Food & Drink

BAVO, N1

29 July 2010

BAVO, N1

BAVO effortlessly displays elegant and stylish dining, offering a great foodie experience just off the beaten trail in Islington.

Its modish, minimal layout and chic table and chair design is complemented by the genuine Turkish lanterns to create a fashionable dining experience, while keeping itself grounded to the roots of its traditional appeal.

A fusion of Turkish cooking methods creates a contemporary menu offering a variety of charcoaled meats and fish, including exceedingly palatable vegetarian options.

Diving into the most popular starter, the Bavo Mixed Meze (stuffed vine leaves, humus, cacik, hellim, borek and kisir), it is clear the approach is working wonders.

What most people consider a basic starter for Turkish food was presented beautifully, drizzled with aged Mediterranean olive oil and pesto and accompanied by fresh flat bread - divine!

Seasonal changes to the menu keeps the palate guessing, so for mains we sampled the hearty beef stroganoff and kept with the traditional themed dinner by having the charcoal grilled Lamb shish kebab.

My friend got stuck into the Beef stroganoff which was served with a deep rich red wine sauce (plus an unexpected added chilli kick!) entwined with tender and juicy strips of beef, served with grilled vegetables, fluffy rice and chips.

The Lamb shish was smoky and moist - thanks to the slow charcoal grilling. Served with a tangy salsa, salad and a second serving of delicious flat bread it made for an incredibly tasty wholesome meal boasting both savoury and sweet flavours.

For dessert, I had the lemon cheesecake with a caramel flake twist, raspberry coulis and toffee sauce - without doubt the finest my friend and I had ever experienced.

Bavo has been producing fantastic food for more than six years and has won the Archant Food & Drink Award for three times in a row.

Owner Seyho Kurt has run the restaurant with the best principles a restaurateur can abide by - passion for food and maintaining the authentic Turkish tradition.

Unlike the usual frigid fine dining experience, Bavo has a warm and friendly ambient atmosphere which offers a sleek setting for two, or the Mediterranean buzz for a group. Loyal locals frequent this restaurant for its quality food, vibe and superb service. - ANNIE GERRA

Mains from: £9.95

Wine: from: £12.95

Disabled access: yes

Children welcome: yes

BAVO

105-107 Southgate Road, N1

Tel: 020 7226 0334