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When assembling a list of London’s best dining spots, one might foresee well-known high-end establishments. Yet, situated high among these gastronomic heavyweights is a modest salonu found in a outlying area of northern London.

An Shocking Accolade

This compact Turkish spot, specialising in the specialties of Mersin, a metropolis on Turkey’s southern coast, has been declared the 4th best restaurant in the metropolis by a influential culinary publication. The accolade has left the proprietors totally surprised.

“I’m totally shocked,” remarks a family member, alluding to his parents’ relentless work that resulted in their small restaurant securing such a high spot on a notable 99-strong list.

A Charm of Simplicity

This little venue, which was a simple cafe before its change into a popular food hotspot, has maintained much of its earlier charm. It seats just over 20 people and, except for the impressive live cooking performance, the setup remains largely unchanged. “It’s a compact and cozy space,” comments the owner.

A Namesake Creation: Tantuni

Ultimately, it is all down to the food, and this establishment certainly excels. The eatery’s eponymous dish, tantuni, is a simple pleasure. Choice of meat—lamb or lamb or chicken—is cooked with steam to keep a moist, juicy consistency.

The meat is then thrown into a large pan with flavours and oil, which are incorporated in bit by bit. When the meaty mixture heats through, freshly made lavaş—a thin, flexible bread—is placed on top to absorb all the aromas. Finely sliced onions and a dash of parsley go inside before the flavourful meat is wrapped securely inside.

It is typically eaten with a drizzle of lemon or some pickles. The end result is a strong slap of taste, with soft hints of sumac, punchy onions and spicy, paprika-laced oil pulling it all in harmony.

Beyond the Basic Tantuni

Patrons can also try yoğurtlu tantuni, where the meat-filled lavaş is cut up and finished with yogurt, tomato sauce and rich, nutty brown butter. A prominent food critic called this dish “a part of London’s few ideal, faultless dishes”.

When it comes to sweets, the restaurant’s künefe proves a treat. It is doused in less syrup than found elsewhere, imparting it a richer, more aromatic and not overly sweet taste.

Surpassing the Titans

Notably, this modest spot has ranked above several illustrious three-Michelin-starred restaurants. It finds itself close to the top of the list, just after other notable dining destinations.

Whereas two people could easily leave the restaurant satisfied for less than £25, similar meals at luxury establishments can run into significantly more than that price.

The Creed of Heart

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 expensive city. It is belief that in an high-cost place you’re going to have the finest service and top food but I do not agree with that,” says the owner.

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

This view is shared by the list’s compiler, who suggested that if he were in a position of power, he would “insist to make every chef in London train at this restaurant as a final lesson, to teach them the traps of excess, and to reveal what is attainable if you do just one – or three – things to their absolute best”.

A Path of Perseverance

Unlike most chefs heading kitchens in the list’s highest ranks, the head chef behind the food didn’t apprentice at elite restaurants. “I am really happy of our restaurant and our mum,” concludes her son.

A lot of restaurants take years to establish themselves, but this one first started seven years ago. Its success is due to relentless, seven-day weeks of dedication.

“My mum was really tired. She would buy ingredients in the morning and prepare the food in the afternoon. Everything is prepared manually; she would do all of this. She is a single mother and she balanced a social life but her friends would come here to support her. She was raising children and a house to manage as well. All of these roles shaped her into what she is now: a remarkable person,” he says.

An Accomplishment for the People

This restaurant’s accolade 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 major part of London,” concludes the owner, highlighting the broader significance of this gastronomic honour.