The best Turkish restaurants in Central London

Haz has been serving traditional Mediterranean food in London for over 20 years. It's inspired by Turkish cuisine as well as the cuisines of neighbouring countries, serving an à la carte menu of meze, grilled mangal specialities, seafood, and vegetarian dishes. Stylish interiors with marble tables and floral touches make Haz an excellent choice for everything from date nights to group dinners. Set menus and a strong drinks list round out the experience.

Fig & Walnut brings a warm burst of Turkish charm to Bloomsbury with its yellow façade, inviting sweets in the window, and relaxed, sun-dappled pavement seating. Inside, the recently revamped space features moody lighting, exposed brickwork, and elegant wood finishes across two dining rooms and a cocktail bar, making it ideal for both intimate meals and larger gatherings. The Turkish restaurant's menu features hearty breakfasts, sizzling mangal grill meats, fresh meze, and regional specialities like sarma beyti, among other tempting choices.

It's all about open-fire cooking and top-quality British produce at this Soho spot, where chef-owner Civan Er serves his modern take on Turkish cuisine. He draws on traditional techniques honed at his acclaimed restaurant in Istanbul, bringing fiery dishes to the heart of Soho. Think manti dumplings, bulgur fritters, and Cornish squid. The decor is chic, and the laid-back atmosphere adds to the chilled vibe. 

Ishtar is a swish Turkish spot in the heart of Marylebone, serving modern Anatolian-Mediterranean dishes like Turkish-style tapas, chargrilled meats, and fresh seafood, all made with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. The vibe is chic, with cosy interiors, outdoor seating, and even space for private events. On the weekend, DJs, belly dancers and cabaret acts turn dinner into a proper night out.

This stylish Turkish spot, tucked away on Carnaby Street, serves fresh Anatolian dishes, including both hot and cold meze, as well as rich, spicy muhammara, served with piles of freshly baked pide. For something authentic, order the kayseri yağlaması: layers of pita stacked with spiced beef mince, garlic labneh, and crunchy walnuts. It's not the most budget-friendly Turkish joint in town, but the quality more than justifies the cost. Don't miss the traditional Turkish breakfast either, it's a proper feast.

This laid-back Turkish restaurant is tucked into the corner of St Christopher's Place in Marylebone, with outside seating for sunny days and a warm, welcoming space. It's been open since 2017 and has established a reputation for its freshly baked pide – flatbreads topped with everything from melting cheese to spicy sausage. To start, there's a classic selection of meze, followed by traditional mains like herb-marinated chicken or juicy kofte. Brunch lovers can also tuck into Turkish staples like menemen, a hearty dish of scrambled eggs with tomatoes and peppers.

Le Bab in Carnaby's Kingly Court is a modern Middle Eastern street food spot with Michelin-trained chefs serving kebabs. They've taken the humble kebab and zhuzhed them up via options like slow-cooked pork shawarma topped with fondue sauce, or spiced paneer served on beetroot and coconut with curry mayo. These guys are taking kebabs to a whole new level.