Pera

Where the fantastically weird Zupa The Food Lab once traded, Pera has now opened, on the lower stretch of Elm Row. Serving a menu of Turkish favourites, I crossed the threshold with a keen sense of expectation.

I was immediately made to feel at home, not least because their choice of artwork, by Turkish artist Emrah Yucel, has bedecked the cover of The Istanbul Review, in the past.

Their menu offered a simple selection of Turkish classics. An array of freshly made cold mezze seemed like a good way to start, then the friendly owner suggested lamb kofte cooked on their charcoal grill would be a good main. This sounded grand to me.

The selection of mezze was quickly brought, along with good pide bread. These simple salads and vegetable dishes worked very nicely and the bread was fresh. The artichokes were particularly good. It was a pleasing opener.

The main course was also pretty good. Warmly spiced lamb mince kebab was accompanied by flatbread, bulgur and a salad peppered with flavour packed pomegranate seeds. It was hearty, homestyle fare of enjoyable quality.

I accompanied this with aromatic Turkish tea, which hit the spot very nicely. For the princely sum of £11.45 (two courses for £9.95 and £1.50 for the tea) I was left with a belly full of tasty treats.

So overall, Pera offers impressive value in welcoming surroundings. My fellow patrons were firing into the deadly aniseed doom of raki, but the tea suited me better. If you fancy a slice of typical Turkish home cooking, give Pera a visit at your earliest convenient opportunity.

Scores
3.5/5 for food
3.5/5 for presentation
3.5/5 for setting
4/5 for service
giving an overall 14.5/20

I ate: cold mezze platter; lamb kofte

I drank: tea

I wore: blue and red

Total bill: £11.45