F.K.A.B.A.M. (Formerly Known as Black Axe Mangal)

One of three place I made reservations at while in London for a few quick days. I was excited to come here and it was by far the best meal we had. Our server was great and the room was rad. I’d definitely go out of my way to come back here.

I quite liked the rock and roll atmosphere and the general vibe. The price-fixed menu was quite good, although if you come really hungry you might want to order some of the bolt on dishes. We had ox heart on hash browns which was great. The problem for me is the price. A meal for two with a few drinks can reach £150. And to be honest, you can eat better in London for half that. Still had a ball.

Overall: this place is cool. Expect really flavorful food. You'll love this place if you're cool with whatever and down to just go with the flow. If you're not chill and cool. You'll hate this place, but I really enjoyed it.

Food: everything was delicious, but there was no cohesive theme to how the menu of the day. One dish could be Mediterranean and the next an asian soup. It's just a bunch of yummy food thrown together.

Drinks: only canned beers to my knowledge. My friend ordered a cocktail and she didn't enjoy it all that much.

Service: everyone who works here is lovely.

Been waiting a long time to go here and it was worth the wait!

I think the menu we had for set menu was perfect (often changes every 2 weeks), but could be restricted if you’re a fussy eater.

Dishes were creative and despite other reviews, left with a very full stomach (we did go for a bolt on dish). As someone who struggled to master many of the dishes in cookbook, the food is great value for money based on the effort involved and depth of flavour combinations. Only fault would have been better beer options (with draft beers), and could have done with an extra flatbread - we would have been happy to pay extra for this as there was a lot of meat vs bread.

Worked out £75 each (inc 2 cocktails and service). Yes you can get a decent kebab for £6-10 in North London but this is more than just a greasy kebab!

Ever changing menu of delectable treats. There’s nothing quite like BAM and head chef LT is on site overseeing the small team of staff making magic happen. You’ll get a set menu which you can supplement, neat cocktails, unusual wines and beers to choose from. Tiny tables turn quickly and you might struggle to get a booking but well worth the wait when you do. Squid ink and cod’s roe flatbread was a highlight.

F.K.A.B.A.M has been on my bucket list for some time now. So I was glad to get a chance to cross it off my list recently. That week’s set menu began with a nice raw beef starter. Then a spicy rabbit salad, and a flatbread that was out of the world. The main course was a little bit of a let down because it was a tofu milanese. To be fair, it wasn’t bad. But I personally didn’t go to FKABAM to eat tofu. Dessert made up for it by being one of the best tiramisus I have ever tasted.

The staff were all incredibly friendly. Just FYI: since the restaurant is deservedly popular and has very few tables, walk-ins might have to wait for some time even on weekday nights.

My expectations for this place were really high given the reviews and how hard it is to book a table at this place. Overpriced for the quality of the food they serve. Dishes are heavy and lack creativity. Beef was so chewy and hard we couldn’t eat it. And we eat anything lol. Thinking back I should have returned it but who does it? I guess I’ll just never come back. Also if the food wasn’t so heavy and fatty we would have left the restaurant hungry. Shame as I really wanted to like this place. Music is outrageously loud and the place is cramped. Staff is nice though.

The new set menu worked well and was adapted for me and my fellow diner who is allergic to fish.

The set menu was very oriented around fried food, flat breads and had an enjoyable Turkish flavour profile on some dishes.

The ox marrow with ox tail gratin and ox heart salad was exquisite. But more memorable was the black forest gateau which was well presented and tasted like tootsie pop with its use of maraschino cherries.

Music is played very loudly and diners are packed in very densely. I sat at 6pm pre match with one other diner so this atmosphere was well appreciated but may not be of taste to those in search of a quieter romantic meal.