To taste real African cuisine, step no further then Merkato, superbly located in Kings Cross, central London.
To taste real African cuisine, step no further then Merkato, superbly located in Kings Cross, central London.
Merkato Restaurant specialises in Ethiopian and Eritrean dishes; recreating traditional recipes for the enjoyment of its guests. If authenticity and honesty are important factors influencing your dining decisions, then Merkato Restaurant will score highly indeed. All dishes are freshly prepared to maximise the distinctive flavours and pungent spices used in their creation. Each order is accompanied by the traditional injera flatbread which is also available gluten-free.
Kick off an African feast with a starter plate of beef sautéed with tomatoes, onion and pepper. Alternatively sample a hot beef stew to fully awaken jaded taste buds, or calm the palate with a mildly spiced chicken dish accompanied by a boiled egg. Fried ribs, lamb, and minced beef feature in some of the tasty main course options; catering for differing taste distinctions with each offering a different flavour experience. Vegetarians are well catered for too, with options including split chickpea stew; fried cabbage and carrots, and lentil stew. Don’t leave without sampling the restaurant’s ktfo dish which has proven to be popular with regular visitors.
Merkato Restaurant is a lively and sociable venue perfect for a gathering of family and friends; what’s more, Kings Cross is a fantastically accessible location. Its casual ambiance creates the perfect backdrop for convivial conversation in an unhurried setting. The vibrancy of the food is mirrored in the décor, and as such, provides diners with a well-rounded experience of African gastronomy
Next time you’re booking a meal, if you’re bored of the same old restaurants, why not try something a little different with Merkato?
196 Caledonian Road, Kings Cross, London, N1 0SQ
ade: " omg, I'm so late to write this review!
I felt immediately welcome when I entered the restaurant. I've never eaten Eritrean food and I was hungry-I wasn't disappointed. The sour bread was totally new to me and the traditional drink was lovely.
Great hospitality. Typical friendly African atmosphere. I felt totally at home unlike if I went to a european restaurant and spent lots of money there.
I hope to return to Merkato soon with good friends again."
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Daniele: " MAYBE MORE SUITABLE FOR LUNCH THAN DINNER
The atmosphere was cosy, the lady (presumably the owner) was kind but the place was definitely not clean enough to be a dinner restaurant. Menu covers, plastic table cloths, trays and even glasses were visibly dirty. The bathrooms were so dirty and dismissed to be unpresentable. Food was fine but the beef came out too cooked and hard.
In sum, you may wish to try it for lunch or to discover ethiopian cuisine but you will then probably not go back."
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Katja:"Amazing Food Really nice food and great service, very good value for money"
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Pincher:"A Little Gem ! We had a wonderful meal, the waitress was excellent and guided our choices as this was our first time with Ethiopian cuisine. A combination of vegetarian and non veg dishes worked well for us. Thoroughly recommended!"
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PA: " Lovely place lovely staff!"
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