Home United KingdomLondon Gallipoli Again, Islington

Gallipoli Again, Islington

by Krista

Gallipoli 

Gallipoli Again
120 Upper Street
 N1 1QP 

Date of Last Visit: Friday, November 20th

The Victims: Too many to mention

The Damage: £20 or so each

The Background: I am almost embarrassed to tell you this. 

You see…on Friday, November 20th, I had tickets to the cinema.

For the opening night of…

New Moon.

You know…the vampire chick flick.

And so we all went out to dinner beforehand. How many of us? Um…I think there were 17. 17 30-somethings.  All out to see a teenage vampire flick.

The Entrance: So we were a little unsure which Gallipoli we were going to. And there are three of them on Upper Street. So Stacey and I went into all of them until of course, we hit the jackpot with the third.

And Gallipoli is packed! Really. My chair is getting bumped. My coat keeps falling on the floor. I am highly annoyed.

The Wine: We order some Pinot Grigio. It arrives warm. This is annoying. So I ask for a lot of ice. We get like three ice cubes. This is annoying too.

The Food: Mezze for everyone except a few. I love mezze because it's fun and communal and a surprise everytime. But at Gallipoli, the falafel tastes like sawdust. (Must write post about Hoxton Beach! Name is an oxymoron there, no?) There's not enough hummus to go around, and we have to pay extra for the aubergine. (The Turkish version of Baba Ghanoush.) I remember I liked the broad beans. And the vine leaves were okay. And as I'm having all these thoughts, people keep bumping my chair and I keep getting more annoyed. I'm tense. Very tense. And I'm tense enough as it is.

The Service: A little slow at the beginning, but eventually just fine.

The Baklava: Pretty good.

Food Verdict: Eh. Not for me. Too many people, too small a space, too average.

Film Verdict: Jacob was pretty hot. Edward was pretty pasty.

The Photos: Too dark for food photos, and I forgot my flashlight/torch.

Which Leads Me to My Question: Where's your favorite place for Turkish mezze?

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9 comments

An American in London 2009 -

It’s a shame that 95% of the restaurants on Upper Street are mediocre. I haven’t found any particularly good Turkish mezze on Upper Street, so I usually settle for the better-than-the-others decor and service at Pasha. The food, while not awful, is not worth a special trip.

Lizzie 2009 -

My local, Meze Mangal is great but might be a bit of a schlep for you as it’s in New Cross. I’ve heard great things about Antplier in Green Lanes.

I watched Twilight twice in one week. I can’t wait to see new moon! (clearly I am also a teenage girl).

Krista 2009 -


I am still waiting for the New Cross restaurant crawl!

Gourmet Chick 2009 -

Another Twilight fan revealed – I have to say I have not got into it but many of friends have fallen for it (so to speak) and purchased DVDs and books! I have been to one of the Gallipolis on Upper street (can’t remember which) but can remember being not very impressed.

Lizzie 2009 -

Oh arses – we did it last weekend. I totally forgot you wanted to come. We went to Meze Mangal. I’m so sorry!

Krista 2009 -


No worries…this past weekend wouldn't have worked for me anyhow. Holiday party madness!

Andy 2009 -

I think for a decent Turkish meal you’d need to go to Dalston.

On upper street Mem and Lez is ok, but a lot of the turkish restaurants aren’t as good as they could be.

Niamh 2009 -

I am sure Gallipoli used to be better some years ago. Weused to go with work. I was there last year again and bitterly disappointed. Regardless, for proper Turkish food come to my neck of the woods! Would love to go to Antepliler with you some time, it’s great and very reasonable.

Krista 2009 -


Now THAT sounds like a plan! Antepilier 2010 sounds great.

Comments are closed.