Gilak

Just got back from Gilak. FANTASTIC. A real gem in Archway. Fantastic. Service was friendly (and informative, we got told about how the gorgeous starter dish of garlic is made). This will make more sense when you see the menu. Restaurant had a lovely intimate feel and clientele was mixed and very local.

Food delicious and be prepared to be astounded with certain dishes. We cannot wailt to go back and continue working our way through the menu.

The service was a little slow, but it didn't really matter to be honest. 9/10
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10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Friday, June 04, 2010

I must have done something very good indeed in a past life to deserve such an amazing Northern Iranian restaurant within walking distance.

I've been known to travel across town for Persian food, so when I saw Gilak had opened on the site of a trying-but-dying pizza restaurant in Archway, I had to go in.

After my first tastebud tingling visit I decided to munch my way through the entire menu. However, I've got stuck at the Khoresh Badjeman (yellow split peas, lamb, rich spiced sauce, a smattering of chips, a taste and texture sensation) and I keep ordering it, so someone else please try the other mains and review them so I can find out what they're like!

Beautiful, delicate, fragrant rice, the tastiest Persian dishes I've enjoyed in London, great attention to detail, crisp linen, charming hospitality - if you're culinarily curious and/or visiting the equally delightful Italian 500 which sits opposite and can't get in, please do visit Gilak. It's wonderful.
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HighgateSlopes
10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Saturday, May 08, 2010

Having read on London Eating of this new restaurant, we went along today for lunch to try it. It was quiet: understandable for a new restaurant that is still building up a reputation in a part of London that only the marvellous 500 right opposite has managed to put on the gastronomic map.

We were intrigued by the menu, which offered much more than the kebab-based dishes usually offered by Middle-Eastern restaurants in London. The owner/manager (?) explained that the cuisine of northern Iran makes wide use of less-familiar ingredients, such as pomegranate - which imparts a slightly sour, though rich, flavour - and walnuts.

We had a very tasty starter of mashed smoked aubergine with walnuts - which was divine - and a thick, creamy barley soup, which had a very interesting flavour and texture. The flatbread was delicious - fresh and paper thin.

Our mains were a kebab of cubed lamb and a stew of chicken with herbs and pomegranate juice (among other things). They were both succulent, especially the lamb, and served with beautifully cooked rice.

We were rather disappointed that the restaurant does not serve alcohol, but the owner/manager assured us that we were welcome to bring our own alcoholic drink. We took him to his word and went to get some cold beer at the local branch of Sainsbury's a few doors down.

We had a very pleasant experience and hope to be back as there are so many intriguing dishes on the menu that we do not get a chance to sample elsewhere.

We would like to see Gilak do very well and, together with 500, help to establish North Holloway/Archway as an area worthy of a detour for London foodies.
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Charm_Personified
9 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8
Thursday, May 06, 2010

sooo good taste and good quality food, their starter was great and very different, and food was very tasty and clean. service was so quick and they have very polite staff. me and my all friends are so happy to find a really good iranian restaurant. i recommend to everyone.
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nikoo
10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Friday, April 30, 2010

it was perfect family restaurant, nice food and quality, good value and polite staff. was a different restaurant specifically in traditional food.

lovely and YUMMY.
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hani
10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Thursday, April 29, 2010

It 's a fantastic restaurant, with a combination of modern decoration and nice pictures of north part of Iran which you can enjoy the taste of traditional Gilaki food.

The atmosphere of the restaurant is really nice and better than that is the quality of the food which is the result of having the best Gilaki chef.

And what else a customer want from a restaurant??? GOOD PRICE and nice service, so yes, we found all at the same time and definitely we will visit again.

Me and my wife had really nice time over there and we decided to go every week especially with our friends and maybe for the first birthday party which is really good idea(imagine with a gilaki music!!!!!)
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Amir
10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Thursday, April 29, 2010