Lively Greek-Turkish meze and grill on Upper Street delivering tasty charcoal-cooked plates, warm hospitality, and popular bottomless brunch, with occasional service bottlenecks at peak times.
Gem Restaurant delivers solid A-grade performance through strong food quality anchored by charcoal-grilled meats and fresh meze, paired with attentive, personable service that creates a warm neighborhood atmosphere. Consistency shows some variability during peak times and events, and the pleasant Upper Street location provides comfortable appeal without destination-level distinction, preventing a higher grade. Excellent value and loyal following make it competitive with the area's better neighborhood restaurants.
On Upper Street, the room feels warm and bustling with staff who greet you like regulars and keep the meze moving. Diners talk about "grill smoke in the best way" and service that is friendly and attentive when the pace is manageable. Expect a lively crowd, especially during brunch and events, with big platters built for sharing. The cooking leans traditional Greek-Turkish with charcoal-kissed kebabs and a wide meze spread. The culinary approach is classic and produce-led rather than experimental, centered on familiar favorites like hummus, halloumi, falafel, kleftiko, and shish. It suits diners who want reliable comfort flavors over culinary theatrics, with good value for the location. Families do well here thanks to accessible dishes kids recognize—chicken shish with rice, grilled halloumi, calamari, salads, and shareable meze. There is no formal kids menu, but the menu offers plenty of simple choices and generous portions. If noise is a concern, aim for an earlier seating or a midweek lunch when the atmosphere is calmer and easier for conversation.
Area vibe: Bustling high street with bars, cafes, theatres, and independent shops attracting after-work crowds and weekend diners.
Safety: Generally safe and well-trafficked, with good lighting and steady footfall into late evening.
What's nearby: Near Angel/Highbury-Islington corridors, close to Almeida Theatre and multiple pubs; strong nightlife and brunch demand.
Go for a mix of meze and charcoal grill, for example hummus and halloumi to start, followed by lamb chops or chicken shish.
It’s casual but busy on weekends and brunches, so book ahead and expect slower service during event nights or large groups.
Expect a warm, bustling room with grill smoke in the air and a lively crowd at brunch and events.