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Mangal Ocakbasi

10 Arcola Street, E8 2DJ Full details & map

Grill: Turkish

Time Out says 2 Users say 3/5 Rate it

By Time Out Editors Posted: Oct 27 2011

Hidden for more than 20 years down a side street off Stoke Newington Road, this no-frills grill is where London's kebab connoisseurs head for some of the best Turkish food in the city. There's often a scrum as customers cram in to wait for tables or a takeaway, but the meat-packed display by the door proves an incentive to patience, as does the compelling sight of the chef behind his smoky charcoal grill expertly flipping skewers. Despite this theatre, the best seats are at the back, where things are somewhat calmer.

Once ensconced, order the mixed meze - it will arrive in minutes with a free basket of superb bread - while you mull over the mains. Remember, pretty much everything that comes off those coals is of outstanding quality. (Vegetarians might not be so impressed.) We especially rate the spicier minced lamb kebabs, such as adana köfte and beyti; also good is cubed chicken with tomato and yoghurt sauce.

Although you can buy alcohol, corkage-free BYO and bargain prices make the restaurant a magnet for groups, so it's not the place for a quiet meal. Service was friendly but brisk - don't expect to hang around when you're finished.

Tags: Middle Eastern, Turkish, Historic, North East, Dalston, Budget, Restaurant, Grill

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Mangal Ocakbasi details

Address

Mangal Ocakbasi

10 Arcola Street E8 2DJ

Transport Dalston Kingsland rail or 67, 76, 149, 243 bus

Telephone

020 7275 8981

Mangal Ocakbasi website

Meals served noon-midnight daily

Main courses £9.50-£13.50. Corkage no charge

Facilities

Babies and children admitted, Booking advisable, Disabled ( toilet ), Takeaway service

Mangal Ocakbasi map

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Comments & ratings 3/5 (Average of 2 ratings)

By LadyRed - Apr 7 2011

1/5

I think this place is overrated now, it used to be good. I went in March 2011 and the restaurant smelt of urine and feaces. No really. The disabled toilet as malfunctioning I think. The food was average, four of us ate and ordered different dishes; it all looked and tasted the same. There are much better places around the corner in Dalston, all more affordable too.