Discover the Best Kebab Restaurants in London: Top Picks for 2025
- comedyinyoureye
- Oct 10
- 12 min read
London is packed with places to grab a kebab, but not all are created equal. From smoky Turkish grills to vegan wraps, there’s something for everyone in this city. I’ve spent more evenings than I’d like to admit hunting for the best kebab restaurants in London—sometimes after a night out, sometimes just because I was craving something tasty. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, these spots are well worth checking out in 2025. Bring your appetite and maybe a few napkins.
Key Takeaways
London’s kebab scene is more diverse than ever, with everything from classic Turkish grills to Middle Eastern fusion and vegan options.
The Best Turkish Kebab in Stoke Newington is a local favourite, famous for its generous portions and legendary doner.
Lahore Kebab House is the go-to for Lahori-style kebabs and curries, drawing crowds for its bold flavours and big plates.
Modern spots like Le Bab and Berenjak bring a gourmet twist to the kebab, making them great for both casual lunches and special nights out.
Even plant-based eaters are covered—What The Pitta serves up award-winning vegan kebabs that don’t skimp on taste.
The Best Turkish Kebab
Ask anyone in Stoke Newington where to get the best kebab in London, and you’ll get the same answer again and again. The Best Turkish Kebab isn’t a clever name – it’s how people describe the place. This is more than just a spot for late-night food when you’re tired and hungry; it’s a real destination if you want kebabs done right.
The food comes out fast, but nothing about it is rushed. Their doner is legendary – crisped up beautifully and always fresh off the rotisserie. Chicken shish? Smoky, juicy, and honestly hard to beat. You’ll see massive portions, heaps of salad chopped right in front of you, and sauces that actually taste like someone took time to make them.
A few things to know if you’re heading down:
Expect it to be properly busy almost every afternoon and evening. There’s a reason locals guard this place like a secret.
Takeaway is the move – the counter queue can snake out the door, but it moves quick.
Wall-to-wall, it’s covered in photos of celebs who swung by. There’s a real buzz, even when you’re just standing around waiting.
If you’re after value, look at the typical orders:
Kebab Type | Price (approx) | Portion Size |
|---|---|---|
Lamb Doner | £9 | Very Generous |
Chicken Shish | £11 | Large |
Mixed Grill | £13 | Huge + Salad |
Sometimes you just want a proper meal with no nonsense – and this delivers every single time. You’re not coming for fine dining or fancy dishes, you come here to fill up and be happy you did.
Lahore Kebab House
Lahore Kebab House in Whitechapel has been a cornerstone for Pakistani food lovers in London since the 1970s. This spot is always bustling, packed with families, friends, and anyone craving authentic Lahore-style barbecue. Here, the smell of sizzling meats hits you before you even see the menu, making it a firm favourite for many locals and visitors—especially on weekends.
Everyone raves about the tandoori lamb chops and seekh kebabs. These are full of flavour, served sizzling hot off the grill, and always juicy. The curries don’t disappoint either—whether it’s the rich, slow-cooked mutton or the chickpea curry that goes perfectly with their freshly made rotis. Portions are more than generous, so don’t be shy about bringing a friend (or two) to avoid food envy. If you like a bit of heat, just let them know—dishes can be tailored to your taste.
Highlights at Lahore Kebab House:
Authentic Pakistani barbecue, especially famed for lamb chops
Freshly baked naan and roti made to order
Quick and friendly service even when it’s busy
Generous portions at a fair price for central London
Vegetarian options available, though the focus is on meat
Here’s a quick look at some classic menu picks and average 2025 prices:
Dish | Price (£) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Lamb Chops (4 pcs) | 13.00 | House speciality |
Chicken Seekh Kebab | 9.00 | Tender & mildly spiced |
Mutton Karahi | 12.50 | Bold, deep flavours |
Mixed Grill (2 pers.) | 26.50 | Great for sharing |
Mango Lassi | 4.50 | Perfectly sweet |
You never leave Lahore Kebab House hungry. The food comes quick, the room is loud with chatter, and there’s no pretence—just proper cooking that keeps people coming back, year after year.
Mangal 2
You probably wouldn't expect a kebab joint to be a hotspot for both regulars craving comfort food and the odd celebrity, but that's what Mangal 2 pulls off in Dalston. Since 2015, brothers Ferhat and Sertac Dirik have turned their family restaurant into a place where Turkish tradition meets proper modern touches. The shift from platters groaning with grilled meat to inventive sharing plates is clear—think cured mackerel with spicy Anatolian herbs or mutton kofte paired with grilled apple. It's still all about the grill, but there’s a playful edge here.
Here's what stands out at Mangal 2:
Seasonal menus focused on the freshest British produce with Turkish inspiration.
A short but thoughtful list of natural wines that actually go well with grilled food.
Cosy, minimalist setting—no fuss, just good food and a buzzy atmosphere.
Prices can vary, but here's a rough breakdown of what to expect:
Dish | Typical Price (£) |
|---|---|
Cured Mackerel Plate | 14 |
Mutton Kofte | 15 |
Grilled Chicken | 18 |
Bread & Hummus | 7 |
Turkish food, but different—familiar enough to comfort you, inventive enough to surprise you. If you want something beyond smoky lamb shish, you’ll love what the Dirik brothers are doing. Don’t expect to leave without talking about it after.
Berenjak
Berenjak is more than just another Soho spot; it's where Iranian-inspired kebabs take centre stage, and it really does get packed—people book months ahead for a reason. What sets Berenjak apart is how they turn humble kebab dishes into a real treat, layering grilled meats and smoky veg with loads of sharp, punchy flavours.
Here’s what stands out about Berenjak:
Their kebab selection is broad, with chicken, lamb and vegetarian options all getting special attention
Set menus are popular, especially if you want to taste a few small plates and breads before the main event
The interior is buzzing, decked out with bright décor and enough energy that, honestly, it feels fun just to be there
Prices are fair for central London, and you won’t leave hungry—unless you skip the starters. Staff are usually on their toes, happy to guide you through the menu or recommend something you might have missed. If you’re there with friends, sharing is easy since dishes show up as they’re ready, not all in one go.
Dish Type | Example | Average Price (£) |
|---|---|---|
Signature Kebab | Lamb chenjeh | 14 |
Veggie Dish | Grilled aubergine | 8 |
Bread & Dips | Sangak bread, mast o khiar | 6 |
No matter what you order, get a couple of starters—their breads come out hot and are almost always the thing everyone ends up fighting over.
Skewd Kitchen
Hidden away in Cockfosters, Skewd Kitchen pitches itself as “Anatolian with Attitude,” and you genuinely feel that as soon as you walk in the door. They don’t mess about here: this place is all about bold, no-nonsense Turkish grilling and inventive twists.
Here’s what stands out at Skewd Kitchen:
The Adana kebab is, honestly, ridiculous – spicy, juicy, and packed with flavour. You’ll keep thinking about it, hours later.
Their lamb shish is a cut above; you can taste how much care goes into picking their meat.
Presentation is no afterthought. Meals are just as easy on the eye as they are on the palate.
The menu isn’t just classic kebab fare. There are interesting seafood dishes, big salads, and even a few playful sides that turn up with smoky dips or grilled vegetables. The vibe strikes a good balance – you can go all out with a huge spread, or pop in for a laid-back dinner and still leave happy.
Dish | Price (£) |
|---|---|
Adana Kebab | 21 |
Lamb Shish | 24 |
Grilled Sea Bass | 28 |
Mezze Platter | 15 |
If you’re tired of generic kebab shops and actually want something memorable, then Skewd Kitchen is worth the trek up the Piccadilly Line – even if it feels like the end of London.
Le Bab
Le Bab sits high above the bustle of Carnaby Street, tucked into the top floor of Kingly Court. It's the sort of spot you stumble into on a whim and instantly feel you’ve uncovered something good. The place buzzes, not just from the crowd but from the open kitchen, the sizzle of the grill, and the shake of someone making those unique cocktails you’d never find at a typical kebab place.
Le Bab is known for rethinking what a kebab can be—think gourmet fillings tucked into perfect, house-made flatbreads. The menu changes, but you’re likely to spot favourites like the butter chicken kebab, the famous Dirty Bab, and fully loaded fries. Portions are generous, and there’s always a vegetarian highlight you’ll actually want to order. Here’s a quick look at some go-to orders and prices from my past visits:
Dish | Price (approx) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Dirty Bab | £13 | Signature, with fondue sauce |
Butter Chicken Kebab | £12 | Crowd-pleaser |
Loaded Fries | £7 | Easily shared |
Smoked Halloumi | £9 | Good, if a bit pricy |
What stands out isn’t just the food. The vibe is friendly, modern, and easy-going. Service gets top marks too—staff are chatty, always ready to recommend the right kebab or suggest a non-alcoholic cocktail from behind the bar. The music and open space mean it does get noisy, but that’s part of the fun here.
All breads and pickles are homemade, so nothing tastes generic
A solid menu for vegetarians, not just an afterthought
Quick and easy bill-splitting, making it great for groups
Pop in for lunch or catch up with friends over drinks and kebabs – Le Bab never feels too formal, just a cool place to eat well and hang out.
If you’re looking for a lively meal in a colourful setting with creative food, the atmosphere at Le Bab in Kingly Court is one to remember.
Berber & Q
Tucked beneath railway arches in Dalston, Berber & Q makes a big impact with its smoky, fire-cooked dishes inspired by Middle Eastern and North African classics. What really stands out here is how they’ve taken barbecue and made it feel adventurous without being fussy or stiff. The venue itself is stripped-back, loud, and always buzzing, so don’t expect white tablecloths—expect laughter, spicy smells, and the sizzle of grills.
If you’re coming for dinner, these are the must-try highlights:
The smoked cauliflower with tahini and rose (yes, you’ll think about it for days)
Mixed grill platters with perfectly charred lamb, chicken, and spicy sauces
Hummus you’ll want to dunk everything into, plus creative, punchy cocktails
Here’s a quick sample of their current pricing (as of October 2025):
Dish | Price (£) |
|---|---|
Smoked Cauliflower | 9.00 |
Lamb Shawarma | 17.50 |
Mixed Grill for Two | 32.00 |
Flatbread | 2.50 |
Cauliflower Shawarma | 12.00 |
There’s something really pleasant about sharing these fire-blistered plates amongst friends, even if you leave smelling like the grill yourself. Don’t skip the “cauliflower” – trust me, it’s a revelation. Expect lively, talkative staff who seem to love guiding you through the menu. Not everything is perfect (the wine list could use some work), but for a fun, smoky dinner, Berber & Q knows how to make an evening feel like a celebration.
Oren
Tucked away in Dalston, Oren brings a breath of fresh air to London's kebab scene, serving sharing plates straight from the charcoal grill and celebrating bold flavours. If you’ve ever wondered where you can eat food that feels comforting yet completely mouth-watering, Oren is a spot well worth remembering. Their chargrilled dishes are some of the most memorable you’ll try in the city, with smoky flavours that stay with you.
Here’s what stands out when eating at Oren:
Generous sharing plates, perfect if you’re out with friends or just feeling hungry.
A menu filled with Middle Eastern classics, with lots of charred kebabs and dishes full of spices and fresh herbs.
Relaxed and easy-going atmosphere — think more canteen than fine dining, with warm service that makes you feel right at home.
Dish | Description | Price (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
Chargrilled Lamb | Marinated chops hot off the grill | £16 |
Grilled Aubergine | Smoky, topped with tahini and zhoug | £8 |
Mixed Grill | A bit of everything from the grill | £24 |
If you’re planning a night out in Dalston and want food that’s big on taste but not on fuss, Oren should go straight to the top of your list.
Sticking firmly to fresh, bold ingredients, Oren serves exceptionally delicious and flavourful dishes, especially those grilled on charcoal. Whether you’re a regular or it’s your first visit, the food always feels inviting and packs a punch.
Shuk
Shuk is the kind of place you stumble into on a busy afternoon and end up spending far longer than you planned, just because the smells coming from the kitchen are too good to ignore. Set in the middle of London’s bustling Borough Market, Shuk serves up Israeli-style street food with energy and heart.
Here’s what makes Shuk pop:
Pitas stuffed to order—think slow-cooked meats, crunchy vegetables, loads of tahini, and fiery amba.
Homemade hummus, smooth and creamy, always topped with something colourful—if you’ve not tried their chermoula chicken with hummus, you’re missing out.
Kosher-friendly menu options and flexible with dietary needs, so you won’t feel awkward if you need to swap something out.
Staff who actually chat with you instead of just hustling for the next order. Sometimes it’s a bit quirky, in a good way.
Here’s a quick look at some crowd favourites at Shuk, with current prices:
Dish | Description | Price (£) |
|---|---|---|
Sabich Pita | Aubergine, egg, amba, salad | 9.50 |
Hummus Complete | With egg, salad, pickles, pita | 10.00 |
Shuk Falafel | Crispy falafel, fresh pita, salad | 8.50 |
Malabi Dessert | Rose milk pudding, soft toppings | 4.50 |
If you’re after a quick meal that doesn’t feel rushed, but still packs a punch, Shuk’s got you sorted. The portions are generous, the energy is lively, and you always leave wanting to come back next week.
What The Pitta
What The Pitta has a reputation all across London for its entirely vegan twist on the classic kebab. Their soya doner wrap is so convincing that even meat-eaters have seconds. It’s the place you go to when you want something both fast and plant-based, and don’t want to sacrifice the big flavours you expect from a proper late-night kebab fix.
The menu here is pretty focused, but it covers the cravings. Here’s what you can expect:
Soya doner wraps stuffed with pickled cabbage, crisp salad, and homemade tzatziki
Vegan chick’n gyros with garlic sauce
Generous portions of chips, curly fries or onion rings on the side
If you’re used to greasy takeaway shops, this one feels a bit different—modern, relaxed, not a pile of plastic chairs in sight. It’s also nice to know that they make their bread fresh every day, and service is speedy—though sometimes staff get distracted with their own conversations. Honestly, anyone who’s had a late-night takeaway knows that’s just part of the vibe.
Here’s a quick look at the main dishes:
Dish | Main Ingredient | Sauce | Approx. Price (£) |
|---|---|---|---|
Soya Doner Wrap | Soya | Tzatziki, Chili | 9.50 |
Chick’n Gyros | Seitan | Garlic, Hummus | 9.00 |
Falafel Wrap | Falafel | Tahini | 8.50 |
If you want nostalgia without the meat, you’ll probably leave What The Pitta pretty satisfied—and without that heavy feeling you get from a classic doner.
Conclusion
So, that's our round-up of the best kebab restaurants in London for 2025. Honestly, it’s a great time to be a kebab fan in this city. Whether you’re after a classic doner from a family-run spot, a vegan wrap on Brick Lane, or something a bit fancier in Soho, there’s no shortage of places to try. Every neighbourhood seems to have its own hidden gem, and the variety is just wild. Some places are all about tradition, others are mixing things up, but all of them have one thing in common: proper good food. Next time you’re hungry, skip the usual and give one of these places a go. Who knows, you might just find your new favourite. And if you think we’ve missed a spot, let us know – London’s food scene never stands still, and neither do we.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a kebab restaurant one of the best in London?
A top kebab restaurant in London stands out for its tasty, fresh food, friendly service, and a clean, welcoming space. Good kebab places use quality meats and cook them just right, often over charcoal for extra flavour. Many also offer homemade sauces and salads that make the meal even better.
Are kebab restaurants in London suitable for vegetarians or vegans?
Yes! Many kebab shops in London now have options for vegetarians and vegans. Restaurants like What The Pitta serve tasty vegan kebabs using plant-based ingredients. Others have veggie skewers, falafel, or salads, so everyone can find something they like.
Do I need to book a table at these kebab restaurants?
Some popular kebab restaurants, especially the ones in busy areas or with lots of good reviews, can get crowded. It's a good idea to book a table if you plan to visit during lunch or dinner. For takeaway spots, booking isn’t needed, but you might have to wait in line.
Are kebab shops in London halal?
Many kebab restaurants in London serve halal food, especially those with Turkish, Middle Eastern, or South Asian menus. If you need halal food, just ask the staff or look for a sign in the restaurant.
How much does a kebab meal cost in London?
The price of a kebab meal in London depends on the place and what you order. Takeaway kebabs can start at around £7, while eating in a restaurant can cost between £10 and £20 per person. Some places are more expensive, especially if they use special ingredients or have a fancy setting.
What are some must-try kebab dishes in London?
Some of the most popular kebab dishes to try are lamb doner, chicken shish, Adana kebab, and mixed grill platters. Many places also have tasty sides like homemade hummus, fresh salads, and warm bread. If you’re feeling adventurous, ask the staff for their favourite dish!