Gilgamesh London: Pan-Asian Dining & Japanese Flavours in Covent Garden
If you’re on the hunt for a restaurant in London that balances glamour, good vibes, and mouth-watering Asian-inspired food, Gilgamesh London in Covent Garden should definitely be on your radar. I recently visited for dinner, and from the moment I walked in, I could tell it wasn’t just another “nice meal out” kind of place, it was definitely an experience. It has dim lights, lively atmosphere, beautifully presented dishes, and a hint of theatrical flair that makes dining here feel fun and special. Whether you’re planning a date night, a celebration, or just want to treat yourself, Gilgamesh ticks all the right boxes.
Background About Gilgamesh
Gilgamesh London draws inspiration from the ancient epic of Gilgamesh, blending East and West in a contemporary setting. Located conveniently at 4a Upper St Martin’s Lane, WC2H 9NY, right in the heart of Covent Garden, it’s just a short walk from Leicester Square and easily accessible via the Piccadilly line, perfect if you’re already out and about in central London.
The restaurant spans three floors, each with its own vibe. The main restaurant floor is where most of the dining happens, stylish, atmospheric, and full of character. Upstairs, they have private dining rooms ideal for intimate gatherings or corporate events. And if you’re into nightlife, you’ll love that the bottom floor transforms into a club on weekends, complete with DJs spinning late into the night.
There’s a sense of mystique about Gilgamesh, its interiors are rich and moody, with carved wooden details, dim lighting, and a touch of opulence that gives it a cinematic feel.
What is the Experience like at Gilgamesh London?
Walking into Gilgamesh feels like stepping into another world. The ambiance has that perfect balance between vibey and intimate, dim lighting and plush seating. It’s ideal for a date night, a girls’ dinner, or even a birthday celebration. In fact, during my visit, the table next to us was celebrating a birthday, and when dessert came out, the staff brought it with a giant sparkler that lit up the room. It was such a fun moment that had everyone smiling and singing along happy birthday.
I visited on a Monday night and to my surprise the restaurant was still so packed on a weeknight.
The staff were friendly and attentive. Service can really shape your dining experience, and here it felt genuine and relaxed. The flow of the meal was smooth, the pacing perfect, we never felt rushed or forgotten.
What really stands out about Gilgamesh is the energy of the place. Even though it’s upscale, it doesn’t feel pretentious. It’s buzzy without being chaotic. You could easily start your night here with dinner and transition into late-night drinks downstairs if you’re up for it.
What is the Food like at Gilgamesh London?
Gilgamesh London is known for its Pan-Asian menu, pulling flavours from across Asia, but I came mainly for their Japanese-inspired dishes, and honestly, they did not disappoint.
Every dish that landed on our table was beautifully presented, flavourful, and thoughtfully put together. Here’s what we ordered and what I thought of each dish:
Sashimi Platter (£52)
This was hands down the showstopper. It came with seabass, salmon, sea bream, yellowtail, and tuna (15 pieces) and the presentation was simply stunning. The platter arrived on a bed of ice, with mist swirling dramatically around it like something out of a dream. It looked like a little edible garden. The sashimi was incredibly fresh, buttery in texture, and sliced to perfection. Definitely worth the splurge if you love sashimi.
Popcorn Shrimp (£16)
Served with a spicy miso-chipotle mayo, this dish was addictive. Each bite was crunchy, juicy, and packed with flavour. The heat from the mayo gave it a lovely kick without overpowering the shrimp.
Aubergine Miso (£16)
I love a good aubergine dish, and this one was exceptional. Caramelised in a sweet miso glaze and topped with sesame seeds, it was soft, smooth, and deeply savoury. The balance between sweet and umami flavours was spot on. It’s one of those dishes that could easily be overlooked on a menu full of sushi and seafood, but I’d call it an absolute must-order.
Gilgamesh Dragon Roll (£19)
This roll combines soft shell crab, wagyu, spicy mayo, and caviar and it’s every bit as indulgent as it sounds. The soft shell crab was meaty and crispy, especially at the claw ends, adding texture to each bite. It’s a perfect example of how Gilgamesh elevates familiar Japanese flavours with a touch of luxury.
Everything we had was top-tier, from flavour to presentation. You could tell a lot of care went into the plating and balance of textures and flavours.
What is the Price like at Gilgamesh London?
Gilgamesh definitely sits on the pricier side of modern Asian dining in London, with an average spend of £35–£45 per person, depending on what you order and whether you go for drinks or dessert. That said, the quality of food and the overall experience make it feel worthwhile, it’s more of a “treat yourself” restaurant than an everyday spot.
One thing I really recommend is checking out EatClub before booking. I used a voucher through them for 35% off, which made a huge difference and allowed us to try more dishes without feeling guilty. I’ve even seen deals go up to 50% off, so it’s definitely worth checking before you go.
Final Thoughts
From their unique interiors to the attentive staff, from the beautifully presented dishes to the late-night vibes, it feels like a mini escape from the bustle of London.
It’s the perfect place for a special occasion, date night, or a girls’ night out when you want something a little more elevated.
If you’re looking for a spot in Covent Garden that serves up impressive Pan-Asian dishes in a luxurious yet approachable setting, Gilgamesh London should definitely be on your list. It’s got the flavour, the flair, and the vibe, everything you want from a London dining experience.
So grab a friend (or a few), make a booking, and maybe even check EatClub for a cheeky discount before you go.
Highlights and Tips
- Best known for pan asian cuisine
- Book in advance, especially on weekends
- Check EatClub for up to 50% off deals (I redeemed 35% off my bill)
- Great spot for special occasions or celebrations (Great for birthdays (sparkler desserts!)
- Recommended dishes: Sashimi Platter, Popcorn Shrimp, Gilgamesh Dragon Roll and Aubergine Miso
Gilgamesh London details
- Location: Covent Garden / 4a Upper St Martin’s Ln, London WC2H 9NY
- Opening Hours: Sun – Thu (12 pm–12 am); Fri – Sat (12pm-2am)
- Price: average £35 – £45 per person (though does depend what you order too)
- Accepts card or cash
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