Archipelago

 

Exotic, lavishly decorated restaurant with a daring and unusual menu.

Probably one of the most unusual dining experiences in London, a meal at Archipelago is an appealing assault on the senses. From the imaginatively-named dishes (“Saigon Seduction”, “Serengeti Dusk”) filled with exotic ingredients (kangaroo and crocodile, emu and wildebeest) to the lavishly decorated, candlelit interior (palm trees, peacock feathers, statues and screens) and pungent, aromatic fragrances, this is a full-on 360 degree eating event. The anticipation begins from the moment you book your table and are given a “secret” password to use when you arrive. When you do arrive, a short walk across a floor filled with pebbles massages weary feet, gently signalling the start of the evening’s unexpected delights. The food here is quirky; frogs’ legs, chocolate covered scorpions and drone bees make an appearance on the menu alongside the unusual meats already mentioned. However, for every truly eccentric dish there are ten others that - despite the exotic sounding names – are really just a bit “colourful” in terms of description and ingredients. While not for the exceptionally faint hearted, you don’t have to have a stomach of steel to eat here - far from it. Each of these dishes tastes sublime and, should you have any questions or concerns, the highly informed waiting staff are on hand to dispense information and advice. The air theatricality continues right up to the end of the meal when diners are given the choice of selecting from the dessert menu, the mysterious “A Visit from the Doctor”. Go on… you know you want to. Romantic yet edgy, Archipelago is perfect for making a meal out a meal to remember.

Best for:
Chocolate covered scorpions, crocodile and kangaroo, plam trees and peacock featheres, statues and screens.

Did you know?
The word "archipelago" literally means "chief sea".