Reviews Best Mangal 1996

Zomato
Kaustav Das
+4
Visited tonight i.e. 02-june-18 for dinner.
Turkish food... Nice interior. Friendly hosts...
Food is good.

We ordered.. Squid, chicken in yogurt, some chips & grilled tomatoes
Jun 03, 2018
Zomato
Nilesh Deshmukh
+4
I went to Best Mangal II after a night out with friends expecting this place to be a kebab joint, a posh kebab joit since it was in Kensington. But I was surprised by the place. I love places whet the staff interacts with you but here the staff not only interacts with you they plan your menušŸ˜€šŸ˜€ and they do a fab job with it!!

The food is fantastic. If you love your meat this place won't disappoint you!

I will be going back to BMII again albeit sober though šŸ»Try the meat platter and the Raki or sure! šŸ‡¹šŸ‡³šŸ»
Nov 05, 2016
Zomato
Pankhuri Agarwal
+3.5
The food is fresh, flavourful and the portions are extremely generous. I ordered halloumi, the veg kebabs and the felafel wrap. The bread they served along was also excellent.
Jun 18, 2016
Zomato
THE ZOMATO WARRIOR
+4
Solid.

Express lunch menu is easy and does the business. Obviously get the soup, it is quality. Would also recommend grabbing as much bread as you can because that stuff is golden.

Little secret: the Best Mangal 100m down North End Road is actually marginally better.

But this place still hits the spot.
Feb 07, 2015
Zomato
Maybe It's Because
+3.5
By Koray Hussein

I know youā€™re never meant to skip the original and go straight to the sequel and Iā€™d never dream of watching Harry Potter XV: Harry Goes For A Haircut, without watching the first fourteen films (which luckily for me, I have no plans of watching) but I donā€™t think that rule applies to restaurants.

Iā€™m not going to lie, the idea of having a place called Best Mangal II did make me laugh as surely only one of these places can actually be the best (and thatā€™s not including Best Mangal III in Fulham) but I figured Iā€™d give it a go anyway.

Hereā€™s where this review kind of splits into two separate reviews. If you wish to just read about Best Mangal II and Best Mangal II only then skip down a couple of paragraphs. If however you want read about a great little app which can help you find new restaurants and cafes then just read on as normal.

How I actually stumbled across the place at all is kind of amazing in itself. If you came to this review straight from our Twitter or Facebook then you probably bypassed our main page which has a rather large, rotating banner at the top. One of the banners we have is of our page over on Zomato, a restaurant review/discovery site which we here at Maybe Itā€™s Because use on a daily basis. Theyā€™re not a sponsor (although we wouldnā€™t say no!), so you can trust me when I say that their new mobile app is amazing (You can use that on your promotional material guysā€¦ But only if you donā€™t censor it).

If you use apps like Urbanspoon or Google Maps (nobody should ever use Apple Maps because we live in a civilised world) then you probably know how to search for new places in certain locations, but the smart folk over at Zomato have taken it a step further. Yes, the majority of the app is (although very nice and useful) the same as their old app but just cleaned upā€¦ However thereā€™s one new feature which I used to find Best Mangal IIā€¦ The circleā€¦ thingymajiggy feature (I donā€™t know what itā€™s actually called). With the circle thingymajiggy feature you just tap on the Nearby button at the bottom, then the map icon in the top right (which could have been labelled better), then tap on the ā€œfinger drawing a semi circleā€ icon and draw a circle around an area you want to search. Itā€™s a great little feature which helps you exclude places that you donā€™t feel like going to, even if they arenā€™t too far away.

It gets better though, as you can even use filters on your circular search, which I tested out with a brilliant result.

Hey guys who didnā€™t want to read about the app! You can start reading here!

I was in the Kensington area at roughly 1am with a few friends. We were waiting for another one of our lot to come by and we were all kind of hungry so I figured Iā€™d give the app a whirl and see what I could find. I drew a circle around where we would be willing to go (which considering it was 1am, wasnā€™t too far) and ran through the filters.

Go Out For A Meal

Open at 1am (duh)

Serves Halal Meat (for one of our friends)

Exclude chains (Because sod McDonalds)

After a few seconds Best Mangal II popped up right around the corner. Sorted.

We made our way over once our friend had made his way to us and once presented with the menu, all went for a lamb shish wrap.

Now, if youā€™ve read my Umut 2000 review from a couple of months back, then youā€™ll know that Best Mangal II has some pretty stiff competition. Umut 2000 is quite possibly my favourite place to eat in the entire city and my favourite dish at my favourite restaurant? Thatā€™s right, a lamb shish wrap.

Either way we all got our wraps and since the place was about to close up decided to take our food out and eat in the street like animals.

First things first, if I were to have never gone to Umut 2000, this place would probably be getting a much more favourable review than they are right now. The meat was cooked perfectly and the wrap itself was pretty damn bigā€¦ but dat salad doe.

Shredded carrot in a lamb shish? Really, Best Mangal II? Really? It was all fresh and seemed to be of a good quality but so is the bagged salad at my local Tesco. The salad just didnā€™t fit. It wasnā€™t tailored to the meal I was having and just seemed likeā€¦ salad.

The bread too just did not fit. At Umut 2000ā€™s your meat is served in a thick wrap which has had meat juice soaked right through. At Best Mangal II (what is it with all these numbers in their names?!) it was just your standard tortilla wrap. Such a shame.

The guys seemed friendly enough and the interior was pleasant but I canā€™t help but think that this kebab was let down by itā€™s makers. They did all the hard parts right, cooking the meat perfectly. It was just that last bit of attention to detail which got in the way.

If you want to see our other non-food related reviews and features please visit our site.

Nov 21, 2014
Zomato
Madrugada
+4.5
Recently moved to London, a fan of Turkish style cooking of meat, and you know that Kebap is not small touristic buffets or restraurants with a rather confused menu in Stoke Newington.OR you are on a foodie discovery for ā€œOcakbasiā€ around London, and though you like the aroma of kebaps you tasted, you are not sure what the genuine kebap offering should be. If so, Best Mangal II should be the 2nd venue for your showcase.Ā 

Note that ā€œMangalā€ is an Anatolian word for open charcoal fire for cooking and ā€œOcakbasiā€ is the ritual of meat cooked and tasted with chatter, as you get seated just across the fireplace. This cuisine is also linked to socializing around the fire with family and friends, the warmth and tasty meat bringing people together. In that traditional sense, neither Best Mangal II nor many other acclaimed venues are not an ā€œOcakbasiā€ where the guests are literally glowing with the light of fire and having kebaps cooked just inches away. Still, the menu options, the selection of meat, and never-changing quality of taste calls for you with the smell and smoke, near West Kensington tube.

An exquisite kebap is a matter of timing, as the chef needs to calculate a synchronized time for different types of meat on the fireplace, and even needs to take the time for service after cooking into account, so that your first bite is not dry but juicy, not too hot, and basically superb for that particular meat.

If you are into getting your first taste, wraps with small chunks of kebap meat with Ayran is the optimum choice. For the newcomers, Ayran is a tasty and salty yogurt drink, and the best companion to kebaps instead of a can of Coke that literally kills the aroma of the meat.

Do not underrate the ā€œezme saladā€ to go with your kebap- not many venues focus on a side-dish order with kebap, but the addition of spicy red pepper, tomato and walnut crush to your dish will be memorable.

If you are into a longer discovery for dinner and chatter, you should definitely get selections of Lamb Chop, CopSis, Liver and baby chicken. Raki should be there to accompany the feast ā€“ only then you can claim to have a real kebap ritual.

The staff is quick and easy-going, however, this is part of the Turkish presentation of food rather than their personal skills. Ā 

a quick tip: Even if it intrigues you and they have above average Schwarma/Doner with respect to other venues in London, the best option would not be Schwarma within the extensive menu.

a social media disclaimer: the venue is not a falafel place, as some social media apps confusing the foodies, with this description!
Oct 08, 2014
Zomato
Betina Buhova
+4
The best kebab in London! Value for money! There is a large range of menu options and different offers! The meat is delightful and not that greasy and fat like everywhere else! The staff is really fast- working, amusing and friendly! They remember my order, which makes it easier for me! It is probably because I go there almost every day but it's worth it! If you taste the best mangal's kebab you will repeat it for sure!
Sep 25, 2014
Zomato
NickT
+4.5
Wonderful food. Reliably good and far superior to the average kebab joint. A local favourite.
Aug 31, 2014
Zomato
Mike Li
+5
Best kebabs I have ever eaten and consistently so too! Their yaprak donner is nothing less than show-stopping.
Oct 03, 2013
5
Kamal Samarrai
+5
Been coming here for close to 15 years. Always top Turkish food with amazing prices and nice homely atmosphere. Highly recommended.
5
Shahzad Choudhry
+5
I tried today at Best Mangal, really enjoyed the delicious food & welcomed by friendly staff, yummy & healthy grilled food, ā€œstrongly recommendedā€
5
ivana pavic
+5
With its charming ambiance, attentive staff, and delectable cuisine, Best Mangal in West Kensington is a must-visit for anyone seeking an unforgettable Turkish dining experience. Whether you're a fan of kebabs or eager to explore the world of mezze, this restaurant will leave you with lasting memories of exceptional flavours and warm hospitality. The culinary journey at Best Mangal is nothing short of extraordinary. Their menu boasts a wide selection of mouthwatering kebabs, tantalising mezze, and authentic Turkish dishes. Every dish was prepared with precision, highlighting the chef's expertise and dedication to quality. The flavourful charcoal-grilled meats and perfectly seasoned seafood were a true delight for the taste buds. The staff at Best Mangal deserves high praise for their professionalism and kindness. From the moment I stepped inside, I was greeted with warm hospitality and a charming ambiance that transported me to the vibrant streets of Turkey. The rustic decor and soothing background music created an inviting atmosphere that set the stage for an unforgettable dining experience.
5
Jeduana Eda
+5
This restaurant has been a family favourite for over a decade and it never fails to hit the spot. The food is by far the best Turkish food around and always gets the best reactions from everyone we bring in. We often opt for the mixed grill sharing platters, which lets everyone try a bit of everything, and the rice pudding dessert is absolutely delicious. The wraps are also a takeaway favourite for us and now our friends too! Honestly cannot fault anything about this family run restaurant. Itā€™s clear how much they care about their customers and quality of food!
5
Chef V
+5
I recently had the pleasure of dining at Best Mangal 1996 in West Kensington, and I must say it was an exceptional experience from start to finish. From the moment I stepped into the restaurant, I was captivated by its warm and inviting ambience. The attentive staff greeted me with a smile and promptly seated me in a comfortable setting. The decor exuded an authentic Turkish charm, with tasteful touches that created an immersive dining atmosphere. The star of the show, however, was undoubtedly the food. Best Mangal 1996 delivered on its promise of serving the best of Turkish cuisine. The menu boasted an array of tantalizing options, from succulent kebabs to flavorful mezze platters. I opted for their mixed grill, and I was blown away by the perfectly cooked, tender meats bursting with delicious spices. The generous portions left me more than satisfied, and each bite transported me to the streets of Istanbul. To complement the meal, the restaurant also offered a diverse selection of refreshing beverages, including traditional Turkish tea. Overall, Best Mangal 1996 in West Kensington deserves its reputation as one of the finest Turkish restaurants in the area. The combination of a charming atmosphere, attentive service, and delectable dishes makes it a true gem. Whether you're seeking an authentic Turkish dining experience or simply looking to indulge in mouthwatering flavours, this restaurant is a must-visit. I highly recommend Best Mangal 1996 for a memorable and delightful culinary journey.
5
Phuc Hai Tran
+5
You get exactly what you are paying for: quality. The food is cooked perfectly, never too dry or too raw, the decor is gentile and the staffs are pleasant. The menu covers quite the list of options, a to-go place for good Turkish food.
5
Smyrna
+5
Great food & great service. Been a favourite for many years now and they have also started doing cocktails šŸ˜šŸ˜Š
5
sandZ
+5
Amazing home made desserts .. the food is also great especially adana kebab .. the staff are lovely and make ur visit special always welcoming
5
Laura Davidson
+5
We are tourists from the US and are not familiar with Turkish restaurants, but our friend recommended this restaurant and we had a wonderful experience. We had the sampling platter and humus and it was all wonderful and a good choice. Also tried the Turkish wine and enjoyed that as well. The restaurant is notably clean and they grill on charcoal just by the front door. So good!
5
Danny Chan
+5
Best food and good service have been here many times never disappointed
5
serra c
+5
First time I went to this restaurant and my eyes popped out when I saw the price of the lamb shishšŸ¤£šŸ¤£šŸ¤£it is Ā£19. šŸ˜±but I realised that this restaurant is located in West Kensington (London), a very posh place to live.šŸ˜šŸ‘the waiter was very friendly. They offered us free Turkish tea, we drank 6 in totalšŸ˜…šŸ˜‚I Loveeeee Turkish tea. Where is Turkish tea, I am therešŸ˜† I paid Ā£36 pounds for adana kebab and lamb shish. I also left Ā£4 tips for their generosity, they didn't charge us for the teas. šŸ¤©šŸ™šŸ™šŸ™ The portion was really good. It was a great value for the money we spent. The meat, ohhh that meattttt, how yummy it was, uh la lašŸ˜šŸ˜šŸ˜ I definitely recommend you to go there and have a nice dinner. They need to improve their heating though. If I was not drinking hot Turkish tea, I would be cold.šŸ˜‰ Well done to the staff. I will be back, Astala VistašŸ˜†šŸ‘šŸ’™šŸ’ŽāœØšŸ’«šŸ‘¶
5
Lee Vee Kay
+5
Great email communication when I booked a table for 18. We were all seated together. Very attentive staff, very relaxed atmosphere and most importantly delicious food. Thank you! I highly recommend them.
4
Suthini Tanangsnakool
+4
Delicious food!! We ordered hot starter for 2 and the mix grilled for share for our main. The portion was very big! Next time we would order only main course because it is big enough to full our stomachs. The ribs were my favorite! Juicy and tasty. The place was very crowded during dinner hours that we had to sit very near to another customers next to us. However, it would be better if the waiter could be more polite because he passed the bill over us to the table near by while we were looking at the menu lol.
5
Theodore Mullan
+5
Best food you can find in the area, hands down, and Iā€™ve lived in West Ken for over 7 years. Iā€™ve googled this place probably about 50 times to call them on my way home from work, and thought itā€™s probably time to leave a review. Iā€™ve sampled most of the menu but the wraps are incredible. Impeccable. Tastiest meatiest big beauties. The meat, spice, salad, the wrap itself, etc., so so good.
5
Broni Cuff
+5
Utter class act. The food is so good, the wait staff don't need to come and ask if everything is ok, because it's always perfect. Open early till late, friendly and the whole kitchen etc is spotlessly clean and very organized.
5
Nagena
+5
Truly the most authentic Turkish place. The food was cooked to perfection, friendly people, not over priced, clean and lovely seating. Complementary warm bread and the food arrived quickly. It was like being back on holiday in Turkey. There's another place with sort of the same name, this one is closest to the sainsbury local. Definitely worth a visit if you're within the area.
5
Paul Hibbert
+5
My go to place for Turkish cuisine
4
M S
+4
Nice place with fresh lovely food and very good service. Prices are very reasonable too. Premises are a bit small but fine. Has a bar inside. It's typical Turkish food and I'd recommend the fish and mezze. A nice experience and a recommended one. Toilets are also decent and clean although downstairs.
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