Zengi

With its high arched windows and Ottoman artwork, it’s easy to spot this Middle Eastern restaurant on a street corner deep in the East End. Ethnic prints, engraved metal tables and shisha pipes set the tone in the main eating area, where an open kitchen is the focus of attention. The name Zengi refers to an ancient Turkish dynasty, and the menu is a mixed bag of eclectic dishes taking in hot and cold mezze (falafel, kibbeh, moutabal, etc), mixed platters, tagines, stews and grills ranging from khema baghdadia (minced lamb with lentils and dried lemon) to a Zengi burger. Wraps and pide (Turkish ‘pizzas’) are handy for a quick fix, and you can wash it all down with a Lebanese Almaza beer or ayran (a yoghurt drink). Downstairs is a more intimate lounge filled with cushioned couches and hanging lanterns.