Dining
The 6 Best Kebabs in London
Charcoal ocakbasi grills, modern chef kebabs and the giants of Green Lanes: London's best kebabs.
In short: our top picks are Le Bab, Berenjak and Mangal 1 Ocakbasi. 6 places in total, chosen on merit, with the full reasoning below.
The kebab in London is far more than a post-pub afterthought. The Turkish ocakbasi grills of Dalston and Green Lanes do charcoal-cooked lamb that rivals anything on a white tablecloth, while Le Bab and Berenjak give the form a modern, chef-driven spin. Order the mixed grill to share, take the bread hot off the fire, and go with a handful of green chillies on the side. Some are late-night institutions, some are proper sit-down feasts.
| Place | Area | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Le Bab | Soho | ££ |
| Berenjak | Soho | ££ |
| Mangal 1 Ocakbasi | Dalston | ££ |
| Gokyuzu | Harringay | ££ |
| FM Mangal | Camberwell | ££ |
| Best Mangal | West Kensington | ££ |
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Editor’s choice
Le Bab
Why we pick itModern, chef-driven kebabs from a Kingly Court original, now also in Covent Garden and Battersea.
Worth knowingPortions run small, so budget for two or three plates a head rather than one, and book ahead for the compact Kingly Court room.
modern kebab
-
Berenjak
Why we pick itA Michelin Bib Gourmand take on Tehran's hole-in-the-wall grills, charcoal kababs and fresh flatbread.
Worth knowingA tight room of close tables and low stools with noise bouncing off hard surfaces, no bookings for most seats, and a wait standard on weekend evenings.
Persian kebab house
-
Mangal 1 Ocakbasi
Why we pick itEast London's most famous ocakbasi, decades of charcoal-grilled lamb and beyti just off Kingsland Road.
Turkish ocakbasi
-
Gokyuzu
Why we pick itThe Green Lanes giant, vast mixed grills and mezze that keep the queues coming, portions built for a feast.
Green Lanes grill
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FM Mangal
Why we pick itA no-frills south London charcoal grill with a devoted following for its lamb shish and adana.
charcoal grill
-
Best Mangal
Why we pick itA West Kensington Turkish grill so good they named it Best, charcoal kebabs and a loyal local crowd.
Turkish grill
Before you book
The Green Lanes and Dalston grills get packed at weekends and many take walk-ins only, so expect a wait for the big tables. The modern spots like Le Bab and Berenjak take bookings and suit a planned dinner. Portions at the Turkish grills are huge, so go hungry and share the mixed platters.
Common questions
What are the top picks in this guide?
Le Bab is our editor's choice: Modern, chef-driven kebabs from a Kingly Court original, now also in Covent Garden and Battersea. Le Bab, Berenjak and Mangal 1 Ocakbasi lead the guide, with 6 places in total, all chosen on merit.
How does Lamplit London choose its recommendations?
Every place is chosen on merit, after first-hand visits where possible, with no pay-for-placement. Read our full method at https://www.lamplitlondon.com/how-we-choose/.
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