Discover the Best Kebab Restaurants in London: Your Ultimate Guide

London is a fantastic place for a good kebab, whether you're after a late-night snack or a proper sit-down meal. We've checked out some of the top spots, looking at what makes them stand out. From traditional Turkish grills to more modern takes, finding the best kebab restaurants in London can be a tasty adventure. Here's a look at some of the places worth trying.

Key Takeaways

• Gökyüzü on Green Lanes is a large, popular spot known for its big sharing platters and Turkish food, especially their minced chicken beyti.

• Mangal 1 in Dalston is a long-standing favourite for grilled meats, with their lamb cop sis and chicken beyti being popular choices.

• Le Bab in Soho offers a more refined, gourmet take on kebabs, served open on house-made flatbread.

• The Best Turkish Kebab in Stoke Newington is a local favourite for takeaway chicken shish, perfect after a few drinks.

• Berenjak in Soho serves Persian food with good kebab options, including marinated lamb rump and minced goat shoulder.

1. Gökyüzü

If you're looking for a proper Turkish feast, Gökyüzü on Green Lanes is a place you've probably heard of, and for good reason. It's a big spot, often busy, especially on weekends, so be prepared for a bit of a wait if you haven't booked. They're known for their massive portions and really good quality grilled meats.

The minced chicken beyti is a standout dish, wrapped in lavash bread with cheese, then drizzled with butter and served with bulgur wheat and salad. It’s a lot of food, but it’s delicious. They also do huge sharing platters that are perfect if you're going with a group and want to try a bit of everything.

Here's a quick look at what makes them popular:

• Generous portion sizes that won't leave you hungry.

• A wide variety of traditional Turkish dishes, not just kebabs.

• Friendly staff who are usually happy to help.

They've got a few branches now, including ones in Walthamstow and Finchley, so you might be able to find one closer to you. It’s a solid choice for authentic Turkish food that’s consistently good. You can find out more about their menu on their website.

It’s the kind of place where you go when you’re really hungry and want something satisfying and flavourful without any fuss. The atmosphere is usually lively, and it feels like a proper neighbourhood restaurant that’s been around for ages.

Don't forget to try some of their meze starters too; they're a great way to begin the meal before the main event arrives.

2. Mangal 1

Mangal 1 in Camberwell is a bit of a local legend, and for good reason. It’s the sort of place that feels instantly familiar, even if you’ve never been before. The real star here is the grilled meat, cooked over charcoal, which gives everything a fantastic smoky flavour.

They do a cracking job with the classics. You'll find succulent lamb ribs (kaburga), tender lamb chops (pirzola), and perfectly cooked quail (bıldırcın) on the menu. If you're feeling indecisive, the special mixed grill is the way to go. It’s a generous platter that includes a bit of everything – shish, kofte, and those delicious bone-in cuts.

What really sets Mangal 1 apart, though, are the little extras. Before your main event, you'll get complimentary flatbreads, still warm from the grill, served with charred onions that have been tossed in a sweet and tangy pomegranate molasses sauce. Honestly, it’s almost a meal in itself and a brilliant start to the evening.

Here's a quick rundown of what to expect:

• Starters: Don't skip the complimentary bread and onion dish.

• Mains: The mixed grill is a must-try for variety.

• Sides: Simple, fresh salads that complement the rich meats.

• Drinks: They serve traditional Turkish drinks like ayran.

The atmosphere is usually buzzing, especially on weekends. It’s not fancy, but it’s comfortable and the service is friendly. You feel like you're getting proper, honest food cooked with care. It’s a solid choice for a satisfying and flavourful kebab experience without any fuss.

3. Le Bab

Right then, Le Bab. This place is a bit different, isn't it? They're doing what you might call 'posh' kebabs. Forget your late-night greasy spoon wrap; this is more of a sit-down affair. They serve them open-faced, almost like little art pieces on their own flatbread. It's quite a sight, and honestly, you almost feel a bit bad rolling them up to eat.

What's good about it?

• Seasonal Fillings: The fillings change with the seasons, so there's always something new to try. They even use preserved and fermented bits, which gives it a bit of a unique twist.

• Presentation: It's definitely a step up from your average kebab shop. The way they arrange everything is really neat.

• Flatbread: They make their own flatbread, which is thin but holds everything together well.

It's a place that takes the humble kebab and gives it a serious makeover. If you're looking for a more refined kebab experience, this is definitely one to check out. It's a good spot if you're in the Covent Garden area and fancy something a bit more special than the usual takeaway. You can find out more about their Covent Garden location.

They're really trying to elevate the kebab here, making it something you'd be happy to eat in a proper restaurant setting, not just on the way home from the pub. It's a bold move, but it seems to be paying off for them.

4. The Best Turkish Kebab

When you're craving that classic, no-nonsense kebab experience, 'The Best Turkish Kebab' often lives up to its name. It's the kind of place you stumble upon after a night out, and it just hits the spot. They're known for their takeaway chicken shish, perfect for that walk home. Don't be shy about asking for a few chips to go with it, and definitely load up on the garlic sauce – it's all part of the charm.

What makes a Turkish kebab stand out? It's often down to the meat quality and how it's prepared. Many places pride themselves on making their own döner mix, playing with the ratio of meat to herbs to get that perfect flavour. Some use a 70-30 meat-to-herb ratio, which keeps the lamb flavour really fresh and distinct.

Here's what you might find on a typical menu:

• Chicken Shish: Marinated chunks of chicken, grilled on a skewer.

• Lamb Döner: The classic rotating spit, shaved to order.

• Adana Kebab: Spicy minced lamb, often grilled on a wide skewer.

• Lamb Shish: Tender pieces of lamb, marinated and grilled.

The real magic often happens with the accompaniments. Freshly made salads, a good dollop of chilli sauce, and that all-important garlic sauce can transform a good kebab into a great one. It's about that satisfying combination of textures and flavours.

If you're looking for authentic ocakbasi grills and a true taste of Turkish cuisine in the capital, exploring places like this guide can point you in the right direction. It’s not just about the meat; it’s about the whole experience, from the smoky aroma of the grill to the final, satisfying bite.

5. Berenjak

Berenjak in Soho is a bit of a different vibe compared to some of the more traditional kebab spots. It’s a Persian place, and it definitely has a more stylish, modern feel to it. Think of it as a bit more of a sit-down, ‘going out’ kind of place rather than just grabbing something on the go. They do have some interesting kebab options, like lamb rump marinated in chilli, or minced goat shoulder. It’s a good choice if you’re looking for something a bit more refined.

While the atmosphere is nice and the presentation is usually spot on, some people have found the prices a little steep for what you get. It’s worth keeping that in mind.

Here’s a quick look at what you might find:

• Chilli-marinated lamb rump

• Minced goat shoulder

• Other Persian small plates

If you're in the Soho area and fancy trying a Persian take on kebabs, Berenjak is certainly an option to consider. You can find out more about their menu on their website.

6. Fez Mangal

Fez Mangal is a bit of a local legend, especially if you're in the Camberwell area. It's the kind of place that feels like it's been there forever, and honestly, that's part of its charm. They really know how to do a proper ocakbaşı grill here, and you can tell they take pride in their cooking.

What I always notice first is the complimentary stuff they bring out before your main order. You get these warm flatbreads, still a bit oily from the grill, and some really nicely charred onions. They're dressed in this sticky pomegranate molasses and vinegar sauce, and honestly, you could almost make a meal out of them alone. It’s a good sign of what’s to come.

When it comes to the actual kebabs, they do a lot of meat on the bone, which is always a good sign. Think ribs (kaburga), lamb chops (pirzola), and even quail (bıldırcın). If you're like me and can't decide, their special mixed grill is the way to go. It’s got a bit of everything – shish, kofte, and those bone-in cuts, all seasoned really well. It’s a no-brainer, really.

The atmosphere is pretty no-frills, but that's not why you go to Fez Mangal. You go for the honest, well-cooked Turkish food that’s been a staple for years. It’s reliable, tasty, and always hits the spot.

Here’s a quick rundown of what to expect:

• Meat on the bone: Ribs, lamb chops, and quail are highlights.

• Mixed Grill: A great way to sample a variety of their best cuts.

• Complimentary Starters: The flatbreads and charred onions are a must-try.

• Authentic Grill: Cooked over a proper ocakbaşı for that smoky flavour.

It’s located at 54 Camberwell Church St, SE5 8QZ. Definitely worth a visit if you're in the neighbourhood and fancy some seriously good grilled meat.

7. Etles

Tucked away on Hoe Street in Walthamstow, Etles offers a unique taste of Uyghur cuisine, a fascinating blend of Chinese and Middle Eastern influences shaped by the Silk Road. This small, family-run spot is a real find if you're looking for something a bit different from your usual kebab joint.

They specialise in dishes from the Uyghur people, a group with roots in western China and Central Asia. The menu reflects this rich cultural mix, and their kebabs are a standout. The lamb, kidney, and chicken skewers are grilled to smoky perfection and seasoned generously with chilli flakes, making them a flavourful choice.

Here's what you can expect:

• Smoky Skewers: Lamb, kidney, and chicken options are all grilled over charcoal.

• Generous Seasoning: Expect a good kick from the chilli flake seasoning.

• Authentic Flavours: A genuine taste of Uyghur cooking.

If you're in Walthamstow and fancy trying something beyond the typical Turkish or Middle Eastern fare, Etles is definitely worth seeking out. It's a chance to explore a less common, but incredibly tasty, culinary tradition.

8. Cirrik

Cirrik is a bit of a gem in Dalston, known for doing Turkish classics really well. It’s the kind of place where you can get some lovely charcoal-grilled bread that’s perfect for dipping into all sorts of meze. They also do a decent thin-based, fluffy pide.

But where Cirrik really shines is with its kebabs. Whether you’re after a straightforward sis (shish) or fancy going all out with the full mixed kebab, you’re in for a treat. The mixed kebab is a seriously generous platter, and it even includes quail, which is a nice touch.

While the focus is often on the grilled meats, don't overlook the other elements. The bread and meze are prepared with care and complement the main dishes beautifully, making for a well-rounded meal.

It's a great spot if you're looking for authentic Turkish flavours in a relaxed setting.

9. Antepliler

Antepliler is a bit of a multi-tasker, really. It's not just a restaurant; they've got a café and even a pâtisserie section going on. You can grab some amazing baklava and homemade ice cream there, which is a nice touch. But the main draw, if you're into that sort of thing, is the adventurous cooking. They do a really interesting sogan kebab, which is minced lamb koftes on skewers with pomegranate sauce and grilled shallots. It comes with a crisp salad and some traditional Turkish pide bread. It’s a good spot if you're looking for something a bit different.

They've got a few different setups across four shopfronts, so it feels quite expansive. It's a place that caters to different moods, whether you want a full meal, a quick coffee, or a sweet treat.

The variety of their offerings, from hearty kebabs to delicate pastries, makes Antepliler a standout choice.

10. Kebab Kid

Tucked away in Fulham, Kebab Kid might look like a simple hole-in-the-wall joint, but don't let its size fool you. This place is a bit of a step up from your average takeaway. They’re serious about their meat, sourcing prime cuts directly from Smithfield market. Their chicken shawarma is the real star of the show, a moist, nicely charred delight that’s a cut above the rest. They do a lamb version too, if that’s more your thing.

What really makes it stand out, though, is the addition of a tangy, chilli-spiked taramasalata. It gives the whole dish a bit of a kick and some extra oomph, which is always a good thing in my book. You can tell the locals are big fans; the queues often snake out the door, which is usually a pretty good sign, right?

Here’s a quick rundown of what to expect:

• Speciality: Chicken Shawarma (also available in lamb)

• Meat Source: Prime cuts from Smithfield Market

• Key Flavour: Tangy, chilli-spiked taramasalata

• Vibe: Busy, popular local spot

It’s the kind of place you’ll be glad you stumbled upon after a night out, or even just for a really satisfying lunch. Definitely worth checking out if you're in the area and fancy something a bit special.

The focus here is on quality ingredients and a flavour combination that just works. It’s not trying to be fancy, but it delivers a seriously good kebab experience.

So, Where Are You Getting Your Next Kebab?

Right then, that's a wrap on our London kebab adventure. We've looked at everything from the fancy Persian takes to the no-nonsense, post-pub saviours. It’s pretty clear that whether you're after a quick bite or a full-on feast, London's got a kebab for you. We've seen places that have been around for ages and some newer spots trying out different things. Honestly, the best kebab is probably the one you're craving right now. So, get out there, try a few from our list, and find your own favourite. Happy eating!

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a kebab really good?

The best kebabs usually have really fresh ingredients and high-quality meat. Cooking the meat over coals gives it a lovely smoky flavour that many people love. It's also about how the place makes you feel when you eat it – sometimes the best kebab is the one you eat at the perfect moment!

Are there different types of kebabs?

Definitely! You've got your classic Turkish kebabs like Adana (spicy minced lamb) and Shish (cubes of meat). Then there are Persian styles, Punjabi seekh kebabs, and even Uyghur kebabs from China. There's a whole world of flavours out there!

What's the difference between doner and shish kebabs?

Doner kebabs are made from meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie, and thin slices are shaved off. Shish kebabs, on the other hand, are usually made with cubes of meat threaded onto a skewer and grilled.

Can I get vegetarian kebabs?

Yes, many places offer vegetarian options! Halloumi is a popular choice, and you can also find delicious falafel kebabs. Some restaurants are really good at making sure everyone can enjoy a tasty kebab.

How do I know if a kebab shop is good?

Look for places that make their ingredients fresh, especially their meat. Shops that have been around for a while and are popular with locals are often a good sign. Plus, if they cook over charcoal, that's usually a winner!

Is it just about the meat?

While the meat is super important, the bread, the sauces, and the salads all add to the experience. A good kebab shop will get all these bits right too, making sure everything works together perfectly.