London’s food scene is a rich tapestry of global cuisines, and Turkish food holds a special place in this vibrant culinary landscape. Whether you’re craving succulent kebabs, rich mezze, or the warm, pillowy embrace of freshly baked bread, Turkish restaurants in London offer a delightful range of flavors that are sure to satisfy your appetite. From casual eateries to upscale dining spots, here’s a curated list of the 20 best Turkish restaurants in London that deserve a spot on your must-visit list.
Top 20 Best Turkish Restaurants in London
Some of the best Turkish restaurants to visit if you are in London, United Kingdom include;
1. Gökyüzü
Location: Green Lanes, Harringay
Gökyüzü is a family-run restaurant that has become a beloved institution on Green Lanes. Known for its generous portions, the restaurant offers a comprehensive menu featuring all the Turkish classics, from charcoal-grilled meats to hearty casseroles. Their mixed grill platter is legendary, perfect for sharing, and paired with fresh salads, warm bread, and rich dips.
Why Visit: Unbeatable value, authentic flavors, and a lively atmosphere make Gökyüzü a top pick for Turkish cuisine enthusiasts.
2. Mangal 2
Location: Dalston
Mangal 2 is a favorite among Londoners who appreciate high-quality grilled meat. This East London gem combines a laid-back vibe with expertly cooked dishes. The menu boasts an impressive selection of kebabs, complemented by their homemade lavash bread and a variety of mezes. Mangal 2 is also known for its friendly service and a commitment to maintaining traditional Turkish cooking methods.
Why Visit: Consistent quality, authentic Turkish BBQ, and a welcoming atmosphere.
3. Oklava
Location: Shoreditch
Oklava brings a contemporary twist to traditional Turkish dishes. Chef Selin Kiazim uses seasonal British ingredients while staying true to the rich Turkish flavors. The result is a modern, inventive menu that includes small plates such as lahmacun, pides, and lamb chops, all artfully presented. The stylish, cozy interior makes it an ideal spot for both casual dining and special occasions.
Why Visit: Innovative takes on Turkish classics, stylish ambiance, and a fantastic wine list featuring Turkish varieties.
4. Yosma
Location: Marylebone
Yosma is a vibrant restaurant inspired by the streets of Istanbul. With its open kitchen and bar, Yosma offers a dynamic dining experience centered around meze, mangal (grill), and clay oven dishes. Their grilled meats are a highlight, but the meze selection, including dishes like baba ganoush and spicy ezme, is equally compelling. The lively setting, complete with Turkish beats, transports diners straight to the heart of Istanbul.
Why Visit: Energetic atmosphere, delicious meze, and expertly grilled meats.
5. Antepliler
Location: Green Lanes, Harringay
Another Green Lanes staple, Antepliler, specializes in dishes from Gaziantep, a city in southeast Turkey renowned for its culinary heritage. This restaurant is particularly famous for its lahmacun (Turkish pizza) and baklava. The kebabs, prepared using traditional recipes and techniques, are not to be missed. Antepliler’s bustling atmosphere and authentic dishes make it a favorite among locals.
Why Visit: Authentic Gaziantep cuisine, must-try lahmacun, and excellent baklava.
6. Hazev
Location: Canary Wharf
For a more upscale Turkish dining experience, Hazev offers a blend of modern and traditional Turkish dishes in a chic, waterfront setting. Located in Canary Wharf, Hazev serves an extensive menu with options ranging from light meze to hearty main courses like lamb shank and seafood dishes. The elegant décor and scenic views of the Thames make it a great choice for business lunches and romantic dinners alike.
Why Visit: Upscale dining with scenic views, diverse menu, and refined Turkish dishes.
7. Tas
Location: Southbank
Tas is a popular chain with several locations across London, known for offering an extensive menu of affordable Turkish dishes. Their Southbank branch, with its spacious dining area and welcoming atmosphere, is ideal for group dining. Tas focuses on fresh, healthy ingredients, providing a lighter take on traditional Turkish cuisine. Their vegetarian options, such as stuffed vine leaves and vegetable casseroles, are particularly popular.
Why Visit: Great for groups, budget-friendly, and a wide variety of vegetarian options.
8. Haz
Location: Multiple Locations
Haz has multiple locations across London, each providing a stylish, contemporary setting to enjoy Turkish food. The menu is a mix of traditional and modern Turkish dishes, including a variety of meze, salads, grilled meats, and seafood. Haz is known for its attentive service and beautifully presented dishes, making it a reliable choice for both casual meals and special occasions.
Why Visit: Consistent quality across locations, modern ambiance, and varied menu.
9. Iznik
Location: Highbury
Iznik offers an intimate, cozy dining experience with a focus on home-style Turkish cooking. The restaurant’s interior, decorated with traditional Turkish ceramics and textiles, adds to the charm. The menu is a celebration of classic Turkish dishes, with highlights like moussaka, lamb shish, and delicious mezze platters. Iznik is perfect for those looking for a more relaxed, authentic dining experience.
Why Visit: Charming, intimate setting with authentic home-style Turkish dishes.
10. Sofra
Location: Covent Garden
Sofra is a long-established Turkish restaurant in the heart of Covent Garden, offering a wide selection of dishes inspired by the flavors of the Aegean and Mediterranean regions. The menu includes a variety of mezes, salads, and mains such as moussaka and lamb cutlets. The relaxed, informal setting and attentive service make Sofra a favorite among tourists and locals alike.
Why Visit: Centrally located, diverse menu, and a comfortable dining atmosphere.
11. Lokma
Location: Bermondsey
Lokma is known for its vibrant, stylish space and a menu that focuses on the best of Turkish street food. The restaurant offers a variety of dishes cooked over a charcoal grill, from skewers to koftes, as well as traditional meze. Lokma’s unique feature is its bar area, serving up a range of Turkish-inspired cocktails, making it a great spot for a lively evening out.
Why Visit: Trendy setting, street food focus, and great cocktails.
12. Pide Oven
Location: Fitzrovia
As the name suggests, Pide Oven specializes in pide, the Turkish flatbread pizza. The restaurant offers a variety of toppings, from classic minced lamb to spinach and feta, all baked to perfection in their stone oven. Pide Oven’s minimalist décor and casual vibe make it an ideal spot for a quick, satisfying meal.
Why Visit: Best pide in town, casual and quick dining experience.
13. Cappadocia
Location: Kingston
Cappadocia offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere with a menu that showcases the rich flavors of Turkish cuisine. Their mixed meze platters, lamb chops, and seafood dishes are particularly popular. The restaurant’s name reflects the region of Turkey known for its unique landscapes and rich culinary heritage, which is echoed in the dishes they serve.
Why Visit: Cozy setting, diverse menu, and authentic Turkish dishes.
14. Kilikya’s Turkish Cuisine
Location: St. Katharine Docks
Kilikya’s offers diners a chance to enjoy Turkish cuisine with a view, located right on the scenic St. Katharine Docks. The menu is filled with classic dishes, including flavorful kebabs, fresh salads, and delightful desserts like kunefe and baklava. The relaxed waterfront setting makes it a perfect spot for leisurely lunches and dinners.
Why Visit: Scenic waterfront location, classic Turkish dishes, and relaxed ambiance.
15. Ali Ocakbasi
Location: Fitzrovia
Ali Ocakbasi brings the traditional ocakbasi (open barbecue) experience to London. The menu is focused on simple, high-quality ingredients cooked over an open flame. Expect a variety of succulent kebabs, perfectly seasoned and grilled to perfection. The sleek, modern décor and central location make it a great spot for a night out in the city.
Why Visit: Authentic ocakbasi experience, high-quality grilled meats, and a stylish setting.
16. Levant
Location: Marylebone
Levant is a unique spot that combines Turkish cuisine with a Middle Eastern twist. The restaurant’s opulent décor, complete with plush seating and ornate lanterns, sets the stage for a memorable dining experience. The menu includes a broad selection of meze, grilled meats, and aromatic stews, perfect for sharing. Levant is also known for its lively belly dancing performances, adding an extra layer of entertainment to your meal.
Why Visit: Exotic ambiance, diverse menu, and live entertainment.
17. Kibele
Location: Great Portland Street
Kibele offers a refined take on Turkish dining with a menu that blends traditional dishes with modern influences. The restaurant is spacious, with a stylish interior that includes a bar area perfect for pre-dinner drinks. Menu highlights include the lamb kofte, seabass, and a range of vegetarian meze. Kibele is ideal for those looking for a more upscale Turkish dining experience.
Why Visit: Stylish setting, modern Turkish dishes, and great for group dining.
18. Saray
Location: Dalston
Saray is a beloved spot in Dalston, known for its authentic Turkish dishes served in a warm, inviting atmosphere. The restaurant’s menu features a wide array of traditional dishes, including succulent kebabs, richly flavored stews, and an impressive selection of meze. Their mixed grill platters are particularly popular, offering a generous sampling of their best meats, cooked to perfection on the charcoal grill. The cozy setting and friendly service make Saray a great choice for a relaxed, yet satisfying dining experience.
Why Visit: Authentic flavors, generous portions, and a cozy neighborhood vibe.
19. Hala
Location: Green Lanes, Harringay
Hala is another gem on the bustling Green Lanes, famed for its homey atmosphere and mouth-watering dishes. Known for its freshly baked Turkish bread, gözleme (savory flatbreads), and a wide selection of kebabs, Hala is a perfect spot for a casual meal. The family-run restaurant prides itself on its authentic recipes passed down through generations, providing a true taste of Turkey in the heart of London.
Why Visit: Warm, family-friendly environment with delicious home-style Turkish cooking.
20. Ev Restaurant
Location: Islington
Ev Restaurant, located near the South Bank, offers a contemporary twist on traditional Turkish cuisine in a beautifully decorated space with a modern touch. The restaurant boasts a wide selection of dishes, from succulent grilled meats to fresh seafood and vegetarian options. The extensive meze menu allows diners to sample a variety of flavors, making it an excellent choice for groups. Ev’s light and airy setting, coupled with its vibrant menu, creates an inviting atmosphere that keeps guests coming back.
Why Visit: Modern take on Turkish dishes, extensive meze selection, and a stylish setting.
Conclusion
London’s vibrant food scene is a testament to its multicultural spirit, and the city’s array of Turkish restaurants offers a delicious journey through one of the world’s richest culinary traditions. From the bustling streets of Harringay’s Green Lanes to the chic, modern eateries in central London, these 20 Turkish restaurants provide a diverse range of dining experiences, each with its own unique take on traditional flavors.
Whether you’re in the mood for a casual bite of pide or lahmacun, a lavish feast of grilled meats, or a refined dinner with contemporary twists on classic dishes, London’s Turkish restaurants deliver on all fronts. They celebrate the rich history, bold spices, and warm hospitality that define Turkish cuisine, making them must-visit destinations for food lovers across the city.
Exploring these restaurants not only satisfies the taste buds but also offers a deeper appreciation of Turkish culture and its influence on London’s culinary landscape. So next time you’re planning a meal out, consider taking a flavorful trip to one of these outstanding Turkish eateries. Whether it’s a family gathering, a romantic dinner, or a night out with friends, the best Turkish restaurants in London promise an unforgettable dining experience filled with authentic tastes, warm service, and a slice of Turkish delight.
Embark on this delicious journey and let your taste buds savor the rich and varied offerings of London’s finest Turkish establishments. Enjoy your meal, or as they say in Turkey, “Afiyet olsun!”
Discover more from Cookright.co.uk
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
