Formerly known to locals as Rox Restaurant, family-run Hakiki on Eltham High Street delivers a masterclass in modern Ottoman dining, pairing a chic, stylish interior with a menu deeply rooted in centuries of hospitality. It is the ultimate independent sanctuary for everything from an intimate, candlelit date night to a massive, lively weekend feast with friends.
The kitchen brings serious pedigree to the table, with a hospitality legacy spanning over twenty years. The menu celebrates the incredibly rich, melting-pot heritage of traditional Turkish and Mediterranean cooking, focusing heavily on premium seasonal produce and vibrant, house-blended spices. For the ultimate sharing experience, kick off with a spread of cold and hot meze - think silky hummus, crisp feta-filled sigara borek, and sticky honey-BBQ-glazed lamb ribs - before moving on to the main event of baked fish, special charcoal grilled kebabs, burgers, a signature moussaka, chargrilled steaks and more.
The undisputed centerpiece here is the authentic charcoal grill, where expert chefs turn out perfectly charred chicken and lamb shish, succulent house-prepared doner, and beautifully spiced Adana kofte. If you're heading down with a hungry crowd, do yourself a favor and order one of the epic, theatrical sharing platters, which arrive piled high with a mountain of mixed skewers, rice, and fresh house salad.
Factor in an exceptional cocktail menu and a brilliant Sunday Turkish breakfast lineup - featuring everything from traditional eggs to the massive, four-person Sultan's Breakfast - and it's easy to see why this spot is a certified local institution.