Archipelago

We stumbled across Archipelago when looking for a weekday work lunch. The interior is dimly lit, relaxing and somewhat interesting.

We had their shared tasting menu (£12.50 each, min. 2 people). This consisted of 6 small plates of food. Between the four of us the volume of food supplied was equivalent to a starter each. Mains dishes averaged around £17 (25% less at lunch time).

I was very disappointed - the food was mediocre and overpriced for what was supplied. Annoyingly 12.5% service was included in the bill.

I certainly wouldn't return to this restaurant. The dishes are priced too high and I personally object to restaurants including the service charge in the bill.
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Patrick Cain
Overall rating
Food 4 | Service 4 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 0
Thursday, October 09, 2008

Had dinner at Archipelago recently - after checking out the menu online I had really high expectations as it really did look delicious. Unfortunately I was left slightly disappointed. I knew that it would be reasonably expensive, so I was expecting much more for my money that I got. Though the food is very unusual (offering meats such as Zebra, Crocodile, Wilderbeest to name a few) it seems that you pay quite a premium for this novelty - for 2 people, two courses each plus a couple of sides to share and a few canapes, and a bottle of house red set us back around £100 inc the service charge. The food itself was very pleasant, with reasonable portion sizes (the starters were actually fairly large) and uncomplicated presentation, but if you take away the novelty factor, it was nothing overly-special as the price tag might have you hoping. The service was good, the decor very interesting and quirky and this all came together to create a relaxed atmosphere.

Overall, I'm glad to have tried the food at Archipelago, but I probably wouldn't return as I know you can get much, much more for your money elsewhere in London.
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- View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 2
Sunday, September 07, 2008

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