🔗 Share this article All Cook Ought to Train At This Spot’: Unassuming Turkish Restaurant Secures Fourth on Ranking of London’s Top Restaurants. When curating a roll of London’s finest dining spots, one might foresee familiar award-winning establishments. Yet, situated near the top among these gastronomic giants is a simple salonu located in a far-flung area of north London. An Shocking Accolade The little Turkish restaurant, focusing in the street food of Mersin, a port city on Turkey’s southern coast, has been named the fourth top restaurant in the metropolis by a prominent gastronomic guide. The accolade has left the proprietors totally shocked. “I am completely surprised,” says a proprietor, pointing to his family’s dedication that led to their small restaurant achieving such a lofty spot on a notable 99-strong list. The Charm of Modesty This compact space, which started as a simple cafe before its conversion into a sought-after spot, has kept much of its former charm. It accommodates just over 20 people and, beyond the dazzling live cooking show, the layout remains essentially unchanged. “It is a compact and cozy spot,” says the owner. A Namesake Dish: Tantuni In the end, it is all down to the fare, and this eatery definitely delivers. The restaurant’s signature dish, tantuni, is a uncomplicated joy. Choice of meat—whether lamb or chicken—is prepared via steaming to keep a tender quality. It is then added into a massive pan with seasonings and oil, which are added in gradually. Once the savoury mixture starts to simmer, freshly made lavaş—a thin, flexible bread—is laid on top to soak in all the aromas. Thinly sliced onions and a dash of parsley are placed before the savoury meat is rolled tightly inside. It is typically enjoyed with a squeeze of lemon or some tangy accompaniments. The final product is a powerful punch of taste, with gentle hints of sumac, sharp onions and red, paprika-infused oil bringing it all in harmony. Beyond the Basic Tantuni Patrons can also try yoğurtlu tantuni, where the savoury lavaş is sliced and finished with yogurt, tomato sauce and cooked, nutty browned butter. The leading food critic described this dish “among London’s few perfect, no-notes dishes”. When it comes to dessert, the restaurant’s künefe proves a delight. It is doused in lighter syrup than found elsewhere, imparting it a deeper, nuttier and not overly sweet flavour. Rising Above the Stars Notably, this unassuming spot has outplaced several celebrated three-Michelin-starred venues. It finds itself close to the summit of the list, trailing other high-profile dining destinations. While two people could easily leave the restaurant satisfied for under £25, comparable experiences at top-tier establishments can cost significantly more than that amount. The Ethos of Heart The restaurant is also one of several Turkish restaurants listed and is found well outside the city’s prime zones. “It’s not about luxury. London is an expensive city. It is belief that in an expensive place you’re going to have the best service and finest food but I don’t subscribe to that,” states the owner. “I believe what is crucial is hospitality, a welcoming atmosphere and somewhere you can be yourself and feel calm.” The sentiment is echoed by the list’s editor, who remarked that if he were in a role of power, he would “insist to make every chef in London visit this spot as a final lesson, to teach them the pitfalls of overcomplication, and to reveal what is possible if you do just one – or three – things to their utmost best”. The Journey of Perseverance Unlike most chefs heading kitchens in the list’s top ten, the head chef behind the food didn’t work at fancy restaurants. “I am truly pleased of our restaurant and our mum,” says her son. Numerous restaurants take years to become successful, but this eatery first launched seven years ago. Its popularity is due to relentless, seven-day weeks of effort. “Our mum would be very tired. She would buy ingredients in the morning and make the food in the afternoon. All of it is handmade; she would handle all of this. She is a single mum and she balanced a personal life but her friends would come here to support her. She had children and a house to manage as well. All of these roles shaped her into what she is now: a brilliant person,” he shares. A Achievement for the People The restaurant’s success is likely to echo outside its own walls. “I think a lot of people would be pleased, as I am, because the Turkish community is a significant part of London,” says the owner, highlighting the broader significance of this gastronomic triumph.