Baku (named after the capital city) is the only Azerbaijan restaurant I know of in London if not the UK. So it’s got my interest especially as they cater for ‘casual dining’ (the new trend in eating out) with their sharing plates. Unlike other casual dining experiences they take bookings and you don’t queue. There are 2 bars, the Cellar Bar which is more of a club area with DJs at the weekend and Spirit level where you can experience Azerbaijani tapas with cocktails.
There’s a formal dining room – Baku – but I’m more interested in the sharing plates at the bar as I’m not sure how you share “Dushbara – a clear veal consommé’ with beef dumplings “.
Being on the Caspian Sea the Azerbaijan speciality is Caspian Sturgeon and its much sought after Caviar. Recent diner reviews have said the service and atmosphere is fun and the food good. Hardens in 2012 however, thought it was good but couldn’t see how it could survive – they’re still going so something must be right.
There is a fully equipped accessible toilet and a lift to all floors (so they tell us) as a result they get a provisional 2.5 BBS Ticks. If anyone knows of another Azerbaijani restaurant let me know.