphere ... great stuff ... could book a table every day !
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Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Wednesday, October 11, 2006

Not only is this one of London's hidden treasures it holds very fond memories for me and my husband Each table in this small exotic restaurant was individually decorated with unusual sculptures and objects. The atmosphere of the restaurant was like a small hut on an island in the pacific. We tried crocodile, emu and wilderbeast and the desert of milk chocolate honeycomb with a real drone bee attached added to this incredible experience. The food was subtle and delicious. The staff were attentive without being intrusive. I will definitely be going back- after all my husband proposed straight after dinner.
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Mimi Michaels
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Wednesday, July 05, 2006

An experience to remember from start to finish. I booked here for my boyfriend's birthday from a friend's recommendation and we were not disappointed. From the password given to us over the phone to the visit from the doctor at the end of the meal - the whole night was truly memorable. The restaurant is exotically decorated - our table had a tree growing out of it. The love bug salad was a brilliant accompaniment to the kangaroo. Brilliant place.
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Jane
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 9
Friday, June 23, 2006