It was all a bit last-minute. Elsa and I were planning to meet up between Christmas and New Year and since neither of us had plans for New Year’s Eve, we decided to see the New Year in together. Making plans last minute at New Year isn’t always easy – what’s open? What still has space? Elsa suggested the panto showing at the King’s Head Theatre (above) in Islington’s Upper Street, put on by the Charles Court Opera and offering an ‘adult-only’ version. I wasn’t quite sure what I was letting myself in for! However, it was a 5.00pm start and a quick check online showed me that it had had brilliant reviews, so it looked like a fun way to see out one year and welcome in the next.
Try the Sunday Carvery - currently on a 50% off promotion. This means that the Chicken and Lamb are £3.98, and the Beef is £4.98 - far cheaper than lots of other local alternatives, and possibly the best value Sunday roast in London!
Very full on a Friday night, I wandered in expecting to be told that come back in an hour. Fortunately I managed to nab the last table for two.
The place was buzzing but the service did not suffer as a result. Aside from the free Turkish stuffed bread at the start, we shared a plate of fried squid and also some "tavuk kofte" (seasoned chicken koftes). Both were good. For the main I had the poultry of the day which was quail. It was tasty but honesty a bit difficult to eat (too many bones) and the skin was too crispy. In hindsight I should have ordered a simpler grilled chicken dish. At the end we were given a free dessert - not sure what it was but it was delicious so I devoured the whole thing.
Corkage is only £7 so head to the Sampler right next door, try a few wines from their 8 enomatic machines and take one to Gem.
The only thing better than a free starter (of Turkish bread) is a free dessert, of which Gem gives you both. All of the vegetarian meals are amazing, but if I had to recommend one dish it would be the Biber Dolma for £7.95.
The staff are always dependable and the restaurant is best to attend on weekends as it has a livelier vibe.
Great food, great service. Had the chicken and rice, and the meat was cooked really, really well. Was genuinely delicious, and filling. Highly recommend! Food came pretty quick too which was a bonus.
Had a great time, and the food was perfect. Been to many Turkish restaurants and this place is a GEM indeed. Will come back again
Wow, I celebrated a milestone there last night, where do I start. The atmosphere, the service, the quality of the food, everything was first class. Got a special birthday song at the end of the night too. If I could would give more than 6 stars. The Octopus was chargrilled to perfection. Will be back in a heartbeat. Make sure you get down there x
Modern looking Greek and Turkish restaurant with excellent service. We went as part of the groupon offer which included 4 cold, 4 hot mezze and wine to share between 2 people. We were allowed to choose the dishes off the menu but were disappointed when they stated that borek and tempura prawns were not available that day. The Greek salad, halloumi and aubergine dip tasted great. However although the falafel was crispy and tasted fantastic which the rare addition of coriander seeds we were only given three balls to share between 2 people. This is something that I really hate. Similarly the garlic mushroom portion was very stingy as you can see from the picture and needs to be rethought.
Cost: £
Dress code: casual/smart casual
Service: Faultless
Ambience: Trendy
Dropped in on a whim with my daughter on the way at to a concert, as a newly diagnosed coeliac eating out can be a minefield , but the menu is clearly marked and the staff were very helpful even got cucumber for the hummus
Very impressed with the food too A+
One of the best places around! Everything including rice tastes splendid. Definitely worth checking out if in the area.
Had a lovely dinner on an extraordinary hot evening. I had Calamari main, and my daughter had chicken and Halluomi salad. Both delicious, and good portion sizes. The service here is what always bring me back. Vicki was attentive, and made my evening really nice. Thanks Vicky
We had a great mid-week bottomless mezze lunch at the Gem! The service was fantastic and the food was perfect, we couldn't fault anything! Will definitely be coming back and recommending to others. Such good value for money also.
Really great place, the portions are good, very tasty freshly made food served by Andrew the owner. Highly recommended to all.
Lovely, cozy restaurant with a great wine collection. Their grill items are cooked to perfection. I also found it to be reasonably priced as compared to other restaurants on Upper Street.
Wow! This place has sky rocketed since new management took over in August last year. Extremely well priced for the quality, this is posher Turkish food with a nice selection and daily specials. The chicken breast in creamy sauce with roasted vegetables was deceptively delicious and a generous portion. The king prawn starter was also excellent
A few years ago I gave 5-star to Gem but I had to remove one this time. The staff is very friendly and the food good but we had to wait for ages for our meal which was frustrating. The restaurant was not particularly busy.
Stephen Vowles-Sheridan
+5
Very nice Turkish/Greek food. Good size portions. The staff were friendly and efficient. Atmosphere was great.
This a great place for a boozy brunch, we had the £39 which includes 7 cold meze, 2 hot any main course and dessert with 2 hours of unlimited drink. The quality of the food was great it was all really tasty. All the meze dishes were really moreish and the octopus I got for my main was superb. The waitress who served was a super star. Very attentive and alway made sure we had a drink. There were 4 of us drinking procecco and were given a massive bottle to drink between us. We had got through a number of bottles in the 2 hour time limit. There was so much food, they gave us containers to take the left overs home with us. We had a great time and we'll definitely go back again.
Gem saved me on an incredibly hot day. Staying in a friends flat and having picked up my supper from Tesco I discovered that the oven didn’t work. Gem provided a delicious pork souvlaki to take away. I had been teaching all day and thought I had no appetite but should still eat. After the first bite my appetite started raging and I ate every last bit. The restaurant is lovely inside and it feels both romantic and family friendly - a rare thing. Do go!
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