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When assembling a ranking of London’s best eateries, one might expect well-known award-winning names. However, nestled near the top among these culinary titans is a modest salonu located in a distant corner of northern London.

A Shocking Accolade

This small Turkish spot, specialising in the street food of Mersin, a city on Turkey’s south coast, has been declared the 4th best restaurant in the capital by a influential gastronomic guide. This accolade has made the family utterly shocked.

“I’m utterly surprised,” states a proprietor, pointing to his parents’ dedication that resulted in their small place securing such a prominent ranking on a prestigious 99-strong list.

The Appeal of Modesty

The little venue, which started as a basic cafe before its change into a buzzing spot, has retained much of its original feel. It fits just more than 20 people and, aside from the vibrant live cooking display, the layout remains essentially unchanged. “It’s a small and stocky space,” notes the owner.

A Signature Dish: Tantuni

In the end, it is focused on the cuisine, and this eatery certainly delivers. The eatery’s namesake dish, tantuni, is a simple pleasure. Choice of meat—either lamb or chicken—is prepared via steaming to keep a tender quality.

The meat is then tossed into a massive pan with spices and oil, which are incorporated in slowly. When the savoury mixture bubbles up, handmade lavaş—a thin, flexible bread—is laid on top to take in all the flavours. Finely sliced onions and a handful of parsley are added before the flavourful meat is rolled securely inside.

The wrap is often consumed with a drizzle of lemon or some tangy accompaniments. The final product is a powerful burst of taste, with soft hints of sumac, punchy onions and spicy, paprika-laced oil bringing it all in harmony.

Other Than the Classic Tantuni

Patrons can also try yoğurtlu tantuni, where the savoury lavaş is chopped and finished with yogurt, tomato sauce and aromatic brown butter. The leading food critic called this dish “among London’s few ideal, faultless dishes”.

When it comes to a sweet finish, the eatery’s künefe goes down a treat. It is coated in lighter syrup than found elsewhere, giving it a deeper, toastier and less sickly taste.

Surpassing the Stars

Remarkably, this unassuming spot has ranked above several renowned three-Michelin-starred restaurants. It finds itself near the top of the list, following other notable dining destinations.

While two people could easily leave the restaurant stuffed for under £25, comparable meals at high-end establishments can cost significantly more than that figure.

The Creed of Warmth

The restaurant is also part of several Turkish restaurants listed and is found well beyond the city’s prime zones. “It is not about luxury. London is an costly city. There is an belief that in an expensive place you’re going to have the best service and top food but I don’t agree with that,” explains the owner.

“I feel what is most important is friendliness, friendliness and a place you can be yourself and feel calm.”

The view is shared by the list’s curator, who stated that if he was in a role of authority, he would “require to have every chef in London train at this spot as a finishing school, to teach them the pitfalls of overcomplication, and to demonstrate what is attainable if you do a few – or three – things to their utmost best”.

A Journey of Dedication

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

Numerous restaurants require years to establish themselves, but this eatery first launched seven years ago. Its popularity is due to tireless, seven-day weeks of work.

“My mum was really tired. She would source produce in the morning and create the food in the afternoon. All of it is handmade; she would manage all of this. She is a single mum and she had a social life but her friends would come here to encourage her. She was raising children and a house to manage as well. All of these duties forged her into what she is now: a brilliant person,” he says.

A Achievement for the Community

This restaurant’s success is set to echo beyond its own doors. “I think numerous people would be pleased, as I am, because the Turkish community is a major part of London,” concludes the owner, highlighting the broader importance of this culinary triumph.