Review on Archipelago
'Chocolate covered scorpion with a Sauternes dip' is just one of the daunting delicacies you might find on the menu at this extraordinary restaurant, Archipelago on Whitfield Street along with locusts, crocodile, kangaroo and much more from the gazetteer of world wildlife.
Don't be fazed by the madcap exoticism of the dining room, as you sit in a throne-like armchair, surrounded by golden Buddhas, floating plastic lotus blossoms and giant peacock feathers, inhaling incense and pondering exactly what all those weird, off-the-wall dish names mean.
This is full-on global cuisine run riot: Rajasthan Strut is 'peacock-on-a-date with a tomato and vanilla confit', Saigon Seduction is quite prosaically an Oriental chicken curry with poppy seed rice, and would you guess that the Geisha's Kiss comprised exotic fruit sushi with coconut rice, black treacle dip and green tea?
By contrast, the set lunch offers a touch of reassuring familiarity and good value for the likes of Thai tom yum soup and Assam vegetable curry. Uniquely maverick cocktails and eclectic wines suit the place and after your meal you might be tempted to request a 'visit from the doctor' (a gorgeous 'medic' will bring out a chest of 12 digestive potions that are guaranteed to put a spring in your step). Finally, the bill arrives clasped between the fingers of a carved wooden hand!
Archipelago is also featured in: Michelin Guide, Hardens, AA Guide
Rate this RestaurantCuisine
Global
Restaurant Opening Times
Lunch: 12.00 - 2.30pm Mon-Fri
Dinner: 6.00 - 10.30pm Mon-Sat
Accepted credit cards
Visa, Master Card, American Express
