Review of Lokal: A Taste of Modern Turkish Cuisine in Fitzrovia

After a morning spent browsing the shops of Regent Street, we were ready for a leisurely lunch away from the crowds. Just a few minutes from Oxford Circus station, tucked away in a quiet Fitzrovia enclave, Lokal offers a welcome retreat from the bustle of the West End.

The restaurant strikes a balance between contemporary London dining and the rich culinary traditions of Anatolia. The atmosphere is relaxed yet polished, with an open prep area and a chic bar, as well as plenty of outdoor seating for when the weather permits. Most captivating is the wood-fired oven, where fresh bread is baked throughout service, allowing diners to watch the process while enjoying the enticing aroma that fills the restaurant.

Our lunch arrived mezze-style, with a selection of small plates served together. This proved to be one of the pleasures of the meal, allowing us to mix and match flavours, textures and ingredients, creating a dining experience that felt both sociable and unhurried.

Time to talk about the food! The Lokal Bread, served warm from the oven, was an immediate highlight. Freshly baked and wonderfully aromatic, it was the perfect accompaniment to the dishes that followed and a testament to the theatre of the open kitchen. The Cacik brought refreshing notes of yoghurt, cucumber and herbs, while the Heritage Beetroot offered earthy sweetness balanced by creamy goat's curd and the crunch of pistachios.

The Lokal Aubergine was particularly impressive, its smoky depth complemented by roasted peppers and fresh herbs, delivering layers of flavour that lingered long after the last bite. Equally enjoyable was the Artichoke, delicately prepared to showcase the natural sweetness and tenderness of the vegetable. The Kofte provided a heartier counterpoint, beautifully charred on the outside while remaining succulent within, its subtle spicing allowing the quality of the meat to shine.

Lokal also offers an extensive cocktail list, making it an appealing destination for both lunch and evening dining. On this occasion, however, we chose to finish our meal more traditionally with Turkish tea.

Dessert was Kadayif, the classic shredded pastry delicacy. Crisp, buttery and filled with sweet nutty flavours, it provided the perfect conclusion to the meal, especially when paired with the robust, aromatic tea.

What makes Lokal stand out is its ability to feel both contemporary and authentic. The food is confident without being complicated, the setting stylish without pretension, and the service warm and welcoming. For those seeking a memorable lunch after a day shopping in the West End, Lokal offers a delicious journey into modern Anatolian cuisine just moments from the capital's busiest streets.

Address: 7-8 Market Place, London, W1W, 8AG

For more information, click here.

Words and food photography by Claire Bloom

Interior photography courtesey of Lokal