Topkapi Meze Grill — Restaurant in London

So this was a Friday night, I'd just hit the gym, I passed this palace a couple times, thought I'd try it out for a protein fix . I pulled up around 9pm ish so I thought the usual rush was over, I was greeted by 6 people behind the counter, the amount of staff reassuring that they had the demand. I've never ordered greek so I'm somewhat of a novice but I know service and quality of food, this place had good quality of food but they rather fill you up on chips, bread, salad and doner meat than the more premium chicken and lamb. Not knowing what to order I ordered a mini mix, i thought I'd try everything , at just under £30 I expected different flavours of chicken, some lamb and of course the usual doner meat. What I got however was a little different, I got a bed of rice, more chips than I could eat, plenty of doner meat but very little chicken or lamb which was a shame as I asked what the most popular dish and I was told it was the chicken and lamb. So that explains the food but why the service ? Well they clearly had a big order come in, as I was there for 10 minutes watching bags go out, I feel if I'm sat there in front of you, I'm happy to wait but give me an idea of how long the wait is before I order, or maybe periodic updates, alas I had nothing. The atmosphere level was good because I observed a team working together, there was a doner guy, poeple taking orders and then a couple others that were sending runners to restock and ensuring the orders were going out. I likely won't go back, but if I do, I'll order specifically the lamb or something I know the name of, I wont be...

I'd rate myself as a kebab connoisseur. And this is by far the best Meze / kebab takeaway in South East London. It's distinctly a cut above your average kebab joint. The food is simply delicious, meat fresh and tender and well marinated and seasoned. The place itself is spotlessly clean and the staff are friendly and always on time with their orders. It makes such a change from the overly greasy, badly run kebab shops all over town. Their prices are higher than elsewhere and they don't open late. And that's because they're catering to people who actually like their food, rather than people who are going for a kebab as a last resort after being at the pub. Top tip is go for the 3 meat combo (chicken shish, lamb shish and kofta). Comes with delicious rice and fresh salad and if they're feeling particularly generous they'll sometimes throw in a pot of lovely Tzatziki. Well done to Topkapi, please keep up...

Topkapi is the name of the Sultans Palacial grounds overlooking Istanbul which was the pinnacle of luxury and indulgence. So the name could have been Top Kebab and this is exactly what it is. Here you will see all the same menu descriptions as in all the other Kebab take aways but don't expect a load of grilled meat slapped into a pita bread with wet salad and cabbage. This is a far more refined experience. The perfectly cooked grill of your choice is served with a delicious rice accompaniment and pita bread with the salad in a separate box. This is a meal for home. There are also all sorts of mezes (starters) to tempt you to make it a real treat. The only problem is that they have now become so popular you do need to order well in advance of collecting otherwise expect a long wait. They are soon to open Topkapi number two in Bexleyheath which I am sure will be another...