Gilgamesh
The Stables Market, Chalk Farm Road, London, NW1 8AH
+44 (0) 808 1801 858
www.gilgameshbar.com

The Lowdown
An oasis in the lovable yet slightly shabby Camden Market, Gilgamesh is as dramatic and eclectic as the famous market that surrounds it. As you ride up the escalator that leads you to the dining area, you can’t help but impressed by the teak carvings and just the sheer size of the space. The dining area itself is a giant room with impossibly high ceilings, intricately dispersed with tables of all different heights. The bar at the centre of the room is a sight to behold.

The Vibe
This is Camden for grown-ups and those who want to be grown-ups, for an evening out at least. Expect to run into the twenty-somethings there for the great drinks, the thirty-somethings there for the full experience and the over 40s there because they want to show that they still have style. It’s an upmarket free-for-all, where everyone looking for good food and good drinks is welcome.

The Food
The pan-Asian menu is at first, very overwhelming, but once you remind yourself that you can come back, things start to jump out at you one by one. Not to be missed are: the sashimi (fresh and served on dry ice), duck & watermelon salad (a quirky but delicious combo), rock shrimp tempura (even non-shrimp lovers will love this), hoba miso chilean seabass (perfection) and the ribeye beef bulgogi (too tender to be true). No one at the table should be without Gilgamesh’s signature cocktail — the Shuruppak. An excellent and extensive wine list and impeccable and attentive service finish off the experience nicely.

The Verdict
You can come here every day of the week and not have the same meal twice.. A great place with options for those looking to spend a lot or a little, it’s the perfect place to bring a large group of people.