Cilicia Cafe & Restaurant

Exquisite Mediterranean Flavors and Warm Hospitality

In the quaint quarters of Muswell Hill stands Cilicia, a Mediterranean haven that oozes warmth and welcome with every dish served. Upon entering, I was joyously greeted by staff who seemed to have all the wonderful intrusiveness of a long-lost friend, reassuring me that this was an establishment proud of its roots and family-like camaraderie. The ambiance here is deceptively cozy, as if one has stumbled across an oasis tucked away from the busy London streets. There’s an inviting sense of calm that grips you as you take in your surroundings, easing you into the feast that is about to unfold.

Dinner began with what could only be described as the epitome of Mediterranean fare—Gerçek—a vibrant platter of falafel, olives, and warm pita that served as a tantalizing prelude. With high-quality ingredients translating into flavors that sang, it became evident why Cilicia boasted such dedicated patrons. The Trojan Lamb followed, arriving magnificently wrapped in herbs and aubergine, perfectly resting upon a tomato sanctuary, accompanied by faultlessly cooked rice. The balance skated elegantly between robust spices and tender nostalgia. As the evening crescendoed to a shared slice of tiramisu, made exquisitely with every mile between London and Naples apparent, I couldn’t help but make the mental note of returning soon. From dedicated vegetarian selections to heavenly seafood options, Cilicia dishes out more than just meals—it offers memories, inviting diners back on the promise of that gratifying deja vu all food lovers crave. — Clarissa Cuisinier