A gnother gnu...
13 Sep 07, 18:24
Above expectations
Well, what can one say? Archipelago is a very weird place. The ambience is that of a trinket shop, with multifarious strange artifacts crowding the walls.
The menu is, as others have pointed out, somewhat out of the ordinary but the food is cooked beautifully, although occasionally the taste of the meat itself is drowned out by the strong-tasting spices in which it's cooked.
However, if you wish to eat a chocolate-covered scorpion (I thought it tasted a little like Rice-Krispie squares), locust salad, crocodile wrapped in vine leaves, zebra or gnu, then this place is for you. It's definitely worth going to...
love bugs and wildebeest
23 Jul 07, 15:42
Beyond expectations
Not only is the ambiance beautiful and the friendliness of the staff absolutely superb but the food was utterly fantastic - there is NOTHING bad but could say about this place, the whole experience was overwhelmingly fun and exciting... especially when the doctor arrived for her visit...
Alison W.
Hove
10 reviews
Delicious Dishes!
23 Jul 07, 14:08
Beyond expectations
The very first thing that strikes you as you enter the restaurant is the decor - the walls are covered with worldly paraphenalia that extends to the furniture and even the menus. After admiring the atmosphere, you get down to the food. Since our party was quite large, everyone ordered something different and exchanged pieces of food here and there to try a bit of everything - the crocodile wrapped in vine leaves was a favourite among us all, followed closely by kangaroo. Some of the main course dishes were conveniently smaller than others, allowing you to leave room for dessert - something which cannot be passed up when the menu consists of a chocolate covered scorpion! The 'Visit from the Doctor' was a good laugh as this consisted of alcoholic alchemy and even some predictions for the future. Every dish was cooked and presented to perfection. From the chunky wooden serving plates to the chopsticks delicately tied together with lime peel, every aesthetic and practical need was carefully catered for. The experience was enjoyed by the whole party, and I will certainly be returning!
Outstandingly weird
23 Jul 07, 13:51
Beyond expectations
The food here isn't quite the usual, from peacock or crocodile meat starters through the zebra, gnu or kangaroo meals with a normal(ish) desert.
The food is excellent, if the portions being a bit lean, but the exotic meats probably cause that. Everything I sampled was excellent and unusual.
The more 'crazy' dishes such as locusts, crickets or even a full scorpion dipped in chocolate are an option for the most intrepid diners.
The style and ambience of the place is hectic and crammed with unusual items from all over the world, similar to some little shops that sell incense and other hippy items you find tucked away in Camden only more stylish.
Prices are also reasonable, under £40 per head for a full 3 courses.
Highly advised for an enjoyable and very interesting night out.
