The story
Chef-owner Civan Er has been reinterpreting Turkish cuisine for over twenty-five years. Trained at Leith’s and having honed his craft in London, he returned to Istanbul to open Yeni Lokanta in 2013, a restaurant that quickly earned a spot in the discovery series of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants. In January 2019, he brought his vision to Beak Street, Soho, opening Yeni — a neighbourhood restaurant that applies traditional Anatolian techniques to the finest British produce.
The cooking here is defined by open fire. Dishes are cooked over oak in a Josper oven, giving them a distinctive smokiness. The à la carte menu offers a rich journey through Anatolian-inspired dishes: yeni mantı (dumplings), grilled aubergine with Colston Bassett and figs, and Gibraltar octopus with tarama and grapefruit. For those who want to let the kitchen lead, the Tasting Menu (£96 per person) is individually served and includes seasonal plates like Orkney scallops with muhammara, oak-roasted organic lamb, and a choice of dessert, all paired with açma bread and smoked butter. A vegetarian tasting menu is also available, featuring mammole artichokes, wild mushrooms with garlic scapes, and crispy kadayıf with sahlep ice cream.
Yeni’s warm, welcoming atmosphere fills up quickly — booking ahead is recommended. The restaurant’s recognition by the Michelin Guide speaks to the consistency and quality of the cooking, which is rooted in tradition yet feels fresh and vibrant. The wine list is equally thoughtful, with a strong selection of Turkish bottles alongside classics from France, Italy, and beyond, plus a concise cocktail menu that includes a mezcal-based Adana with passionfruit and isot.
Whether you come for a quick bite at the bar — try the house-cured lamb sucuk sando or the grilled beef köfte with truffle butter — or settle in for a full tasting experience, Yeni delivers a genuine taste of modern Turkish cuisine in the heart of London.
Recognition
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