Guide to the best kebabs in London

It's not often that you can say you've eaten Michelin-starred kebabs, but that's exactly what they offer at the Le Bab group eateries around the capital. There's a small mezze menu that seriously packs a punch when it comes to flavour, as well as a selection of authentic and jazzed-up kebabs, like the 'Dirty Bab' with pork, sauerkraut, fries and cheese fondue.

Indulge in home-style Persian cooking made with seasonal British ingredients at Berenjak in Borough and Soho. The menu focuses on small mezze-style sharing plates and charcoal grilled kebabs, like grilled liver and sweetbread or lamb fillet with saffron rice. There's also a bottomless option where you can enjoy bottomless kebabs alongside bottomless alcoholic drinks.

Mangal II is Mangal Ocakbasi's little sister and is now a local favoruite. Their menu consists of juicy grilled meats, seafood and plenty of hot and cold Turkish mezze starters. There's also a complimentary wine list to go alongside the food, as well as an assortment of homemade desserts for afters.

This BBQ house in Ladbroke Grove has made a name for itself on the Turkish foodie scene in London. It's all about the sumptuous kebabs here but their falafel also has a pretty good reputation. If you're a bit of a hummus snob, you're in luck, these guys make it as smooth as it can get.

Gökyüzü has several branches in London that all specialise in delicious, authentic Turkish cuisine. Feast on succulent kebabs, fresh mezze platers and a selection of Turkish pizzas. It's also family-owned and they pride themselves on their warm and welcoming hospitality.

Pasha Mangal, located in Balham, is a renowned Turkish BBQ eatery that offers genuine Turkish delicacies, a friendly ambiance, and exceptional service. The restaurant's interior flaunts exposed brickwork adorned with traditional Turkish embellishments. Pasha Mangal's menu boasts an extensive variety of Turkish dishes, such as grilled meats, kebabs, mezze, and vegetarian alternatives, complemented by an array of Turkish desserts and beverages to provide a complete culinary journey. The restaurant's excellence was recognized at the 2023 British Kebab Awards, where it was titled the Best Regional Kebab Restaurant.

Antepliler is one of the oldest restaurants in Green Lanes, an area renowned for its sheer number of Turkish restaurants. Enjoy a selection of hot and cold mezze before moving onto the kebabs, like the slow-braised, wood-fired lamb shank or aubergine and halloumi.

You won't be able to resist the smokey wafts of charred meat drifting down the street outside Mangal Ocakbasi in Dalston, and we really don't blame you. As you enter you'll be greeted by the open charcoal grill searing every kind of meat you can imagine ready for hungry, loyal customers. Opt for the mixed grill if you want to get a little taste of everything or the moussaka if you're keeping it veggie.

If you're vegetarian or vegan and you want to get your kebab fix, then head along to What The Pitta. These guys specialise in kebabs cooked in GMO-free spices, wrapped in a fluffy homemade pitta and served with an assortment of salads and tzatziki.

If you're after affordable kebabs that don't scrimp on flavour, then Kebab Kid in Fulham is the place to be. Think hand-filleted kebabs marinated for 24 hours in the special Kebab Mix spice rub and then served with warm, fluffy pitta and fresh salad. In addition to the iconic original spot, there's the Kebab Kid Mini food truck parked just a few streets over.

Nowhere does grilled meat quite like Tayyabs. This Whitechapel icon has been serving its famous dry curries and kebabs since the 70s. Expect to queue if you turn up on a Friday or Saturday night, but it's certainly well worth the wait.

Juicy lamb chops, fragrant curries and flame-grilled kebabs are just a few of the things you can expect to see on Lahore's Pakistani grill house menu. The atmosphere is laid back and relaxed and there's a no-frills vibe about the place. The meat is rubbed in a special dark-crusted spice rub and everything on the menu is very reasonably priced.

If you're looking for huge, fluffy flatbreads and Persian kebabs, then head along to Patogh on the famous Edgware Road. There are only a handful of tables so it's the perfect spot for catching up with a friend you haven't seen in a while.

Enjoy a family-style Turkish dining experience at Sultan Sofrasi. The restaurant has multiple locations with both indoor and outdoor seating options, perfect for a comfortable indoor feast or an open-air meal. The menu showcases a wide array of choices, ranging from succulent seafood and savoury grilled meats to a variety of vegetarian dishes, as well as an assortment of both hot and cold appetizers. Make sure you leave room for something sweet, they've got everything from creamy kulfi to Ferrero Rocher ice cream on the menu.

Get your Turkish pizza fix at the same time as getting your kebab fix at this Green Lanes institution. Grab your kebab to go or dine-in in a no-frills setting if you can't wait until you get home to tuck in. Choose from a menu of minced or cubed lamb kebabs served with vegetables and toppings as well a huge variety of pide.

If you’re looking for a place to take a large group out for some mouthwatering Turkish cuisine, then pop along to FM Mangal in Camberwell. This spot has earned itself a reputation for serving excellent food at a reasonable price. The freshly baked bread just keeps on coming and is exceptional when dipped in creamy cacik.

These sleek Turkish eateries draw on the culinary traditions of the Ottoman Empire to offer a varied assortment of delicacies, from meze to traditional slow-cooked delicacies. Kebabs are a big thing here – quite literally, as the sharing platter menu includes a massive 1.6-metre kebab that can feed up to ten people. The Capital Restaurants were also finalists in the 2013 British Kebab Awards.

Located in the heart of London, Cyprus Mangal offers a sophisticated ambiance with its sleek interior and tasteful colour scheme, making it the perfect spot to discover authentic Turkish cuisine. This well-established restaurant serves up a diverse range of dishes, including both modern and classic recipes that are sure to satisfy your cravings. The kebabs are a highlight, and were ranked the best in the south-eastern region at the 2023 British Kebab Awards.

Dine al fresco at CheMen's ambient terrace in Stoke Newington, where the trellis is laced with vine tomatoes and fairy lights. The sharing mezze platter is to die for and, if you still have room after, you've got to try their kebabs and grilled meats - opt for a mixed grill to get a taste of everything.

You can be sure you're getting a great kebab at Devran Kitchen. This Green Lanes restaurant was crowned the best kebab restaurant in North London at the 2022 British Kebab Awards. The dining room here is simple and spacious. On the menu you'll find a choice of kebabs as well as hot and cold mezze, grilled meat, pide, and a variety of other Turkish classics.

Reubens has been a source of culinary pleasure for its customers for 49 years, and it holds the distinction of being the longest-running kosher restaurant in the UK and the only kosher establishment in the West End. Its delicious food has earned it the title of the Best Kosher Shawarma Restaurant at the 2023 British Kebab Awards, and it also features a variety of traditional favourites like towering salt beef sandwiches, latkes, and the famous Reubens burger.

Döner Shack expanded to London after successfully setting up shop (shack?) in Leeds, Edinburgh and other UK cities. Under the motto “from Berlin with love”, they serve German-style street food, with takeaway and delivery available as well. At their first "innovation restaurant”, the kebabs are cut by robotic cutters and delivered via a custom travelator. Apart from the obvious döner kebabs, expect shawarmas, currywursts, schnitzel bites and other German-inspired fare.

Yaprak, a sophisticated Turkish eatery, offers traditional Turkish cuisine in a comfortable setting with luxurious seating. Guests can select from classic dishes like sarma, moussaka, and shish, and pair their meal with a cocktail from the bar. The restaurant was honoured with a "Highly Recommended" recognition in the Best Kebab Restaurant category for North and West London at the 2023 British Kebab Awards.

The menu at BKC features a trio of best friends: flavorful biryani rice, succulent kebabs, and warming chai, all inspired by the culinary traditions of the Awadhi region in Lucknow. It's all seasoned with a diverse array of spices, imparting rich aromas and flavours to the dishes, which include mutton, chicken, or vegetarian options.

Hafez, a family-run restaurant in Notting Hill since 1983, offers authentic Persian cuisine in a charming, rustic interior filled with eclectic decor for a homey and quirky atmosphere. Their menu blends classic Persian recipes with modern Iranian dishes, featuring fresh, health-conscious options including vegetarian dishes, traditional stews, and rice dishes. Charcoal-grilled kebabs are the speciality, with different meaty options to try.

Bababoom reinvents the classic kebab, transforming it into a fresh and flavourful culinary delight. The setting of these eateries is contemporary and bold, featuring eye-catching designs. Catering to all preferences, Bababoom offers a diverse menu including traditional meat kebabs and vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free alternatives. 

Kervan Saray is a welcoming, family-oriented restaurant featuring a charcoal grill and an open kitchen, where guests can observe chefs with over 20 years of collective culinary expertise. This establishment is renowned for offering a delightful blend of Mediterranean, Turkish, and Anatolian dishes. In 2023, they were named the Best Takeaway at the British Kebab Awards.

Grab your kebab from somewhere out-of-the-ordinary - Last Stop Kebab. Located in Edmonton, this kebab shop is housed in a converted double decker bus. You can get food to take away or take a seat on the bus to eat. Kebabs, burgers, wrap, and Mediterranean side dishes are on the menu here, including a number of vegetarian meals.

If you're looking for a tasty kebab in Archway, check out Reina Doner Kebab. This friendly kebab shop offers takeaways and has a small wood-panelled area for eating-in. Food here is budget-friendly, with the menu including kebabs, wraps, burgers, and Turkish specialities. Vegetarian diners are catered for too, with various meat-free options available.