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When curating a ranking of London’s best dining spots, one might anticipate renowned Michelin-starred establishments. Yet, tucked near the top among these culinary titans is a modest salonu found in a far-flung corner of northern London.

A Surprise Recognition

This little Turkish spot, concentrating in the specialties of Mersin, a metropolis on Turkey’s south coast, has been crowned the fourth finest restaurant in the metropolis by a influential gastronomic guide. This accolade has left the proprietors utterly astonished.

“I am totally shocked,” says a proprietor, pointing to his parents’ relentless work that resulted in their humble place achieving such a high spot on a notable 99-strong list.

A Charm of Simplicity

This small shop, which started as a basic cafe before its conversion into a buzzing spot, has maintained much of its earlier character. It accommodates just over 20 people and, beyond the dazzling live cooking performance, the layout remains largely unchanged. “It’s a compact and cozy spot,” says the owner.

A Star Offering: Tantuni

Ultimately, it is focused on the food, and this establishment definitely delivers. The eatery’s namesake dish, tantuni, is a simple delight. The meat—lamb or lamb or chicken—is cooked with steam to preserve a moist, juicy quality.

The meat is then added into a large pan with seasonings and oil, which are incorporated in gradually. Once the savoury mixture heats through, homemade lavaş—a pliable bread—is placed on top to soak in all the flavours. Thinly sliced onions and a dash of parsley are placed before the flavourful meat is wrapped tightly inside.

The wrap is often eaten with a drizzle of lemon or some pickles. The end result is a strong punch of taste, with subtle hints of sumac, sharp onions and spicy, paprika-laced oil pulling it all together.

Beyond the Classic Tantuni

There is also yoğurtlu tantuni, where the savoury lavaş is chopped and finished with yogurt, tomato sauce and cooked, nutty browned butter. The leading food critic labelled this dish “among London’s few perfect, no-notes dishes”.

When it comes to sweets, the restaurant’s künefe is a delight. It is doused in a more modest amount of syrup than usual, giving it a richer, toastier and not overly sweet flavour.

Surpassing the Stars

Remarkably, this unassuming spot has outplaced several celebrated three-Michelin-starred establishments. It finds itself close to the peak of the list, just after other notable dining destinations.

Whereas two people could easily leave this place full for below £25, equivalent experiences at luxury establishments can start at significantly more than that amount.

The Creed of Heart

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

“I feel what is crucial is warmth, a welcoming atmosphere and somewhere you can be yourself and feel calm.”

The sentiment is echoed by the list’s editor, who stated that if he was in a position of authority, he would “insist to have every chef in London train at this spot as a finishing school, to show them the dangers of overthinking, and to reveal what is achievable if you do a few – or three – things to their very best”.

The Path of Dedication

In contrast to most chefs running kitchens in the list’s highest ranks, the mastermind behind the food did not apprentice at Michelin-starred restaurants. “I feel really happy of our restaurant and our mum,” says her son.

Many restaurants take years to find their footing, but this one first started seven years ago. Its acclaim is owing to relentless, seven-day weeks of effort.

“Our mum used to be extremely tired. She would buy ingredients in the morning and prepare 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 balanced a personal life but her friends would come here to support her. She was raising children and a house to manage as well. All of these duties shaped her into what she is now: a exceptional person,” he shares.

A Achievement for the Community

This restaurant’s recognition is set to have meaning outside its own doors. “I believe numerous people would be pleased, as I am, because the Turkish community is a significant part of London,” notes the owner, pointing out the greater importance of this gastronomic triumph.