I'm Turkish. I grew up eating this food. I know what a proper adana should taste like, why the lamb ribs at one restaurant are better than the identical-looking ones next door, and which "Turkish breakfast" spreads are authentic versus which are assembled for Instagram.
London has one of the best Turkish food scenes outside of Turkey itself. But most guides treat it as an afterthought—a few Green Lanes recommendations copied from each other, maybe a mention of Mangal if the writer has been to Dalston.
This guide is different because I actually eat at these places. Not once for a review, but regularly, over years. I know which restaurants have maintained their quality and which have slipped. I know what to order and what to skip. I know the places Turkish families go versus the places that cater to tourists.
What makes this guide different
- Cultural context: I explain why dishes exist, how they vary regionally, and what makes them good. Not just "the lamb was tender."
- Real opinions: I'll tell you when a famous place is overrated or when a hole-in-the-wall is better than its fancy neighbour.
- Neighbourhood knowledge: Turkish London isn't just Green Lanes. I cover the whole scene—Dalston, Stoke Newington, the scattered gems across North and East London.
- Practical details: Opening hours, what to order, when to go, whether to book. The stuff you actually need to know.
What this guide is not
This isn't a paid directory. Restaurants don't pay to be featured. If I recommend somewhere, it's because I genuinely think it's good.
Some links may be affiliate links (I'll earn a small commission if you book), but this never affects what I recommend. The reviews come first; monetisation comes second.
Get in touch
Found a place I should know about? Think I've got something wrong? Have a question about Turkish food in London?
Email me at hello@turkishfoodinlondon.com
Afiyet olsun.