There’s a long-standing tradition of Turkish food being a go-to meal in the UK, with it being part and parcel of a good night out. But, with more Turkish restaurants offering a sit-down service in London, diners are now able to share the full experience, absorbing the culture of Turkish cuisine.
From open-fire grills in Notting Hill, where you can watch chefs in action, to a cosy restaurant ideally placed for shoppers and partygoers in Soho, the best Turkish restaurants in London have you covered. Whether you are on a first date, catching up with mates or at a family reunion, these mouthwatering Turkish restaurants will set the scene for a memorable feast.
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The best Turkish restaurants in London – read on for a guide
For one of the best Turkish grill restaurants in London – visit The Counter in Notting Hill and Soho
When it comes to the best Turkish restaurants in London, The Counter – in Notting Hill and Soho – is a no-brainer. A restaurant that takes its distinct taste primarily from the south-eastern Anatolio region, it draws inspiration from the Balkans to create its presentation and atmosphere. With all dishes cooked on an open-fire charcoal grill in the centre of the restaurant, diners can watch whilst the chefs prepare the meals. Using fresh ingredients, The Counter offers an ever-changing seasonal menu. One of the most popular dishes is the mince kebab, which consists of lamb, paprika, salad and lavash. Boasting a range of great sides, such as hummus, medjool dates and an almond pilaf, you’ll have a meal to satisfy all the senses. Complete your meal with an aperitif, such as a Mandosi with gin, Cocchi Rosa and Campari, and you’ll be all set for a great experience.
📍 Notting Hill — Check availability
📍 Soho — Check availability
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For a charming neighbourhood gem serving creative mezzes – try Pera in Islington
Located in the heart of Islington, Pera is a casual hangout spot loved by locals. Oozing with traditional taste and Mediterranean hospitality, this restaurant derives its name from the elegant Istanbul neighbourhood of Beyoglu. Serving up a range of lesser-known mezzes specially prepared and marinated, a meal at this restaurant will send your senses into overdrive. A trip to Pera Islington wouldn’t be complete without trying one of the grilled meats on offer: a favourite amongst diners is the mixed grill, with chicken shish, grilled kofte, a lamb cutlet, rice, chips and salad. For those with a sweet tooth, a baklava with ice cream is a must for dessert.
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For a traditional dining experience to remember – head to Lokma and BaBa Lounge Westfield in Stratford
Keeping it short and simple, Lokma and BaBa Lounge Westfield defines its food as traditional Turkish cuisine. With rave reviews being left for the grilled meats off the fire, this is a great place to start. If you have a large group, you can enjoy picking at an array of tasty meats while chatting and laughing by ordering a mixed grill for 10+ people. With eight cuts of meat included in the mixed grill, as well as bulgar pilav, basmati rice and mixed salad, your choice will not be disappointing. If you want a plant-based option, don’t fret – there is also a menu for you. A vegan sharing platter includes favourites such as hummus, tabbouleh and falafel. Considered one of the best Turkish restaurants in east London, you’ll love the vibrant interior of the restaurant, awash with neon lights and funky colours. Due to its large space, the restaurant is the ideal location to come with large groups or your extended family.
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For contemporary Anatonial fare – head to Rüya London in Mayfair
Rüya London in elegant Mayfair offers traditional yet innovative cuisine that uses a combination of flavours perfect for enjoying whilst socialising. Ideal for meat eaters and vegans alike, the menu at Rüya London has something for every dietary preference. Diners love the bottomless brunch, taking place every Saturday. Combining signature Anatolian flavours with unlimited drinks, you’ll be able to catch up with friends whilst conversation flows. From the set menu, diners love the lamb cutlets accompanied by smoked aubergine. Meanwhile, from the vegan menu, the courgette dolma comes with wild mushroom ragout, sweet fennel and fresh oregano and is a must-try. Influenced by the traditions of warm Turkish hospitality, this restaurant creates a remarkable atmosphere that is vibrant and comfortable.
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For mouthwatering skewers at one of London’s best Turkish restaurants – check out Skewd Kitchen in Barnet
If you’re looking for a top-notch Turkish-Mediterranean dining experience with an avant-garde edge, Skewd Kitchen in Barnet ticks all the boxes. Using seasonal ingredients and culinary improvisation, chefs at Skewd Kitchen have created a menu that is second to none. With a range of awards to its name, including best young chef and restaurant of the year, both awarded at the BKA National Turkish Restaurant Ceremony, this is a restaurant that lives up to expectations. From the grill, diners have raved about the Adana minced lamb skewer and the ocean kebab of salmon, monkfish, king prawns, octopus and braised fennel. Complement your meal with a drink from the artisan cocktail bar. Treat yourself to a Pornstar Martini with vanilla vodka, fruity passoa liquor, vanilla syrup, punchy passionfruit purée, pineapple juice and a prosecco shot. Alternatively, choose from the range of white and red wines or a regional Turkish beer, such as Efes. Add to that a selection of delectable desserts, such as the Turkish classic kunefe or the tahini pudding, served with vanilla and mastika ice cream respectively, and it has the makings of a great meal out.
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For one of the best Turkish restaurants in central London – book at Zahter in Soho
With its food influenced by Istanbul’s vast heritage, Zahter is the perfect place to visit after a day of shopping on Oxford Street or before a night out in glamorous Soho. With an ever-changing menu created by head chef Esra Muslu, diners can enjoy the true flavours of Turkey. Choose from a range of cold and hot mezzes, such as hummus or tavuk kanat (marinated chicken wings, parsley, mint and red onion), to get you started. For your main, you can’t beat the levrek, a grilled seabass seasoned with garlic, lemon and herbs. Finish off your meal with a traditional Turkish treat of homemade baklava, crunchy pistachio and creamy kaymak.
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For ancient culture and modern luxury combined – check out Lokkum Bar & Grill in South Woodford
With the word ‘lokkum’ directly translating to ‘Turkish delight’, there’s little wonder people consider it as one of the best Turkish restaurants in London. Lokkum Bar & Grill is a luxurious destination where you can indulge all your food cravings. With a menu created from traditional Turkish creations combined with contemporary cooking methods, the food will spark your cravings a long time before it reaches your table. Start with a chilled appetiser, such as the tabbouleh or roasted aubergine. Then treat yourself to a hot appetiser such as the falafels. For your main, check out the Lokkum signature creations, such as the Adana kofte kebab with minced lamb fused with spices and served with bread and rice. An extensive dessert menu means you’re not finished just yet. From cheesecake to baklava, if you have a sweet tooth, you are spoilt for choice.
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For one of the best Turkish restaurants in London with a vegetarian menu – don’t miss Hatay Restaurant in Raynes Park
A popular community restaurant in south-west London, Hatay Restaurant in Raynes Park ticks all the boxes. Serving up a fine selection of Mediterranean-inspired dishes that guarantee lots of flavour, this is a must-visit spot. Due to popular demand, queues for tables can be quite long, so booking in advance is always recommended. Whilst the menu has a great array of delicious dishes, one of the top tip is to test out the house specialties. The ali nazik (small sautéed lamb cubes on a bed of aubergine puree) is a meal you won’t want to miss out on. There’s also a vegetarian menu, with dishes such as the karniyarik (stuffed aubergine) being a stand-out. Add to that a selection of drinks and desserts and you’re all set for a meal to remember.
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For traditional Turkish recipes for breakfast, lunch and dinner – book your spot at Laz @Camden in Camden Town
If it’s traditional Turkish cuisine you’re after, then look no further than Laz @Camden in Camden Town. The exciting menu offers a culinary journey of Turkey’s varying cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Laz’s specials include karalahana sarmasi, black cabbage leaves stuffed with seasoned lamb, rice and currents, whilst the Laz favourite is the char-grilled lamb fillet with spinach, mash and gravy. Vegetarians can opt for the Mediterranean board, fully stocked with hummus and olives. Meanwhile, the kuru dolma is another vegetarian favourite consisting of sun-dried peppers and tomatoes stuffed with aromatic rice.
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For sizzling Mediterranean cuisine at one of London’s best Turkish restaurants – head over to Izgara Restaurant at Northwood and Whetstone
For classic dishes from the Mediterranean, don’t miss Izgara. Located in two hotspots, Northwood and Whetstone, the only other way to get Turkish food as traditional as this is to catch a four-hour flight. Whilst you sit down to catch up with that special someone, friends or family, enjoy watching the chefs working the grill and listening to the meat sizzle. Opt for the lamb chops one of the diner’s favourites, or the hearty vegetarian moussaka. For dessert, don’t miss the smooth red velvet cake topped off with a cream cheese frosting. Pair your meal with a cocktail, such as a raspberry brumble, a concoction of velvety Chambord and stiff gin, zesty lime juice and punchy raspberry purée.
📍 Northwood — Check availability
📍 Whetsone — Check availability
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London’s outstanding choice of stellar Turkish restaurants stands out. From traditional mezzes, to sizzling meats, grilled skewers and honey-dripping treats, Turkish fare is one world cuisine that’s worth trying. Explore London’s best Turkish restaurants for a memorable getaway to the Mediterranean.
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