Istanbul Restaurant Finchley — Restaurant in London

Good afternoon, Me and my boyfriend ordered take out for the first time from here (We usually go in person to dine in and and every time we have loved it! ). We would say we have been around 3 - 4 times, every-time having more than pleasant service, Very decent if not generous portion sizes and a good quality of food, service and overall expierance....

This time however we had spent over £30 For a small lamb wrap and Iskender which was not to our expectation at all...

I had chosen a small Portion for the lamb shish wrap, so in all fairness I was definitely not expecting the usual portion of food I have endured before. However it goes without saying that this wrap was extremely tiny, and was in my not worth £12 at all. There was no salad or sauce in the wrap whatsoever, apart from red cabbage and lamb. Usually they would ask if we like to have a sauce and put it an array of salad. While I understand some restaurants may have a low standard, this was certainly not the experience we have ever endured with their food before.... So it's safe to say it came as a massive shock when the food was under proportionate, Dry, and overall very disappointing considering the price we paid.

Especially in this time where there are people like who don't mind paying a little extra if we know we are having a good quality of food. But on this occasion, My boyfriends meal alone cost £20, which came cold, and was under whelming and lacked complete flavor compared to the previous time he's enjoyed this meal.

It seemed our order had been extremely rushed, as if they had just chucked us some stale bread and threw some lamb in bare tortilla and called it a "dish".

While I appreciate all the other times this place had been wonderful in the past, I feel you may aswell spend your money at the local kebab takeaway if your down to spend less money and get a better quality and...

I had a deeply disappointing experience at this restaurant when I took my parents to visit after showing them my new home in Finchley.

When we arrived, the restaurant was nearly empty, with two waitresses standing near the entrance. Neither greeted us or made any effort to welcome us — instead, they looked at each other as if deciding who would have to deal with us. It felt like we were an inconvenience rather than guests.

We asked to be seated on the green sofa area, which was completely empty, but were told it was "booked." Oddly, the entire lounge area remained empty throughout our stay — clearly, it wasn’t booked at all. The food itself was bland and unmemorable, especially compared to other Turkish restaurants in London, which usually offer vibrant flavors and warm hospitality. The prices were high, but that wasn’t the real issue — it was the cold, dismissive, and borderline hostile service.

One of the waitresses later sat at a nearby table to have lunch (nothing wrong with that in itself), but she kept glancing at us in a way that made us feel judged and uncomfortable. It was hard to ignore the feeling that we were being discriminated against. Her attitude from the start, to how she handled our request, to the way she watched us — it was unwelcoming and deeply upsetting.

I was genuinely embarrassed to have brought my parents here. Looking back, I should have walked out the moment we weren’t greeted properly. There are many incredible Turkish restaurants across London — this is not...

🌟 A Flavourful Feast at Istanbul Restaurant – A Hidden Gem on High Road! 🌟

I had the pleasure of dining at Istanbul Restaurant in North Finchley, and it was an experience that delighted all the senses. From the moment we sat down, the atmosphere felt welcoming and relaxed—perfect for a cozy evening with friends or a special treat for yourself.

🍤 The food? Absolutely divine. I ordered the Butterfly King Prawns, which arrived beautifully grilled and seasoned, served with fluffy rice, vibrant vegetables, and a rich dipping sauce that tied everything together. The creamy pasta was indulgent and comforting, and the fresh salad added a crisp, refreshing balance to the meal. The pita bread was warm and soft, perfect for scooping up the delicious sauces.

🍹 Drinks were on point too. I enjoyed an EFES Draft beer—cold, smooth, and the ideal pairing for seafood. The green cocktail was a fun surprise, refreshing and full of zest.

💫 The service was friendly and attentive without being overbearing, and the 12.5% discretionary service charge felt well-earned. Every dish was presented with care, and the table setting added a touch of elegance to the evening.

📍 Located at 880 High Road, London N12, this spot is a must-visit for anyone craving authentic Mediterranean flavours with a modern twist. Whether you’re a seafood lover, a pasta enthusiast, or just in the mood for a hearty, satisfying meal, Istanbul Restaurant delivers.

Thank you for a lovely evening—I’ll...