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When compiling a roll of London’s finest restaurants, one might expect well-known high-end venues. But, situated near the top among these culinary heavyweights is a unpretentious salonu situated in a far-flung corner of north London.

A Shocking Recognition

This little Turkish spot, focusing in the street food of Mersin, a metropolis on Turkey’s south coast, has been declared the 4th finest restaurant in the capital by a influential food magazine. This accolade has made the proprietors completely shocked.

“I’m utterly astonished,” states the family member, alluding to his parents’ hard graft that resulted in their small restaurant securing such a high ranking on a prestigious 99-strong list.

The Charm of Modesty

This little venue, which was a simple cafe before its transformation into a popular food hotspot, has maintained much of its earlier charm. It accommodates just more than 20 people and, beyond the dazzling live cooking performance, the layout remains largely unchanged. “It’s a tiny and intimate spot,” says the owner.

The Signature Dish: Tantuni

However, it is all down to the fare, and this restaurant certainly excels. The restaurant’s eponymous dish, tantuni, is a simple pleasure. Choice of meat—lamb or lamb or chicken—is cooked with steam to keep a tender consistency.

It is then thrown into a large pan with spices and oil, which are added in bit by bit. When the meaty mixture heats through, homemade lavaş—a thin, flexible bread—is slapped on top to soak in all the flavours. Thinly sliced onions and a dash of parsley go inside before the savoury meat is folded neatly inside.

The wrap is usually enjoyed with a drop of lemon or some tangy accompaniments. The outcome is a mighty slap of taste, with gentle hints of sumac, bold onions and spicy, paprika-laced oil bringing it all in harmony.

Beyond the Classic Tantuni

Another option is yoğurtlu tantuni, where the savoury lavaş is chopped and crowned with yogurt, tomato sauce and rich, nutty brown butter. The leading food critic called this dish “among London’s few flawless, impeccable dishes”.

When it comes to dessert, the eatery’s künefe proves a delight. It is coated in lighter syrup than usual, resulting in it a deeper, more aromatic and more balanced flavour.

Rising Above the Titans

Interestingly, this modest restaurant has been placed higher than several celebrated three-Michelin-starred venues. It finds itself near the peak of the list, just after other notable dining destinations.

While two people could easily leave this place stuffed for under £25, equivalent meals at high-end establishments can start at significantly more than that price.

The Creed of Heart

The restaurant is also among several Turkish restaurants listed and is located well beyond the city’s central zones. “It is not concerning luxury. London is an pricey city. It is expectation that in an high-cost place you’re going to have the top service and finest food but I don’t agree with that,” states the owner.

“In my view what is most important is warmth, a welcoming atmosphere and somewhere you can be yourself and feel calm.”

This sentiment is shared by the list’s compiler, who stated that if he was in a position of authority, he would “make it mandatory to make every chef in London train at this restaurant as a finishing school, to show them the pitfalls of excess, and to reveal what is achievable if you do a few – or three – things to their utmost best”.

A Story of Dedication

In contrast to most chefs running kitchens in the list’s top ten, the driving force behind the food didn’t train at elite establishments. “I feel very happy of our shop and our mum,” concludes her son.

A lot of restaurants require years to find their footing, but this one first started seven years ago. Its success is owing to tireless, seven-day weeks of dedication.

“Our mum was extremely tired. She would go shopping in the morning and create the food in the afternoon. All of it is handmade; she would manage all of this. She is a solo parent and she balanced a life outside work but her friends would visit to support her. She was raising children and a house to look after as well. All of these duties made her into what she is now: a exceptional person,” he says.

A Accomplishment for the Community

This restaurant’s recognition is set to have meaning beyond its own walls. “I believe many people would be happy, as I am, because the Turkish community is a significant part of London,” says the owner, highlighting the greater significance of this culinary achievement.