Meze Mangal

Ignore the weather & the unpromising Lewisham Way location & ‘you could actually be in Turkey’ at this classic grill restaurant. Meze Mangal is certainly the district’s best Turkish eatery. Its exterior may be scruffy & the wood-panelled dining room rather dated, but the prominent charcoal ocakbasi is where the action takes place. Start with mezze (taramasalata, hoummos), salads & hot bread before exploring the fruits of the grill. A constant rotation of skewered delicacies sizzles away, absorbing the charcoal scent. Kebabs of cubed & minced lamb or chicken are popular – best accompanied by Turkish wines or beer – although offal & fish dishes have admirers too. Meat-free options include vegetarian moussaka & various pide (Turkish pizza). To ease the crowds, friendly owner Sahin plans to extend the restaurant next door.