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Whenever curating a list of London’s finest dining spots, one might anticipate renowned Michelin-starred venues. However, situated near the top among these culinary titans is a unpretentious salonu located in a far-flung corner of northern London.

A Shocking Honour

This little Turkish restaurant, focusing in the culinary delights of Mersin, a city on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast, has been named the 4th finest restaurant in the metropolis by a prominent gastronomic guide. This accolade has made the proprietors completely surprised.

“I am totally astonished,” remarks the family member, alluding to his parents’ dedication that culminated in their modest restaurant securing such a prominent position on a prestigious 99-strong list.

A Character of Simplicity

The compact space, which used to be a simple cafe before its change into a buzzing food hotspot, has maintained much of its former feel. It seats just over 20 people and, except for the vibrant live cooking show, the setup remains essentially unchanged. “It is a tiny and intimate spot,” notes the owner.

A Signature Offering: Tantuni

However, it’s all about the fare, and this restaurant more than excels. The restaurant’s namesake dish, tantuni, is a simple pleasure. Choice of meat—lamb or lamb or chicken—is cooked with steam to preserve a moist, juicy quality.

The meat is then added into a massive pan with flavours and oil, which are added in bit by bit. As the meaty mixture heats through, freshly made lavaş—a pliable bread—is laid on top to absorb all the flavours. Finely sliced onions and a handful of parsley are placed before the flavourful meat is wrapped securely inside.

It is usually enjoyed with a drop of lemon or some pickles. The outcome is a strong punch of taste, with soft hints of sumac, bold onions and spicy, paprika-laced oil pulling it all in harmony.

Other Than the Basic Tantuni

Patrons can also try yoğurtlu tantuni, where the meat-filled lavaş is chopped and crowned with yogurt, tomato sauce and aromatic brown butter. The respected food critic labelled this dish “one of London’s few flawless, impeccable dishes”.

When it comes to a sweet finish, the restaurant’s künefe goes down a delight. It is doused in lighter syrup than found elsewhere, resulting in it a deeper, more aromatic and not overly sweet profile.

Surpassing the Titans

Remarkably, this unassuming spot has ranked above several renowned three-Michelin-starred venues. It finds itself near the peak of the list, following other high-profile dining destinations.

While two people could readily leave this place full for below £25, equivalent meals at luxury establishments can cost significantly more than that figure.

A Philosophy of Heart

The restaurant is also one of several Turkish restaurants listed and is situated well outside the city’s most expensive zones. “It is not about luxury. London is an expensive city. There is an belief that in an expensive place you’re going to have the finest service and finest food but I do not subscribe to that,” states the owner.

“In my view what is crucial is hospitality, kindness and somewhere you can be yourself and feel calm.”

This philosophy is supported by the list’s curator, who remarked that if he was in a position of authority, he would “make it mandatory to have every chef in London train at this restaurant as a final lesson, to show them the dangers of excess, and to demonstrate what is possible if you do only a handful of – or three – things to their absolute best”.

The Path of Hard Work

In contrast to many chefs running kitchens in the list’s highest ranks, the driving force behind the food did not apprentice at fancy restaurants. “I feel really happy of our restaurant and our mum,” concludes her son.

A lot of restaurants need years to establish themselves, but this eatery first launched seven years ago. Its acclaim is due to long, grinding, seven-day weeks of dedication.

“My mum used to be extremely tired. She would go shopping in the morning and make the food in the afternoon. All of it is made by hand; she would handle all of this. She is a single mum and she had a life outside work but her friends would visit to help her. She was raising children and a house to care for as well. All of these duties made her into what she is now: a exceptional person,” he says.

A Accomplishment for the People

This restaurant’s success is bound to have meaning outside its own doors. “I believe a lot of people would be happy, as I am, because the Turkish community is a major part of London,” says the owner, emphasising the greater importance of this gastronomic triumph.