The Counter - Notting Hill — Restaurant in London

So…. This is a bit of a story, our food took a ridiculously long time to arrive - so much so we were preparing to leave unfed. As a me culpa and to coax us back the manager who is a sweetheart gave us a 50% discount and threw in some extra dishes. I’m glad we stayed. The food was good all round & some dishes were so outstanding I’ll never forget them. There were the majool date and pomegranate molasses butter on the bread. Astonishingly sensual, which was bettered by the chicken skewers, which are sadly not on the menu atm or I would have been back already. They were served sprinkled with dried borage and hibiscus leaves on a bed of a warm mouse of some sort which is, quite simply one of the nicest things I’ve tasted this far in life. My steak with chips elevated the dish to a new level. The white chocolate baba ganoosh was nice but compared to what ever those chicken skewers were on felt like a bit of a gimick - but a good one. The kibleh…. They looked pretty and they came sitting in something else that was wonderful, and I’ve had better kibleh from Edgware Road…. And that only because the person who bought them know what she is doing…. The decor, atmosphere and staff are all good enough to take home (is that rude?) - by which I mean they all seem to be lovely people you would be pleased to introduce to your folks and they seem to like each other. I don’t normally go mad for restaurant decor but if my living room looked like the dining room there I wouldn’t complain, at least not too hard. I even got the hostess to give me their Spotify playlist because the music, while low key, was sublime. Don’t really want to tell you all this because I want it to be my place. And truthfully, this diner didn’t have the first clue how good Turkish food could be, before coming here. It felt like value for money too, of course the discount helped with that and compared with some other local establishments it’s a decent bang for your buck, even without a...

The Counter is an absolute gem in the realm of Turkish cuisine. From the moment you step in, you're greeted with warmth and a genuine passion for food. The ambiance strikes the perfect balance between cozy and upscale, setting the stage for an unforgettable dining experience.

The menu is a delightful journey through Turkish flavors, offering a diverse array of dishes that cater to every palate. Each bite is a symphony of taste, showcasing the rich heritage and culinary expertise of Turkey. Whether you're indulging in the succulent kebabs, savoring the aromatic mezes, or delighting in the decadent desserts, every dish is a masterpiece in its own right.

What truly sets The Counter apart is its impeccable service. The staff goes above and beyond to ensure that every guest feels welcomed and cared for. Their knowledge of the menu is impressive, and their recommendations never disappoint. It's evident that they take great pride in delivering an exceptional dining experience, and it shows in every aspect of their service.

In addition to the exquisite food and top-notch service, The Counter also boasts a charming atmosphere that invites you to linger and enjoy the company of friends and family. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a taste of Turkey, this restaurant is sure to exceed your expectations.

Overall, The Counter is a true standout in the world of Turkish cuisine. With its delicious fare, impeccable service, and inviting ambiance, it's no wonder that it has quickly become a beloved favorite among locals and visitors alike. If you're in search of an authentic Turkish dining experience, look no further than The Counter. You won't be...

I visited for dinner on a Sunday. It was very quiet with just 1-2 other occupied tables. The decor was average. For our family of 2 adults and 2 young kids we ordered the tzatziki, hummus, saganaki, crab orzo, octopus, aubergine, Adana kebab, Levantine chicken (thigh), the chips and some rice. We tried the baklava for dessert. The food was a bit mixed but good for the most part - we really enjoyed their take on a hummus, the saganaki and the crab orzo were very nice as well. The Adana kebab came pre-wrapped in a flatbread, and while it was enjoyable I suspect this was done to disguise the modest portion size. On the negative side, I didn’t really enjoy their tzatziki or the aubergine, and the octopus was too tough.

Service was speedy given it was very quiet at the time, but our primary server - while friendly - seemed a bit clueless about the menu and her English was not the best. The bill for our meal came to £204 of which £12 was spent on drinks. Neither cheap nor expensive for the neighbourhood.

The Counter had been on my to do list for a very long time, but there were always just enough bad reviews to give me doubt. Having visited I think I can see why. Some dishes were not that great and for a Turkish restaurant it is quite pricey. The atmosphere for us was non-existent, but perhaps it’s busier on other days. Overall it was a decent meal but not good enough to justify a repeat visit, especially when there are so many other great options around Notting...