Archipelago

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Restaurants and cafés

Central London

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Time Out says

Thu Mar 25 2010

Culinary explorers will find new adventures at this niche restaurant. Archipelago is home to the kind of wild creatures seldom seen on a plate. Sitting cheek by jowl with a kooky hodgepodge of golden Buddhas, fertility idols and giant peacock feathers from bazaars the world over, diners choose from such delicacies as marinated kangaroo, wok-seared frogs’ legs and seared zebra.

While most restaurants revamp their menus to add interest, dishes here are strangers to reinvention – but then again, the wow factor is omnipresent. Gastronomic gadabouts will delight in the juicy seared crocodile fillet (tastes like fish, has the texture of chicken) or savoury slivers of peanut-crusted wildebeest. Favoured as a daring destination by couples in the first bloom of dating, Archipelago is fun and intimate.

But despite numerous distractions such as menus tightly rolled into scrolls fit for Indiana Jones, you’re likely to notice that service is patchy. Note too that you have to divulge your credit card details at time of booking, as there’s a non-refundable deposit for late cancellation.

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Address:
Archipelago 110 Whitfield Street
Central London
London
W1T 5ED

Phone:
020 7383 3346
Website:
www.archipelago-restaurant.co.uk
Opening hours:
Meals served 8am-10pm Mon-Sat; 10am-8pm Sun.
Transport:
Tube: Goodge Street or Warren Street tube
Price:
Main courses £4.75-£9.50.
Map
1. Archipelago
  - 110 Whitfield Street
    Central London
    London
    W1T 5ED
  - 020 7383 3346
  - www.archipelago-restaurant.co.uk
  - 51.523154,-0.137943

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(1 rating)

One of the most important thing to keep in mind, when you try something a bit different, is to refrain from being carried away by the novelty of what you're about to eat: zebra tastes nice, but it's a still 'just' a red meat, and not the most tender one at that. So don't start expecting that your mind will be blown away by crickets, because, let's face it, it won't. You wouldn't expect to be blown away by steak, would you? You could expect it to be delicious, but not mind-blowing; eat with that mindset and you will leave the restaurant content, well fed, and happy. I happened to have tried most of what's on the menu somewhere else before, so I already knew what to expect --- and fully knowing that, I loved it. I had the crocodile in vine leaves, the frog's legs, the chocolate scorpion and a locust salad, and everything was prepared with a very keen focus on flavours and balance, and there isn't a course that I didn't enjoy. And with a lovely staff, I would certainly recommend the place. Oh, and remember: the only thing that tastes like chicken is chicken.

clement Tue Jan 25 2011
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We had a great experience! The atmosphere in this place is magic and exotic. Everything seems an adventure, starting from the menu (you can find it rolled in a flower in a treasure box). The restaurant is quite small - there are 9-10 tables, most of them for 2 people, it's more worthy to go with another person or few people. The dishes are delicious and for me they were totally new tastes. The waiters were explaining everything to us and were very helpful. Even if after a main course each we were more than satisfied, we tried the desserts anyway and they were amazing. The prices are probably a bit higher than average, but keep in mind you're asking to eat kangaroo or crocodile or gnu in London, so in my opinion it is quite fair. I'd sincerely recommend this restaurant if you're looking for a different experience!

Anna Sun Apr 4 2010
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went with a group of 20 for a friends birthday and was extremely disappointed. firstly the food was average, peoples starters and mains did not arrive and some of those that did were cold. certainly nothing lived up to the exotic menu. what made it worse was when the bill came, having to pay such high prices for average food and service. would not recommend to anyone.

tim smith Sat Mar 20 2010
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