Gem restaurant

Have been eating here for years and never had a bad meal. Service is charming, food is fantastic and prices are ridiculously cheap (complemented by a great selection of freebies!).

Just one word of warning - this used to be a perfect place to wander into, safe in the knowledge you'd easily get a table - but no more. Popularity has its downside, and if you have your heart set on quality Turkish food then it's best to book in advance, or you may find that the place is packed solid - yes, even on a Wednesday.
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Kathy
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 10
Friday, June 20, 2008

We booked a table for 8 at 5.00pm. We were made to feel very welcome and the staff had no problem with four of the party coming in later. Service was excellent as was the food. So much of it and the hot food was piping hot (always a plus for us). The restaurant was really busy (everyone was going to see Bruce Springsteen!) but the staff coped fantastically and we had our food at the right time. Definitely Gem is a real find and whenever we are in the area we will certainly go back there. Thank you to all the staff for starting off our evening in such a fine way.
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Sue & Peter Lawrence
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 10
Sunday, June 01, 2008

Booked on the strength of the reviews on this site, wasnt disappointed. Superb and timely service... and with humour! The food was great and there was plenty of it, far more than two of us could eat.

Only minor winge (and it is minor) was the coffee, my wife had the turkish which she did like, I thought it tasted like road tar (although I can only guess at what that tastes like). My coffee, simple white filter, was weak.

However, it was great value for money and would highly recommend a visit.
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Loxton
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 10
Saturday, February 16, 2008

Tempted to think that I had the christmas holidays chef when I dined here. It was absolutely appaling, from the nasty breaded squid to the greasy tasteless falafell. Oh dear, disgusting, the main course of lamb was horrid, old tasting and grey. The accompanying aubergine had a horrid smoked flavour, and was watery. Wouldn't recommend this at all.
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Overall rating
Food 0 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 0 | Value for money 0
Monday, December 24, 2007

What a Gem!

We found this place one evening when wandering down upper street without any idea about what we wanted to eat. We loved it immediately.

The complementary flatbreads were a lovely hint at what was to come. All the food was beautifully cooked and seemed very authentic.

The atmosphere was great with bare wood and warm inviting decor. The service was excellent with friendly staff who made great recommendations.

All this and great value for money which is a winner for me. If you are looking for a real restaurant without the trappings of the normal fair and establishments of upper street, this is a good place to start.
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- View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 10
Saturday, December 22, 2007

We agree with the reviewer who has already praised this restaurant. We went 'on spec' and fourd that:

# The quality of the food is very high. Excellent ingredients (e.g. tender succulent lamb); expertly cooked and presented; tasty!

# The service was absolutely first class - 10 out of 10. We cannot speak too highly of it. Friendly, courteous, attentive, response and quick - but not too quick.

# The Bordeax was excellent and very fairly priced

Gem is a gem and is highly recommended
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Keith Edmonds
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Sunday, November 11, 2007

This place is indeed a real Gem amongst the many disappointing eateries of Islington. The food is very tasty, incredibly varied and service worryingly quick. I have been here a few times and tried both the set menus and standard fare. The set menus are incredibly reasonable - £9 gets you an inordiante amount of meze, meat, bread and baklava. Drinks are cheaper than most pubs int he area and setting is authenticly unmodern. Recommended
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Banner - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 10
Friday, July 20, 2007

When I say Gem's a glorified kebab house it's not meant as a bad thing. The great tasting food here is simple - but cooked with care and sold at exceptional prices.

Visited for the first time in a while this weekend and was pleased to discover it's been given a bit of a make-over. There are still the rather eccentric Kurdish farming tools on the walls and ceilings, but new furnishings and a lighter coat of paint makes the whole place look smarter, bigger and brighter.

Even though the decor has changed, the quality of food coming out of the kitchen hasn't changed. We shared Meze (the plate for 1 is plenty for 2 people) and the world's best Feta with melon to start, then followed that with a lamb stew and kebabs that follow live up to the same high standards - the chilli sauce is perfect, a nice bit of heat that doesn't ruin your tastebuds.

There's also some nice surprises - both of which are free - Qatame (filled Kurdish flatbreads made fresh in front of you) when you arrive and then Balclava with Ice Cream for desert.

Cost of all this? 3 courses for 2 came to £42 which included a tip and a £15 bottle of wine. Great value & great food. Well worth a visit
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Gethin - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 10
Sunday, May 13, 2007

My birthday was almost ruined by this terrible place. Made a booking for 21.30 but phoned to ask if we could arrive 15 minutes late which was agreed. When we arrived the staff were rude and unhelpful. Most of the food on the menu was unavailable and when our starters arrived they were cold and bland. We did not stay to have our main course.
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Gemma
Overall rating
Food 2 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 0
Friday, March 09, 2007

What a 'GEM', we've been here four times now and the place never fails to dissappoint. Great value for money, and lots to choose from on the menu. All the staff will ensure you are very happy with your meal. If you are undecided about this place....then dont be! Once you have been you will be back.
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Bernie McDonnell
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 10
Sunday, November 19, 2006