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Tsiakkos & Charcoal

90

Signal score

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

A rustic, smoke-filled taverna behind red velvet curtains that feels like a chaotic but warm Greek island holiday, serving simple charcoal-grilled meats and homely meze.

Cuisine

Greek Cypriot

Price

££

Neighborhood

Islington

Location

Down the Alley, 137 Upper St

Ordering Strategy

Order the meze set menu (£28.50pp) if you are in a group to try everything; otherwise, pair the taramasalata with the slow burnt pork or kleftiko.

What to order

Safe first

Hummus

Described as 'the closest thing to a revelation,' this 'homely' version is 'hefty and grainy' because the chickpeas are broken up with a fork rather than blitzed into a paste.

Safe first

Taramasalata

Universally praised as superior to the high-street version; described as soothing, creamy, and possessing high whipped peaks.

Hungry

Slow Burnt Pork

A 'big pile of shoulder' that 'loitered in the oven all day' until it melts; the sweetly glazed skin is described as a 'sticky, chewy wonder.'

Wildcard

Tiramisu

Unexpectedly 'assembled on site' from 'cheery slices of sponge and whipped cream,' providing a fresh, homemade alternative to the outsourced baklava.

More in Islington

See all restaurants in Islington

Signal Score

90
Strong SignalStrong, consistent praise across multiple sources.Agreement 78%1 Elite · 1 Editorial · 0 mentions

Signal score reflects how strong and consistent the review coverage is, not a star rating.

Top critic: Jay Rayner (90%)

Editorial Weight 57 pts

Authority + depth + recency

Agreement 8 pts

How aligned the critics are

Coverage 10 pts

How many real review signals exist

Public Signal 14 pts

Google rating + volume

Boosts 5 pts

Manual boosts + hidden gem

Review signals

1 Elite · 1 Editorial · 5 total signals

Public signal

4.8★ (21 reviews)

Good to know

It is cash only. There is no signage on the door (look for the curtains). Your clothes will smell of charcoal smoke after dining.

Trust signals

  • Not yet visited
  • mediumConfidence level

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