Iznik Kaftan

London meets Istanbul at this sliver of a restaurant at Brompton Cross. Unlike at Iznik – its much-loved Highbury sibling – the look here is upmarket & uncluttered, with fuchsia upholstery, outsized wooden tables & high ceilings. The compact menu is more traditional, showcasing the best of Turkish cuisine, including hot & cold mezze as well as specialities from the grill. Highlights include lightly-battered, tender kalamar (squid) & flavour-packed kofte (lamb meatballs) as well as a terrific yogurtlu kebab (strips of succulent chicken or lamb layered with pitta bread & a tomato & yoghurt sauce). For afters, a dish of cold rice pudding (sutlac) might sound unappealing, but with a subtle infusion of cinnamon it’s a delicious sweet treat. There’s a short global wine list, with house red & white both hailing from Turkey, as does the Efes beer. This smart newcomer may lack the cosy intimacy you might expect at a Turkish restaurant, but clued-up, welcoming staff add a warm touch.