Restaurants

Mem & Laz
Budget choice
A ‘Mediterranean restaurant' based on Turkish cuisine with a largely Turkish staff, Mem & Laz feels no great pressure from its heritage. Turkish dishes are offered, bizarrely, alongside Italian fare – but the decor is all Anatolian. Dark wood and clusters of lamps dominate. While we were ordering, sun-dried tomato bread and olive bread arrived: a nice touch, even if it marked another break from the traditional. Two large grilled sardines made an excellent starter. We also enjoyed an obviously freshly-made pepper dolma, with sweet rice and raisins stuffed in a green pepper. To follow, a sizeable portion of grilled halibut was served with boiled potatoes and a heavy salad. Köfte meatballs were well spiced (though arguably undercooked), and came with thick yoghurt and a salad. A separate menu offers daily changing specials. Service was friendly, if a little over-attentive at times.
Time Out Cheap Eats in London Guide 2007

Time Out reviews restaurants anonymously and pays for meals. Of course, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or independence of user reviews.

Posted by Ally on 14 Mar 2009 21:12
I make sure I eat here at least a couple of times a year - and have never yet had a bad meal. It's so charming - date perfection. Try the chicken livers (if you're an offal convert). the smoked chicken and avocado salad, and if you have time their brandy coffee is legendary amongst my group of friends. It's not fancy, or pretentious; just lovely and delicious.

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Posted by Peter Davis on 16 Nov 2008 16:21
A stonking little restaurant well known locally for the excellence of it's lamb - so often poorly done in restaurants considerably more expensive than this. Savings haven't been made in portion sizes either - make sure you come hungry! The fact that the restaurant is often full, even midweek, speaks volumes; Mem & Laz is exceptionally friendly and always buzzing. If you can cope with banter from the young and enthusiastic waiting staff you'll have a fantastic time. If you're looking for a quiet place for that intimate break-up "it's me not you" dinner, this isn't it! Try the perpetually empty French restaurant next door...

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