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Londonderry

Europe

United Kingdom

Nestled in the vibrant heart of London at 1 Whitechapel Rd, Efes offers an authentic Turkish culinary experience that transports diners straight to the bustling streets of Istanbul. This restaurant is renowned for its rich flavors, traditional recipes, and warm, inviting atmosphere that makes every meal feel like a special occasion. Whether you're a seasoned lover of Turkish cuisine or a curious newcomer, Efes promises a memorable dining journey filled with sensory delights and cultural richness.

Efes stands out as a culinary gem for those seeking authentic Turkish dishes crafted with fresh, high-quality ingredients. The menu features standout dishes like the Lahmahcun, a thin, crispy flatbread topped with minced meat and vegetables, offering a perfect balance of savory flavors and textures. The mixed kebab platter is a highlight, juicy and tender, seasoned with a blend of traditional spices that evoke the essence of Turkish street food. The aroma of grilled meats and spices fills the air, creating an inviting atmosphere for food lovers.

One of Efes's signature features is its commitment to preserving authentic Turkish flavors, which is evident in every dish. The kebabs are juicy and flavorful, seasoned with a blend of spices that have been passed down through generations. The Lahmahcun, with its delicate, crispy crust and flavorful minced meat topping, is a must-try for first-time visitors. The restaurant's warm ambiance and attentive service enhance the dining experience, making it a favorite among locals and tourists alike.

 Efes is renowned for its authentic Turkish cuisine, especially its juicy kebabs and traditional Lahmahcun flatbread, offering a genuine taste of Turkey in London.

 To indulge in authentic Turkish flavors, enjoy a warm and inviting atmosphere, and experience a culinary journey that highlights the rich traditions of Turkey.

 Efes is conveniently located near the historic Whitechapel area, with easy access to other London attractions, making it an ideal spot for a cultural and culinary exploration.

Immerse yourself in the rich flavors of Turkey at Efes, where every dish is crafted with passion and authenticity. Whether you're craving a hearty kebab, a delicate Lahmahcun, or a sweet baklava to finish your meal, Efes offers a culinary experience that delights the senses. The friendly staff and cozy ambiance make it a perfect spot for both casual dining and special occasions. Don't miss the chance to explore the vibrant Turkish cuisine right in the heart of London.

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When I'm Europe, you must try Turkish food and, truthfully speaking, Turkish cuisine might be my favorite. It's so elite, emphasizes natural taste of its meats, and works strongly with clean vegetables for a good healthy and damn delicious diet. Efes represents that concept to an elite level, that perhaps even justifies a hefty price tag.

I ordered the Lahmahcun appetizer (6 pounds) and the mixed Kebab platter (26 pounds), which is about $8 and $34 at the time of this writing. It is not cheap despite the sufficient volume of food. But, almost 100%, justified. Lahmahcun is essentially flat bread with minced meat and vegetables on top. I enjoyed the thin, soft, yet slightly crispy and charred texture, and the appetizer served as a fantastic wrapping for the complimentary salad they give. I felt the appetizer was 100% worth it as I could still feel the minced meat texture and flavor sufficiently. It was a good dish.

The mixed kebab platter is a bit conflicting for me. I didn't expect such a heavy price tag, but truth be told, the first few bites were fucking incredible, like "bloody hell this should be illegal" incredible. It's juicy, with a nice tenderness to chew ratio, and the flavor of the meat still comes through so profoundly even with all the amazing spice and seasoning. It's really fucking good. Is it the best Turkish I've had? Top 3 in my life so far. That being said, it still is a hefty price tag for a platter and I really have to give this a lot of thought. It wasn't a life changing or educational dish, just a very solid one, but I can't imagine getting it again. Still, I'd come back to Efes for their other dishes, like more affordable Doners. 

With all that in mind, I think this is an incredible spot to have a sample of what London offers for the Turkish scene. Just do keep in mind the price tag.

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Nice Turkish fast option inside London near the Aldgate East station. This quick option is directly across from their main restaurant.

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Dined in 28 *and* 29 December 2023 

I think it is a bit pricey here, but it does seem standard for central London. We paid £80+ for two meals, 2 passion fruit mocktails, 1x falafel, and baklava. 

For the table, they serve a salad and bread with 2 dips/sauces: 1x creamy and 1x tomato-based. The bread is very addictive. You can see the salad atop the counter as you walk in. I am not sure how long they put them out before serving, but it is also the area where customers are waiting for their to-go orders. 

We ordered falafel, which came on a bed of lettuce and with a side of hummus. The falafel was good, and the hummus just intensified the flavor. 

For our main dish, we had a salmon plate and lamb shish or first visit. At our second visit, we had the lamb chops and lamb ribs plates: all plates were served with a grilled tomato, a grilled pepper, and rice. 

You can order a side of rice, but there is not an option to make changes to the kebab meals. The rice was basic white rice. 

Our server was attentive and when he wasn't immediately available, other employees came to clear the table. At a table outside, I noticed one of the employees smoking. I can't say with certainty if she washed her hands or not before returning to work. 

The atmosphere was okay. The food came out timely. We weren't rushed to leave after finishing our meals. 

The food is amazing. The salmon was juicy and flavorful, the lamb ribs were a good portion I had to take some to go, and the lamb shish was tender and delicious. I just wished there were more options or an a la cart option and more vegetables other than a single roasted tomato and grilled pepper.

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Two meals in three days. Loved this place. 

We came as a big group first for dinner then came only two for lunch the second time. Main reason is I wanted to try lamb shish which we didn't get the chance to try. 

We had mixed hot appetizers, doners, chicken shish, lamb stew ( haleb kebab) and lamb pide. All really tasty . Maybe lamb pide was my least favorite. Chicken shish was surprisingly juice so I wanted to try lamb shish which was excellent grilled. So juicy with the original lamb flavor. Bakalava was super rich and sweet with which turkey coffee or turkey tea is the must. 

Services were excellent as well. Very attentive and prompt. Really enjoyed the dining experiences here.

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Excellent service. Server was very attentive. Portions were generous. Restaurants is nice and has a classic feel to it. Great place to visit!

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Efes is the main course to the dessert place they own right across the street, though I don't like it as much as their sister shop. It's cute inside, but you can feel the heat of the meat on your face when you walk inside and it's a bit too warm for me. The staff was super helpful though and gave lots of tips on food spots nearby so that was cool!

They brought out some bread and a small salad to start. The bread was soft and fluffy, and pretty good. The salad was a little sour and heavy on the vinegar for my taste though. 

I ordered the Lamb and Chicken Kebab and it tasted good on seasoning, but was just a little dry and chewy. I would've liked to try more and give it a chance but just wasn't interested enough to go back even though it was right next to the dessert place.

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Came here here to eat at 9pm on Saturday after flying in from the states. I have walked by on other trips and just hadn't had the chance to stop in yet so this was the opportunity. 

I had the minced lamb kabab #23 and it was nice and juicy. The plate is simple but it's exactly what I expressed based on the pictures in the menu. 

The green pepper is HOT so beware. 

The pita is delicious it comes out warm and fluffy which is complementary along with the salad. The salad might not be for all taste but I really enjoyed it. It has a vinagar beet flavor to it

Overall very good

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So far our best food experience in London! Wonderful staff. Every bite was amazing! Got the pide, lamb kebab, chicken. All lovely!

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The food is absolutely outstanding- fresh and delicious- but that's just the cherry on top of the wonderful service and warm welcome that Emircon gave us.  It was so good we went back two times in a row.  My 5 kids all gave it 5 stars as well!  It's a don't miss!

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The food was good! I had kebab and my husband has islander and we loved it. We got a side of babaganus which was also fantastic. The service was lacking. We asked for the bread which we were willing to pay and never got it. Then we noticed people had it for free. So that was annoying but overall good foos

Efes Turkish Restaurant in Londonderry near Aldgate East – Authentic, Family-Friendly, Top-Rated Eats

Nestled in the bustling heart of Londonderry, Efes offers a delightful dive into Turkish cuisine, where every dish is a testament to rich flavors and culinary tradition. From fresh, grilled meats to delectable desserts, the menu is a celebration of aromatic spices and vibrant ingredients. Here's a closer look at what awaits you at Efes.

Begin your culinary journey with an array of **starters** that tantalize the taste buds: 

Lahmahcun: A delightful flatbread topped with minced meat and fresh vegetables, perfect for sharing.

Mixed Hot Appetizers: A selection of traditional Turkish bites that set the stage for a remarkable meal.

Falafel: Crispy on the outside, with a soft, flavorful center, served on a bed of fresh greens.

For the main course, Efes showcases a variety of dishes that embody the essence of Turkish cooking. Guests can indulge in hearty portions of expertly grilled meats accompanied by traditional sides. Highlights include: 

Experience authentic flavors at Efes in London’s Whitechapel. Dive into rich Turkish cuisine and create unforgettable dining memories today!

Efes Turkish Restaurant in Londonderry near Aldgate East – Authentic, Family-Friendly, Top-Rated Eats

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