Turkish food incorporates elements of cuisine from across the Middle East, central Asia and beyond, while still retaining its own individual food specialities.
Why not enjoy an array of tastes in a traditional meze, before moving onto a juicy kebab, served with vegetables and warm breads? Top off with a strong Turkish coffee and, if you can manage it, some delicious, honey-soaked baklava.
1. Le Bab
Treat yourself to some of the best kebabs in London, with delightful modern twists on this most ancient of dishes, at Le Bab. Choose from pork shawarma, slow-cooked pork, fried chicken, paneer or aubergine. There’s even a vegan kebab with vegan ragu, mayo and fondue.
2. Gökyüzü
Green Lanes in Harringay has plenty of Turkish restaurants, but Gökyüzü has made a name for itself over the past two decades with recipes handed down from generation to generation. Tuck into succulent kebabs, pide, lahmacun, mezes and salads, all washed down with Turkish tea.
3. Black Axe Mangal
Rock out to the music as you eat Turkish-inspired kebabs at Islington's Black Axe Mangal. Enjoy the likes of lamb offal and pig cheek alongside more conventional meats. Vegetarians are also catered for, with standout dishes including broad bean falafel and cabbage salad with preserved lemon.
4. Antepliler
Taste delicious specialities from the Turkish city of Gaziantep at Antepilier, another Green Lanes institution. Gaziantep is known for its rich regional cuisine that’s slightly spicier than in other parts of Turkey. Try the excellent kelle paca (lamb soup), followed by the generously topped pide.
5. Pasha
Savour tasty Turkish classics at friendly restaurant Pasha in Islington. Share a selection of cold and hot dishes to start, with tempting plates of babaganoush, kofte, falafel and tabbouleh. Then tuck into traditional main courses, including moussaka and slow-cooked lamb kleftico.
6. Oklava
Modern Turkish restaurant Oklava has cooked its way onto locals’ favourites in trendy Shoreditch. Expect charcoal-grilled meats, sharing plates, crisp flatbreads straight from a dedicated pide oven, slick interiors and a buzzy atmosphere.
7. Hala
A prime spot for Turkish grills and meze, family-run Hala in Harringay has been delighting fans of Turkish cuisine for two decades. Taste dishes packed full of flavours and choose from a selection of homemade specials, meze, pide, kebabs and more, including tasty kaburga (ribs) and pirzola (chops).