Why I love Kibele on Great Portland Street, London
Kibele (meaning Goddess) on Great Portland Street is one of those places you leave feeling quietly pleased with yourself for choosing it. I would go so far as saying it’s one of the best Turkish restaurants I’ve been to in London.
It sits in the middle of a busy stretch of Fitzrovia, yet once you step inside, the room feels warm, relaxed and full of life. There’s an ease to the way the restaurant runs, from the layout of the tables to the rhythm of service, which makes it somewhere you settle into quickly.
Service is one of Kibele’s real strengths. Friendly, attentive and genuinely thoughtful, without ever tipping into formality. You are given time to enjoy the meal, to talk, to order another drink, to linger. It feels natural rather than rehearsed, which is not as common as it should be.
The cocktails arrive early and make a strong first impression. Well-balanced, carefully made, and generous enough to slow the evening down in the best possible way. The sort of drinks that encourage conversation and lead, almost inevitably, to ordering another.
The food is fresh, generous and full of flavour, with plenty designed for sharing. The mixed grill is unbelievable both in terms or quantity and quality - think tender lamb, grilled chicken, koftas, salad, sauces.. the list goes on! Plates arrive colourful and inviting, and the meal unfolds at an easy pace rather than in a rush; you can easily spend a few hours here chatting. One of the nicest details is the open kitchen, where you can see the team working throughout the service. It brings energy to the room and gives a sense of confidence in what is coming out to the tables.
What really sets Kibele apart is how genuinely family-friendly it is. Children are not treated as an afterthought here. They’re welcomed warmly, given colouring books and crayons as soon as they sit down, and made to feel part of the experience rather than something to manage around. You don’t see children sitting in front of screens in the corner! It’s the sort of place where adults can enjoy themselves, and children feel comfortable and included.
It also helps that the restaurant stays open throughout the afternoon, making it an easy choice for a late lunch, an early supper, or an unplanned meal between meetings, shopping, or appointments.
On Thursday nights, live music adds another layer to the evening. Not loud or intrusive, but enough to lift the atmosphere and turn dinner into something you remember.
Kibele is the kind of restaurant you recommend without hesitation. Good food, great cocktails, warm service, and a space that works just as well for couples as for families. A place you return to, and one you are always happy to bring people to for the first time.