Each Culinary Artist Must Train Here’: Humble Turkish Eatery Earns 4th on List of London’s Best Dining Destinations.

Whenever assembling a list of London’s top dining spots, one might expect renowned Michelin-starred names. However, situated high among these food titans is a simple salonu located in a outlying part of north London.

An Surprise Honour

The compact Turkish spot, specialising in the culinary delights of Mersin, a port city on Turkey’s south coast, has been named the fourth top restaurant in the capital by a respected culinary publication. This accolade has left the owners utterly surprised.

“I’m completely surprised,” says the family member, pointing to his parents’ relentless work that resulted in their humble place achieving such a lofty position on a notable 99-strong list.

The Character of Modesty

The compact space, which used to be a basic cafe before its conversion into a popular food hotspot, has retained much of its original feel. It fits just over 20 people and, aside from the vibrant live cooking display, the interior remains essentially unchanged. “It is a tiny and intimate place,” says the owner.

A Star Creation: Tantuni

Ultimately, it is all about the cuisine, and this establishment definitely succeeds. The restaurant’s namesake dish, tantuni, is a straightforward delight. Choice of meat—whether lamb or chicken—is steamed to preserve a tender texture.

It is then tossed into a massive pan with flavours and oil, which are added in slowly. Once the flavourful mixture heats through, homemade lavaş—a pliable bread—is placed on top to absorb all the aromas. Finely sliced onions and a dash of parsley are placed before the savoury meat is rolled neatly inside.

The wrap is usually eaten with a drizzle of lemon or some pickles. The end result is a powerful punch of flavour, with gentle hints of sumac, bold onions and spicy, paprika-laced oil tying it all in harmony.

Beyond the Basic Tantuni

There is also yoğurtlu tantuni, where the savoury lavaş is cut up and crowned with yogurt, tomato sauce and cooked, nutty browned butter. The prominent food critic labelled this dish “a part of London’s few ideal, faultless dishes”.

For dessert, the restaurant’s künefe proves a treat. It is coated in less syrup than usual, imparting it a richer, toastier and more balanced flavour.

Rising Above the Stars

Interestingly, this unassuming spot has ranked above several illustrious three-Michelin-starred venues. It finds itself near the summit of the list, following other notable dining destinations.

Whereas two people could easily leave the restaurant stuffed for below £25, similar tasting menus at top-tier establishments can run into many times that amount.

The Creed of Hospitality

It is also among several Turkish restaurants listed and is found well outside the city’s central zones. “It’s not concerning luxury. London is an costly city. There is an belief that in an expensive place you’re going to have the top service and top food but I do not agree with that,” states the owner.

“I believe what is crucial is friendliness, kindness and a place you can be yourself and feel calm.”

The sentiment is supported by the list’s curator, who stated that if he was in a position of authority, he would “require to make every chef in London come to this spot as a masterclass, to show them the pitfalls of overthinking, and to show what is achievable if you do a few – or three – things to their absolute best”.

A Story of Perseverance

In contrast to most chefs heading kitchens in the list’s highest ranks, the driving force behind the food did not train at elite restaurants. “I feel really pleased of our shop and our mum,” concludes her son.

Many restaurants take years to become successful, but this one first started seven years ago. Its popularity is owing to tireless, seven-day weeks of effort.

“Our mum used to be really tired. She would go shopping in the morning and prepare the food in the afternoon. All of it is made by hand; she would manage all of this. She is a single mother and she had a personal life but her friends would come here to encourage her. She was raising children and a house to manage as well. Each of these responsibilities shaped her into what she is now: a exceptional person,” he shares.

A Accomplishment for the Community

This restaurant’s success is set to resonate beyond its own premises. “I think numerous people would be happy, as I am, because the Turkish community is a significant part of London,” notes the owner, pointing out the wider meaning of this gastronomic achievement.