Experience at Gilgamesh: A Culinary Journey
Introduction to Gilgamesh
Gilgamesh, located at 4a Upper St Martin’s Lane in London, is a restaurant that has garnered attention for its pan-Asian cuisine. The prices range from £7 to £19 for small plates, £9 to £42 for large plates, and desserts costing £9, with wine starting at £38. Initially opened in Camden Market in 2006, the restaurant made a grand entrance with a whimsical interior filled with sculptures that depicted the story of King Gilgamesh from ancient Babylon. The setting was extravagant, and the food aimed to reflect a fusion of Asian influences. After several years and ownership changes, including a shutdown in 2018, it reopened in its current location.
A Promotional Offer
On a recent Monday, a text message announcing a birthday promotion caught my attention. The restaurant offered a staggering 50% off its à la carte menu for online bookings. However, I already had plans to dine there the next day. To add to the intrigue, the following day, ads popped up online, promoting three courses for just £20. It certainly felt like the restaurant was eager to attract diners, perhaps a little too keen.
Ambiance and Atmosphere
Gilgamesh has experienced a revival since its opening at the new location. On a midweek evening, the restaurant was bustling with patrons, evidenced by a limited cloakroom space overflowing with bags. Guests were loud and lively, creating an electric atmosphere that resonated throughout the vaulted space. We found ourselves seated beneath outdoor heaters that added to both the warmth and chaos of the environment, as the atmosphere attempted to provide a narrative of a culinary journey inspired by the adventures of Gilgamesh.
A Culinary Adventure Begins
As we settled in, we were greeted with prawn crackers served in an unremarkable white plastic bag, reminiscent of takeaways. They were accompanied by a salsa that, while colorful, lacked flavor. It was clear the journey promised by the restaurant had yet to manifest.
Highlight: Popcorn Shrimp
The pop at the table came unexpectedly from the £16 popcorn shrimp, served in a stainless-steel pot resembling a cocktail glass. These shrimp were indeed delightful, hot, and crispy. However, our experience was slightly marred when we asked about the chipotle mayo, which we learned had been mixed in, losing that anticipated kick.
A Mixed Bag of Flavors
From the sushi menu, we received the wrong dish initially but eventually got the Gilgamesh dragon roll, which pleased us more. Alternatively, the crispy duck and watermelon salad, though a visually pleasing concoction, turned out to be excessively sweet. The duck and watermelon didn’t marry well, missing the balance that a fresh, dressed salad would typically offer.
Main Courses: A Disappointment
After a lengthy wait, the main courses arrived. The lemongrass chicken tasted surprisingly bland, lacking the punch of its name. The beef rendang, a dish that typically benefits from slow cooking, was instead a poorly executed version lacking in both flavor and depth. The roti served alongside was regrettably greasy and unimpressive.
Vegetarian Options: Cauliflower and Asparagus Fried Rice
We also attempted to try the cauliflower and asparagus fried rice. However, the dish was reminiscent of overcooked cauliflower that might be discarded after a Sunday roast. Worse, asparagus was curiously missing, making the dish a mere shadow of its intended flavor profile. Our diligent waiter offered to replace it graciously, but at that point, we had lost our appetite.
Drinks and the Final Bill
To wash down our meal, we reached for the cheapest wine on the menu—a £38 bottle of Spanish Sauvignon Blanc—but it did little to elevate the experience. We toyed with the idea of splurging on a much more expensive tequila for an ambitious adventure, but perhaps we saved ourselves from further disappointment.
Ultimately, the evening at Gilgamesh turned out to be less about fine dining and more about the aesthetic illusion of dining, where the décor overshadowed the culinary offerings. The final bill came to £175; however, the excitement of the discount did not extend to our experience as we expected.
Conclusion: Seeking Better Alternatives
Leaving Gilgamesh, we sought solace at Anita, an ice cream parlour next door, indulging in simple pleasures like mixed berry pavlova and chocolate sorbet—comforting treats that didn’t claim to transcend culinary boundaries but certainly delivered satisfaction. In the end, it was nice to find something that felt good, even if it didn’t achieve the epic status that the restaurant had intended.
Summary of Gilgamesh Experience
- Location: 4a Upper St Martin’s Lane, London
- Price Range:
- Small Plates: £7-£19
- Large Plates: £9-£42
- Desserts: £9
- Wines: Starting from £38
- Main Highlights:
- Ample and lively atmosphere
- Standout dish: Popcorn shrimp
- Disappointing execution on main courses
- Final Thoughts: A dining experience that leans more toward ambiance than culinary excellence.
