When a restaurant's hallmark dishes include crocodile, python and kangaroo, you know you’re in for a bit of an adventure. Such is the offering at Archipelago in Fitzrovia, which does away with the norm and invites guests on a sensory dining journey amid the glow of golden Buddhas, dwarf palm trees and giant peacock feathers. This unique restaurant serves globally-inspired cuisine in an exotic setting which will transport guests from Ethiopia to the Caribbean to Vietnam through a diverse range of dishes.
Guests are seated in the warm glow of the red-walled dining area amongst eclectic décor and furnishings. Burnt orange, red, gold and purple hues dominate the room alongside multi-coloured glasses and metallic crockery on every table.
The adventure continues with the menu which functions as a culinary portal to world cuisine. Starters include the likes of Pacific Volcanoes (avocado & coconut-milk potage with chilli and olive stuffed cassava puff balls), Summer Nights (Pan fried chermoula crickets, quinoa, spinach and dried fruit) and Byzantine Tracta (open baklava stuffed with cheese, pine nuts, honey and rosewater).
Main courses are just as adventurous with marinated kangaroo skewers, jerked alpaca and crocodile all featuring on the menu. The menu is certainly geared towards meat-lovers, although diners can still find a select offering of vegetarian and vegan dishes, too. For dessert, the options sound pretty special, from Pharoah’s Treasure (chocolate & cardomon sponge cake, white chocolate and curry ice cream and 24 carrot gold leaf) to Medieval Hive (brown butter ice cream, honey and butter caramel sauce and honey comb).
The drinks menu is a little more familiar with a wine list that heroes plenty of red, white and sparkling wines, from a reliable Pinot Grigio to more premium bottles of red.
Whether it’s a memorable romantic night out or a fun and adventurous evening with friends, Archipelago delivers an evening to remember.