Merkato

Merkato is an absolute gem and all the good things which people have said about it on this site is absolutely bang-on.

The food is beautiful. These guys really know how to cook. Lovely fresh ingredients combined in a big variety of interesting, mouthwatering dishes all spiced to perfection. A wholly enjoyable culinary experience at an extremely

good price: under £20 a head with a couple of drinks for a meal we couldn't manage to finish despite its tastiness.The service was charming. Friendly, attentive and helpful. All in all, I can't wait to go back.

Well done Markato!
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Steve A
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 10
Sunday, June 29, 2008

What a fantastic restaurant! A sweet little place, with:

- Lovely, friendly staff (who recommend delicious honey/wine tipple and all the best bites)

- Great food - spicy, but deep flavors; a varied menu... And interesting booze!

- Ah, but with a twist... You eat with your fingers! Huge, flat-breads, sauces, veg...

Top-notch all round, really. And good prices, too!

All in all, an absolute must.
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ben cooper
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 10
Saturday, May 17, 2008

I had eaten good Ethiopian food before, so kind of knew what to expect. In that regard, Merkato did not disappoint. Between the two of us, we ordered fried spicy injera for starters, lamb and chicken curry for mains and Tej honey wine. The food was excellent all the way. I absolutely loved the honey wine - it's a must try! My partner and I both found the injera a tad too sour, but I guess it depends on individual tastes. The hostess was very sweet and friendly. We will go back if we're in the mood for some Ethiopian. It's a fairly small and cosy place with a traditional decor. And oh, the whole meal cost us around 40 pounds. All in all, a good experience.
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summerskies - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Amazing food, excellent veggie selection and fantastic value for money. One of the best restuarants I have ever been to.
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Jackie Smith
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Tuesday, November 13, 2007

I took a group of my friend there for my birthday. They, except for two of us, have never had Ethiopian food before. The food was absolutely fantastic together with a great service. And not to forget the infamous "TEJ"...home made honey wine.... very easily drinkable.

I have eaten here at least a dozen times since about a year and a half ago and the food has always kept its great standard.

I would recommend you try the Awazie tibes and the veggie selection was absolutely fab…. I can’t pronounce the name for it but just ask for the veggie selection, as you won’t be disappointed.

I would like to thank the staff for the lovely evening and we’ll definitely see you soon.

10 out of 10 all around
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Judy
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Wednesday, July 18, 2007

Had a meal there on Saturday night - it was fabulous. I've been to Ethiopia and this food was exactly as it is in Ethiopia. I was visiting London from Ireland and none of my friends had ever eaten Ethiopian food so I was a bit nervous, however they will all go back there again. Also I am vegetarian so the choice was great. Atmosphere and service brilliant aswell. I would highly recommend it with a large group of friends and prices are really reasonable also (£6 for main course).

10 out of 10 all round.
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Niamh
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Monday, May 28, 2007

With ratings in the 9 to 10 range, this restaurant had us excited about our first visit. It was good but not great. The small storefront is in a lonely stretch north of King's Cross Station and not an area where I would walk alone at night. The service was friendly, if a little forgetful. We asked for recommendations in ordering, but the food did not live up to the standard we had expected.

Ethiopian food is always fun for sharing, with the giant injeera bread as the "dish" to hold it all. So far so good. But the beef dish was chewy, the fish dish a bit too "fishy" and the chicken dish a bit on the rubbery side. Perhaps we should have stuck with the large selection of vegetarian offerings. The Ethiopian beer was a perfect foil.

By contrast, we had had an Ethiopian food-stall lunch (across from Carrom Cafe stand) at Spitalfields Market where the food was much more exciting. Two very pleasant ladies served us injeera bread wrapped around a melange of 4 different vegetarian stews, with crunchy fresh greens and cabbage alongside. The chutney pickle and red hot sauce condiments topped off an unforgettable foodie treat for 4 pounds. Next time I'll see what Ethiopian restaurant those ladies recommend.
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Bagan
Overall rating
Food 5 | Service 5 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 9
Monday, March 12, 2007

this restaurant is superb.

food is completely delicious

atmosphere is warm welcoming and unique

service is friendly, laid back and quick

honey wine is leathal

prices are unbelievably cheap.

one of the best meals i ever ate at a reatuarant. honestly
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Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Friday, November 03, 2006

What a delight to discover this place near my new flat! I wandered in by chance, since they were open late. I've eaten there 4 times now, in the last two weeks, and it's great every time. The spicy lentils are particularly delicious.
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Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 8
Tuesday, September 26, 2006

Simply stunning - great food, a new eating experience, very friendly service and at low low prices. I go as often as I can.
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Soumo
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 10
Monday, March 06, 2006