Exploring the Best Turkish Restaurants in London: A Flavourful Culinary Journey

London’s multicultural food scene continues to impress locals and tourists alike, and Turkish cuisine has carved out a vibrant space in the capital. From smoky grilled kebabs to rich mezes, flaky pastries, and fragrant stews, Turkish restaurants in London offer an unforgettable dining experience. This article explores the best Turkish restaurants in London, covering traditional gems, contemporary dining, halal-friendly spots, budget-friendly options, and luxury eateries.

Why Turkish Cuisine Is So Loved in London

Turkish cuisine blends Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Central Asian influences, bringing together bold flavours and fresh ingredients. Popular dishes like lahmacun, kebabs, pide, and baklava offer comfort and indulgence in equal measure. Turkish hospitality is also a big part of the experience, making diners feel truly welcome.

Best Traditional Turkish Restaurants in London

Gökyüzü – Green Lanes & Walthamstow

One of the most celebrated names for Turkish food in London, Gökyüzü is known for its generous portions and authentic Anatolian dishes. Their mixed grill platters, fresh flatbreads, and range of cold and hot mezes have earned a loyal following.

• Price Range: ££
• Highlight: Mixed Grill for two with complimentary bread and dips
• Address: 26-27 Grand Parade, Green Lanes, Harringay, N4 1LG

TAS – South Bank & Beyond

TAS offers an elegant take on Turkish dining, combining traditional recipes with stylish interiors. With several branches across London, it’s perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions. The menu includes Ottoman-style stews and vegetarian meze platters.

• Price Range: ££
• Highlight: Imam Bayildi (stuffed aubergine) and Ottoman Lamb
• Address: 33 The Cut, Southwark, SE1 8LF

Contemporary Turkish Dining

Oklava – Shoreditch

Oklava reimagines Turkish-Cypriot cuisine with modern flair. Headed by chef Selin Kiazim, the restaurant offers an innovative menu with dishes like chilli-roast cauliflower, wood-fired pides, and black garlic-glazed lamb.

• Price Range: £££
• Highlight: Octopus with ricotta and smoked aubergine purée
• Address: 74 Luke St, Shoreditch, EC2A 4PY

Yeni – Soho

Yeni blends modern Turkish fine dining with a global twist. Expect inventive plating, seasonal ingredients, and sharing plates like beef short rib with fermented turnip and spiced yoghurt.

• Price Range: £££
• Highlight: Modern Turkish tasting menu
• Address: 55 Beak St, Soho, W1F 9SH

Halal-Friendly Turkish Restaurants in London

Turkish cuisine is generally halal-friendly, but for peace of mind, these eateries ensure full compliance.

Selale Restaurant – Harringay

A favourite among London’s Turkish community, Selale is a halal-certified restaurant known for its rich grilled meat selection and buzzing atmosphere.

• Price Range: ££
• Highlight: Lamb Adana kebab and fresh Turkish tea
• Address: 1-2-3 Salisbury Promenade, Green Lanes, N8 0RX

Kibele – Fitzrovia

This stylish spot near Goodge Street offers a full halal menu with live music and belly dancing on weekends, making it ideal for celebrations.

• Price Range: ££
• Highlight: Lamb shish, borek, and baklava
• Address: 175-177 Great Portland St, Fitzrovia, W1W 5PJ

Budget-Friendly Turkish Food in London

You don’t have to spend a lot to enjoy authentic Turkish food.

Mangal 1 Ocakbasi – Dalston

An East London institution, Mangal 1 is known for its affordable prices and open charcoal grill. Expect hearty plates of grilled meats, salads, and soft flatbreads.

• Price Range: £
• Highlight: Chicken shish wrap with salad and chilli sauce
• Address: 10 Arcola St, Dalston, E8 2DJ

Kervan Sofrasi – Edmonton

Kervan Sofrasi serves up tasty, large portions at a great value. Their menu features traditional Turkish breakfasts, grilled meats, and freshly baked bread.

• Price Range: £
• Highlight: Turkish breakfast platters and lamb kofte
• Address: 183 Hertford Rd, Edmonton, N9 7EP

Upscale & Luxury Turkish Dining in London

Sofra – Mayfair

Sofra in Mayfair offers refined Turkish dining in an elegant setting. It’s perfect for business lunches or upscale dinners, with beautifully presented dishes and Turkish wines to match.

• Price Range: £££
• Highlight: Meze selection and grilled sea bass
• Address: 18 Shepherd Market, Mayfair, W1J 7QH

Haz – St. Paul’s

Haz brings Turkish fine dining to the heart of the City, combining modern interiors with a high-end Turkish menu. Ideal for corporate dining or a romantic evening.

• Price Range: £££
• Highlight: Chargrilled seafood and lamb iskender
• Address: 34 Foster Ln, St. Paul’s, EC2V 6HD

Turkish Bakeries and Dessert Spots in London

Turkish desserts are legendary for their richness and delicate flavours.

Antepliler Baklava – Green Lanes

An extension of the popular restaurant next door, this bakery is a paradise for baklava lovers. Choose from pistachio, walnut, or chocolate versions, along with Turkish delight and kunefe.

Diyarbakir Kitchen – Lewisham

Aside from savoury dishes, Diyarbakir’s dessert menu features traditional treats like sutlac (rice pudding) and Turkish-style cheesecake.

Turkish Breakfast Spots in London

A Turkish breakfast is a feast in itself – eggs, olives, cheeses, honey, jams, and warm breads.

Pivaz – Hackney

Pivaz offers a delightful Turkish breakfast experience with bottomless Turkish tea, simit, menemen (Turkish scrambled eggs), and sweet treats.

Food Markets and Street Food

Borough Market

Look out for Turkish stalls offering gözleme, grilled meats, and fresh pastries.

Camden Market

You’ll find street food vendors serving up Turkish wraps, baklava, and doner kebabs for a quick bite on the go.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re seeking a romantic dinner spot, a bustling grill house, or a quick Turkish bite in the market, London has countless Turkish restaurants to explore. With authentic flavours, generous hospitality, and options for all budgets, Turkish cuisine has truly found a second home in the capital.