🔗 Share this article ‘Every Culinary Artist Must Train At This Spot’: Modest Turkish Eatery Ranks Fourth on Roll of London’s Leading Dining Destinations. Whenever compiling a ranking of London’s best eateries, one might anticipate well-known award-winning venues. Yet, nestled high among these culinary heavyweights is a simple salonu found in a distant corner of north London. A Unexpected Honour The small Turkish spot, specialising in the specialties of Mersin, a city on Turkey’s southern coast, has been named the fourth best restaurant in the metropolis by a influential gastronomic guide. This recognition has made the proprietors completely astonished. “I’m completely astonished,” states a owner’s son, alluding to his family’s dedication that led to their modest place earning such a high spot on a prestigious 99-strong list. A Character of Modesty This little venue, which started as a basic cafe before its conversion into a sought-after destination, has kept much of its earlier feel. It seats just over 20 people and, except for the vibrant live cooking performance, the layout remains essentially unchanged. “It is a small and stocky space,” comments the owner. A Star Offering: Tantuni Ultimately, it’s all about the food, and this establishment more than succeeds. The eatery’s signature dish, tantuni, is a simple pleasure. The meat—whether lamb or chicken—is steamed to maintain a moist, juicy quality. It is then tossed into a sizeable pan with spices and oil, which are incorporated in bit by bit. Once the flavourful mixture heats through, homemade lavaş—a soft bread—is laid on top to soak in all the aromas. Finely sliced onions and a sprinkling of parsley are placed before the savoury meat is folded securely inside. The wrap is usually enjoyed with a squeeze of lemon or some pickles. The final product is a strong slap of flavour, with gentle hints of sumac, punchy onions and spicy, paprika-laced oil bringing it all together. Beyond the Classic Tantuni Patrons can also try yoğurtlu tantuni, where the meat-filled lavaş is sliced and topped with yogurt, tomato sauce and rich, nutty brown butter. A respected food critic labelled this dish “one of London’s few perfect, no-notes dishes”. When it comes to dessert, the eatery’s künefe is a treat. It is soaked in a more modest amount of syrup than usual, imparting it a more intense, more aromatic and more balanced flavour. Outranking the Stars Notably, this unassuming restaurant has been placed higher than several renowned three-Michelin-starred venues. It finds itself close to the top of the list, following other notable dining destinations. Whereas two people could readily leave this place satisfied for under £25, similar meals at high-end establishments can run into significantly more than that figure. A Ethos of Heart The restaurant is also among several Turkish restaurants listed and is located well outside the city’s central zones. “It’s not concerning luxury. London is an costly city. There is an expectation that in an high-cost place you’re going to have the top service and best food but I don’t agree with that,” says the owner. “I feel what is most important is hospitality, kindness and a place you can be yourself and feel calm.” The sentiment is supported by the list’s editor, who remarked that if he were in a position of authority, he would “require to have every chef in London come to this restaurant as a finishing school, to show them the pitfalls of excess, and to reveal what is possible if you do just one – or three – things to their very best”. A Story of Dedication Unlike many chefs running kitchens in the list’s top ten, the mastermind behind the food didn’t apprentice at fancy restaurants. “I feel very pleased of our shop and our mum,” adds her son. A lot of restaurants need years to become successful, but this one first launched seven years ago. Its success is thanks to long, grinding, seven-day weeks of work. “My mum used to be very tired. She would source produce in the morning and prepare the food in the afternoon. Everything is prepared manually; she would manage all of this. She is a single mum and she managed a life outside work but her friends would visit to help her. She had children and a house to look after as well. Each of these roles forged her into what she is now: a remarkable person,” he shares. A Recognition for the Culture This restaurant’s success is set to echo outside its own walls. “In my opinion a lot of people would be pleased, as I am, because the Turkish community is a huge part of London,” notes the owner, emphasising the broader importance of this culinary achievement.