LEYDI — Restaurant in London

Leydi had all the ingredients for a memorable evening. With its beautiful building, stylish interiors, and prime location in the City of London, we were excited to dine there. Unfortunately, while the food was decent, the overall experience was marred by poor service that overshadowed the entire evening.

Things started on a sour note from the moment we arrived. At the cloakroom, when I asked if they could hold my rather large rucksack, the response was a dismissive "I'm not really sure it's going to fit." Not exactly the warm, welcoming attitude one would hope for, and unfortunately, this set the tone for the evening.

After sitting down and ordering drinks, the service continued to falter. Despite ordering wine, we were informed that many of the options were unavailable. When our chosen bottle finally arrived, it took nearly 30 minutes, and when we asked for a second bottle of the same, they were out of stock. Our waiter, though polite, was new and unfamiliar with the menu, so he couldn’t guide us on our choices. The mezze we ordered, while acceptable, was not particularly generous for a table of six—a single bread basket and a few small dishes barely made a dent.

As for the food, while it was enjoyable, it was no better than what you’d find at many other Turkish restaurants in the city. The flavours were fine, but nothing particularly memorable or outstanding, which only added to our disappointment given the venue’s upscale image.

What really let the evening down was the service. Having worked in hospitality for over twenty years, I understand how crucial good service is to the overall experience, and sadly, Leydi’s team appeared disorganised and uninterested. Even after I spoke with the F&B manager and explained we were hosting important clients, the level of attention remained lacklustre.

Luckily, our clients were relaxed and didn’t let the disjointed service affect the mood. However, for other clients, this could have been a real issue, especially in a professional setting. The service overshadowed what should have been a pleasant evening, and it was clear that the restaurant wasn’t living up to the glowing reviews I had read beforehand.

One thing we did notice was the number of influencers dining at nearby tables, receiving what appeared to be a lot of attention from the wait staff. It made me wonder if the positive reviews I had seen online were from influencers who received complimentary meals and special treatment.

In summary, while Leydi offers decent food and a lovely setting, the service was a major letdown. It’s unfortunate, as this venue has a lot of potential, but I won’t be rushing back until they improve the overall...

My dining experience at Leydi Restaurant last night was truly extraordinary. It’s not often that I’m left speechless, but this place managed to do just that. From the moment we sat down, I knew we were in for a unique culinary journey. The menu itself was a refreshing blend of traditional Turkish flavors with innovative, contemporary touches that elevated every dish.

The highlight of the evening for me was the Girit Meze—a dish I’ve enjoyed countless times in Turkey, but never like this. Leydi’s version was an artistic reimagining, combining fresh herbs, tangy yogurt, and perfectly textured cheese in a way that felt both familiar and excitingly new. The balance of flavors was delicate yet complex, and every bite revealed something different. I couldn’t help but marvel at how they managed to take a centuries-old recipe and transform it into something so modern, without losing its authenticity. It set the tone for the rest of the evening—a bold statement of Leydi’s commitment to innovation.

We also indulged in a variety of meats and kebabs, and I must say, they were some of the finest I’ve had in London. The lamb was tender and juicy, with just the right amount of char from the grill. Each kebab had its own distinct seasoning, and the meats melted in your mouth with rich, smoky flavors. There’s something magical about how they capture the essence of Turkish barbecue while adding their own unique twist.

The Lahmacun, though often a simple dish, was made unforgettable here. Crispy, light, and topped with finely minced lamb, it was the perfect prelude to the heartier meats that followed. As we continued to explore the menu, we tried Muhammara, Atom, and Ezme, each one a vibrant and flavorful ode to traditional mezes.

By the end of the night, I was completely blown away. Leydi isn’t just another Turkish restaurant—it’s a redefinition of what Turkish cuisine can be. If you’re looking for something truly special, where every dish tells a story of tradition and innovation, this is the place to go. I’ll definitely be...

Last night, I had the chance to visit Leydi Restaurant, and what a delightful evening it turned out to be! If you’re someone who loves indulging in Turkish mezes, this is definitely a place to add to your list. What struck me most about Leydi was how they’ve managed to elevate even the most familiar dishes into something that feels fresh and refined.

For me, the Humus was the star of the evening. I’ve had hummus countless times, but Leydi’s version was something else entirely. It was incredibly smooth—silky, almost like a purée—and the flavor was so pure, so clean, it felt like I was tasting hummus for the first time. It wasn’t overpowered by garlic or tahini, just a perfect balance of chickpeas, olive oil, and seasoning that made it melt in your mouth. I could have easily eaten it on its own, but it paired beautifully with the other mezes on our table.

One of those mezes was the Ezme, which was incredibly fresh and vibrant. You could taste the crispness of the vegetables, and the way the heat from the peppers balanced with the acidity made it truly stand out. It was refreshing, with just the right amount of spice—a great palate cleanser between the richer dishes.

And then, of course, there was the Muhammara. I can’t stop thinking about it! The texture was spot on—rich and slightly chunky, with the walnuts giving it that perfect crunch. The balance of sweetness from the peppers and the nuttiness from the walnuts was exceptional. So many places make Muhammara too pasty or overly spicy, but Leydi nailed it. The flavors were bold but harmonious, with the walnuts really taking center stage. It was one of the best versions of the dish I’ve ever had.

While the focus of our meal was mostly on the mezes, I have to say, every dish felt meticulously prepared and presented with care. Leydi knows how to bring out the best in traditional Turkish cuisine, making it both comforting and exciting. It’s a spot I’ll be recommending to anyone who appreciates Turkish flavors, and I’ll definitely be back...