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North London’s best Turkish restaurants

Hummus with sesame and parsleyTuck in

North London is packed with good value, taste-tastic Turkish restaurants where you can grab a huge plate of hearty food, get a warm welcome and fill up on beautifully cooked, inexpensive delights. Green Lanes in Harringay and Stoke Newington High Street in Islington are particularly well known for their selection of Turkish restaurants, but there are plenty of other hidden gems off the beaten track too. Here are some of our favourites:

1. Gokyuzu

Sitting at the heart of Green Lanes, Gokyuzu has managed to become a local legend despite being surrounded by strong competitors. According to rumour, Gokyuzu was London’s number one best restaurant on TripAdvisor for a short time, even beating out competition from the likes of Jamie Oliver and Gordon Ramsey. It’s really not hard to see why. The food here is plentiful, well priced and absolutely delicious and the staff are friendly and welcoming. Most nights the queue for a table is considerable, but there is plenty of room to shelter inside with a Turkish coffee or tea while you wait. A few years ago Gokyuzu followed the trend of Green Lanes restaurants and doubled in size. This year they opened a sister restaurant further along Green Lanes in Wood Green. If you’re looking for the popular vote, this is the place. Stay at one of our North London Travelodge hotels to be close to the atmosphere.

2. Selale

Sweet baklava and Turkish coffeePerfect with strong Turkish coffee

Just a short walk along Green Lanes from Gokyuzu you will find Selale, also recently doubled in size and now boasting an additional upmarket tapas restaurant next door. For many Harringay residents this is the true local favourite. Try to get a table on the expansive terracem which is decorated with bright flowers throughout the year and heated in winter. The food here is great. Expect the usual dishes including plentiful meat platters, huge bowls of salad and delicious dips. The atmosphere here is friendly and upbeat, and it’s tough to walk out the door without being given a few free dishes or a complimentary desert of honey-soaked baklava.

3. Devran

Still on Harringay Green Lanes, it’s hard to walk the main strip without being dazzled by the bright neon lights of Devran. There are actually two Devrans in North London and, predictably, the other is on popular Stoke Newington High Street. Both restaurants offer good-quality food with lots of traditional dishes, including a huge mixed grill that will likely leave you with a sizeable take-home bag. Try the lamb sarma beyti for something a bit different that’s absolutely delicious.

4. Mangal II

With a huge number of devotees who travel from all parts of London, this cosy Dalston restaurant is an ocakbasi (charcoal barbecue) that has become a haven for serious meat eaters. Aside from the great food and comfortable interior, Mangal II is also famous for its slightly surreal Twitter account. Check it out at your own risk. Legend has it that local artists Gilbert and George eat here every night.

5. Pasha

Elsewhere in North London, Pasha has been serving up delicious Turkish delights to the residents of Angel since 1972. The price is a little higher than at some of its competitors, but the location is easier for many people to get to. And the kebabs are freshly grilled in front of you and absolutely delicious. Stay at our London Central City Road Travelodge and make a night of it.