Restaurants

Grand Bazaar remains a popular choice in central London. The atmosphere is young and hectic, buzzing and noisy, though service can be erratic. Notably small tables are clustered together, both inside and on the pavement, and a sea of lanterns overhangs the cluttered, dark interior. Both our starters came in big portions: houmous kavurma was a very sweet chickpea blend containing tasty nibbles of good lamb; triangular börek were also satisfying. These were accompanied by an unusual inflated bread that seemed more Iranian than Turkish. For mains, külbastı was oddly presented: a fillet of lamb with rice, carrots and peas, garnished with three (count ’em) chips. It was OK, but not especially authentic. Kaburga kept to its Turkish roots, but was a disappointment: the lamb ribs were not very meaty and a tad overcooked, with a charcoal taste. The large portion of pide bread on which they sat also made the dish a rather heavy choice. One final gripe: two toilet cubicles are really not enough for a restaurant this busy.

Time Out Eating & Drinking Guide 2008