Mangal Ocakbasi

Which is the best ocakbasi, or Turkish grill restaurant, in Dalston? That’s a subject of fierce debate, best discussed over a plate of kebab and a cold Efes beer – remembering to bring your own, it’s unlicensed – at Mangal Ocakbasi in Dalston. Going since 1991, it’s a rackety no-frills joint, always packed, but somehow they squeeze you in. A typical order might be Turkish bread to start, with hummus or eggplant salad, then chicken shish or lamb kofte from the mangal (grill).