The Iskelé Restaurant & Bar — Restaurant in London

I am always thrilled to discover a low key, modestly priced neighbourhood restaurant that serves terrific food. Great attention to detail. Everything freshly made, even sauces and salad dressings (though I cannot be sure the bread was made in house). Our order was not adventurous but represented consistently excellent versions of Turkish classics.

We shared the baba ghanoush as a starter which came with bread for mopping it up. A really great dip, where the aubergine mash was redolent with charcoal flavour and sesame and just very subtly lemony. A good size portion for sharing. Served at a pleasant temperature not straight from the fridge.

For mains I had the lamb cutlets and my companion had the lamb kofte. I asked to replace the fries that normally come with cutlets with rice, and that was no problem. Meats were cooked medium and were served with a very fresh, bright, fiery ezme dipping sauce. Like a chilli-spiked tomato and onion salsa. My cutlets were good if a little under seasoned for my taste, but nothing that couldn't be fixed with a salt shaker. My companion's kofte were delicious, but some diners (not me) might find them on the salty side. Mince used for the koftes was lean. My companion has a digestive disorder where fatty burgers make him nauseous a few hours later. No problem with the koftes at Eskele. The smokiness level of the meats was light, unlike the heavy charcoal flavour of the baba ghanoush starter. Accompanying salad was dressed with olive oil and flavoured with lightly pickled slivers of red cabbage. A step up from a lot of Turkish restaurants that serve only wedges of lemon with salad. Rice looked plain but tasted very buttery.

Not being fussy about wine, we normally order the cheapest red at restaurants. However my companion was distrustful of the house wine, because Turkish reds can be aggressively tannic so we had the Chilean Merlot for £27.90 which lovely, mellow and great value.

The restaurant was quiet despite containing a large group. No music. Dim lights but not dim enough to make reading the menu difficult. Our server was...

The Iskele Restaurant & Bar, located on Whitecross Street in London, offers a delightful fusion of traditional Turkish cuisine with a modern twist. During my recent visit, I opted for the 10oz Scottish Sirloin Steak, cooked to a perfect medium. The steak was tender and juicy, showcasing the quality of the meat. Accompanied by crispy, golden chips, the dish was both satisfying and well-executed.  

To complement my meal, I had a refreshing glass of Coca-Cola. The service throughout was attentive and friendly, with staff ensuring that all needs were promptly met. The restaurant’s ambiance strikes a balance between cozy and energetic, featuring warm lighting and tasteful décor that reflects its Mediterranean roots. This creates an inviting environment suitable for both intimate dinners and group gatherings.  

The Iskele’s menu is diverse, offering a range of traditional mezes, grilled meats, and seafood dishes. While the steak was a highlight, the menu also features other notable items such as the Adana Kebab and Baklava, which have received praise from other patrons. The restaurant caters to various dietary preferences, including vegetarian and halal options, ensuring a broad appeal.  

In terms of pricing, The Iskele falls within the mid-range category, offering good value given the quality of food and service. The portion sizes are generous, leaving diners satisfied without being overwhelmed.

Overall, my experience at The Iskele Restaurant & Bar was highly enjoyable. The combination of flavorful cuisine, attentive service, and inviting atmosphere makes it a noteworthy destination for those seeking authentic Turkish...

Delicious Mediterranean Cuisine

I came here with a couple of friends to celebrate my girl Nikki's birthday and we opted to sit outside, it was a lovely evening so why not?

The staff were really welcoming and attentive, provided us with blankets to ward off the evening chill.

I went with the grilled Tiger Prawns for starters, they were soooo tasty. Shared a bottle of white wine with a friend, not a bad price at £22.50 for a bottle of sauvignon blanc.

I had lamb kofte for mains which came with rice and salad, ordered chunky chips as an extra side #cheeky and the table was served warm bread alongside hummus and tsziki.

The Greek salad here is so authentic and appetising I don't think I have ever experienced a greek salad as authentic as this elsewhere in London.

I have included photo's of some of my friend's dishes as they were tasty and appealing too :)

The Iskele is Excellent value for money. I have been to this restaurant on a few occasions since they first opened and each time the standard has been consistently good. Would definitely recommend if you're local and looking for Turkish.

For more information about my experience here please dm me on Instagram @sammiswinton

Central London's Top 5% of Google...