Restaurants

It might be in the West End, but Istanbul Meze has the feel of a good local restaurant. Oblong kilim mats with rectangular patterns decorate the walls. Starters of grilled halloumi cheese and excellent sautéed albanian liver showed that there’s no skimping on quality here, though it’s a pity the chef still chooses to accompany meals with ordinary pitta rather than any of a range of pide breads. A main course of chicken beyti was lightly spiced and beautifully grilled, leaving the centre moist. It came with rice cooked in a typically Turkish way with slivers of vermicelli – tasty, but boiled a little too long for perfection. Et sote was a satisfying casserole, with sautéed lamb cubes and lots of tomato and green pepper. As is traditional in this restaurant, chilli sauce was brought to the table in a saucepan. On a busy Saturday night, a stream of young Turkish people made their way to an event in the basement; high-quality singing ensued. Istanbul Meze would be worth visiting for its relaxed atmosphere and warm welcome alone, but the high-quality food makes it doubly attractive.

Time Out Eating & Drinking Guide 2009