🔗 Share this article ‘Every Chef Must Learn Here’: Unassuming Turkish Restaurant Secures 4th on Ranking of London’s Top Restaurants. Whenever curating a list of London’s finest restaurants, one might anticipate well-known Michelin-starred venues. But, situated prominently among these gastronomic giants is a modest salonu found in a outlying corner of northern London. A Unexpected Accolade This little Turkish spot, specialising in the culinary delights of Mersin, a metropolis on Turkey’s south coast, has been crowned the fourth top restaurant in the capital by a respected gastronomic guide. The honour has made the owners totally surprised. “I’m utterly surprised,” says a owner’s son, alluding to his parents’ relentless work that culminated in their modest restaurant securing such a lofty ranking on a notable 99-strong list. A Charm of Modesty This little venue, which was a basic cafe before its transformation into a popular food hotspot, has maintained much of its former feel. It seats just over 20 people and, except for the dazzling live cooking performance, the layout remains largely unchanged. “It is a small and stocky place,” notes the owner. A Star Offering: Tantuni In the end, it’s focused on the cuisine, and this restaurant definitely delivers. The eatery’s signature dish, tantuni, is a uncomplicated pleasure. Choice of meat—whether lamb or chicken—is steamed to keep a tender consistency. It is then tossed into a massive pan with flavours and oil, which are mixed in bit by bit. As the meaty mixture heats through, handmade lavaş—a thin, flexible bread—is laid on top to absorb all the juices. Finely sliced onions and a dash of parsley are placed before the savoury meat is rolled securely inside. It is usually consumed with a squeeze of lemon or some pickles. The final product is a mighty burst of taste, with soft hints of sumac, bold onions and spicy, paprika-laced oil tying it all in harmony. Other Than the Classic Tantuni Another option is yoğurtlu tantuni, where the savoury lavaş is cut up and topped with yogurt, tomato sauce and rich, nutty brown butter. The prominent food critic called this dish “one of London’s few ideal, faultless dishes”. When it comes to sweets, the eatery’s künefe goes down a delight. It is doused in less syrup than found elsewhere, giving it a richer, more aromatic and less sickly profile. Outranking the Titans Remarkably, this unassuming restaurant has outplaced several renowned three-Michelin-starred establishments. It finds itself just behind the top of the list, following other esteemed dining destinations. Whereas two people could readily leave the restaurant stuffed for below £25, comparable tasting menus at luxury establishments can run into many times that amount. The Ethos of Heart It is also among several Turkish restaurants featured and is situated well outside the city’s most expensive zones. “It’s not about luxury. London is an pricey city. There is an belief that in an expensive place you’re going to have the finest service and best food but I don’t believe in that,” explains the owner. “I feel what is most important is friendliness, kindness and somewhere you can be yourself and be calm.” This view is echoed by the list’s compiler, who stated that if he was in a position of power, he would “insist to have every chef in London come to this restaurant as a masterclass, to teach them the dangers of excess, and to show what is achievable if you do only a handful of – or three – things to their utmost best”. A Journey of Perseverance Unlike many chefs managing kitchens in the list’s highest ranks, the mastermind behind the food didn’t apprentice at elite establishments. “I feel truly proud of our restaurant and our mum,” concludes her son. A lot of restaurants take years to establish themselves, but this eatery first launched seven years ago. Its success is owing to tireless, seven-day weeks of dedication. “Our mum used to be extremely tired. She would source produce in the morning and make the food in the afternoon. Each item is made by hand; she would do all of this. She is a solo parent and she balanced a life outside work but her friends would come here to support her. She had children and a house to care for as well. Each of these duties shaped her into what she is now: a remarkable person,” he shares. A Recognition for the Community The restaurant’s accolade is likely to resonate outside its own premises. “In my opinion numerous people would be pleased, as I am, because the Turkish community is a significant part of London,” concludes the owner, pointing out the greater importance of this culinary honour.