The Grand Bazaar

Love this place - I work round the corner and have been going for around 7 years. I have taken countless friends there (all Brits, maybe Turks have different levels of expectation) , and it is always 100% consistent in the food cooking/ standard/ portions. Someone complained below that the waiter gave them a can of coke, and didn't pour it in the glass! It is not a fancy dining experience, it is casual, big portions, fresh of the grill. The lunch deal is brilliant, such good value for money. Love the decor. It is miles better than the Turkish restaurant round the corner which I didn't like. I recommend the grilled chicken or the Kofte. Am hungry just thinking about it! My favourite Turkish restaurant!
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Mrs Berry
10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Thursday, January 12, 2012

RIP-OFF! AVOID! The place is nothing more than a tourist trap. I had some relatives over and we decided to have lunch whilst shopping. They do a so-called "lunch special" which would have suited pefectly. The food was stodge, quickly prepared without any care and was likewarm. We only ordered soft drinks and were given the cans to pour ourselves! The bill included a huge service charge which was a third of the bill and when we argued we were told we had to pay since there were six of us, though this was never said beforehand. On the menu it said service charge for pre-booked parties over 2 though it said nothing about it being compulsory. Never go there again and they should be reported to trading standards!
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Angry Raj
1 Overall rating
Food 2 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 3 | Value for money 0
Friday, December 30, 2011

I went to Grand Bazaar with my husband and daughter. we went on a Monday night so it wasn't that busy, the good was quick, hot and served on time. The atmosphere of the place is very memorable. The service was good but i think there were times where they were struggling to keep up with orders and clearing tables etc. Overall, Good food, very good value for money especially being a restaurant in central london and lovely atmosphere. Would recommend to family and friends.
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Sonia Ahmad
10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Excellent food, service was outstandingly valuable. Will definitely be back
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david jones
10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 10
Wednesday, February 09, 2011

I went here probably two years go, when I first came to london. recommended for value for money and a group gathering..! Food is not that bad either.
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Sunny - View all reviews by this user
8 Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 9
Friday, June 25, 2010

I have been here several times and each time the food is lovely. It's the service which needs improving. Last night was the worst yet - Our starter was the waiter knocking the bread off our small table with one hand and tipping the yoghurt dip over my friend's silk dress with the other. To make amends he squirted it with lemon kitchen cleaner and tried to wipe it with some paper napkins. To be fair, he did say sorry though! Once she had returned from the ladies (to soak it in water) they pushed two tables together and we had an exceedingly good meze for two accompanied by two soft drinks. The bill came to £30 (no deductions offered for the 'accident'). I would go there again as I like the food, but next time will wear protective clothing.
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6 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 2 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 5
Thursday, June 24, 2010

Service was bad but the food was really good
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Courteney
5 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 0 | Value for money 10
Wednesday, March 31, 2010

My boyfriend knew this restaurant and took me there one evening, although it's best to book as it was so busy. We decided to go in when we went past it. no table was not available so we were asked to sit outside at a table for 10 mins (it was a warm evening) whilst one table inside finished. We then got the table quite quickly. The restaurant was packed and the atmosphere was brilliant, buzzy and friendly. We ordered the Meze which was well worth the money and good quality. The only problem was not having enough room on the table for two people with all the plates and a bottle of wine. Later on we were asked if we would not mind moving to another table to accommodate a group of 6. We did not mind because we were given a complimentary dessert, which was a fair gesture. I'm probably going back for my birthday. Good, fun restaurant with good value and authentic food. I'd recommend it for a fun and good value night!
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Annette
9 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 9
Thursday, October 08, 2009

My boyfriend knew this restaurant and took me there one evening, although it's best to book as it was so busy. We decided to go in when we went past it. no table was not available so we were asked to sit outside at a table for 10 mins (it was a warm evening) whilst one table inside finished. We then got the table quite quickly. The restaurant was packed and the atmosphere was brilliant, buzzy and friendly. We ordered the Meze which was well worth the money and good quality. The only problem was not having enough room on the table for two people with all the plates and a bottle of wine. Later on we were asked if we would not mind moving to another table to accommodate a group of 6. We did not mind because we were given a complimentary dessert, which was a fair gesture. I'm probably going back for my birthday. Good, fun restaurant with good value and authentic food. I'd recommend it for a fun and good value night!
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Annette - View all reviews by this user
9 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 9
Thursday, October 08, 2009

Once you get past the seemingly nice ambience, the lack of sufficient or efficient service starts to really grate. By the end, I could not wait to escape.

Last night the restaurant was packed, yet they only had one waiter taking all the orders and a number of other runners bring around plates of mezze but really having no idea as to which table ordered what. Hopeless. The manager's efforts were focused on drawing more punters from the street and avoiding losing customers to his neighbours. That would be acceptable if those who had been drawn in were treated properly. I only hope that the manager reads this and takes notice.

The food (when it finally arrived) was actually quite good. A very extensive menu with pasta and pizzas on it as well which, for a Turkish restaurant, is completely unnecessary and presumably only done to ensure that customers with varying cravings have less reason to wander off to one of the neighbouring restaurants on the same strip. Such an extensive menu normally means one thing - that everything is not as fresh as it should be. This is probably the case here but they did a good job at covering it up.

The mezze were decent but I would not say outstanding. The vegetarian pide was poor though - avoid that if you can. My chicken shish was very tastey but I agree with the reviews below that it is wierd that they serve peas and carrots (as well as rice and salad) with it. What is that all about?! I was so hungry by the time the food came that I ate it all in any event.

I cannot make up my mind if I would ever go back here given the poor service - probably not though. There are definitely better and more authentic Turkish restaurants in London, so do not be fooled by the charming view from the street.
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Rick Brown
5 Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 2 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 5
Wednesday, July 15, 2009