Seemor

Meze & ShishB+Worth Trying

Name: Meze & Shish
Address: 114 High Rd, London N2 9EB, London, United Kingdom
Rating: 4.5

114 High Rd, London N2 9EB · Turkish restaurant, Fish restaurant, Halal restaurant · 4.5/5 Google (445 reviews)

Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating

Welcoming Turkish grill in East Finchley delivering tasty classics, generous platters, and warm service, with prices that feel fair-to-premium for the area and some consistency and policy hiccups to note.

Why it gets a B+ for overall quality

Meze & Shish delivers solid neighborhood Turkish dining with strong food quality anchored by tender grills and standout lamb dishes, supported by warm, attentive service. However, inconsistent execution—occasional bland sides and variable meat quality—prevents a higher grade, while modest destination appeal keeps it in the good-local-favorite category rather than regional standout territory. Fair value and loyal repeat visits confirm reliable quality for groups and families seeking traditional Turkish classics.

Restaurant Summary

A neighborhood Turkish grill where the room feels warm and welcoming, with staff greeting guests like regulars and mezze landing to appreciative nods. One diner noted the team "went the extra mile" on a large order, while others praised the lovely interior and easygoing vibe. Policies can be firm at times (no dessert-only seating), but most visits read as friendly and attentive. The cooking leans traditional: smoky grills, slow-cooked lamb shank, and saucy Iskender over toasted bread. Think comforting Turkish classics more than experimental plates. Meze spreads and mixed grills offer good value for sharers, while seafood and chops sit at the higher end. A few reviews mention occasional bland sides, but the headline acts—Adana, lamb chops, and Incik—carry the day. Families do well here thanks to familiar grilled chicken, rice, bread, and mild meze. There is no kids menu noted, but plenty that children will eat. Vegetarian and vegan meze broaden options, and dairy-free tweaks appear on several mains. If dessert is the goal, confirm policy first—some visits report no dessert-only seating.

At a Glance

Tender grills and standout lamb shank win repeat visits
Mixed meze and platters deliver value for groups
Policy against dessert-only seating frustrated some guests
A few reports of bland sides or rushed pacing
Halal certificate not shown when requested; clarify if this matters to you

What Sets It Apart

Ottoman-style specialties like Incik
Well-composed mixed platters
Warm neighborhood hospitality

What People Love

Smoky, tender lamb and chicken from the grill
Generous sharer platters that feel like a feast
Warm, personal service that remembers guests
Comforting Ottoman-style casseroles like lamb shank

Points of Concern

Pricing can feel high for some sides and starters; bread may be extra with dips
Policy: Dessert-only seating reportedly declined; confirm before visiting for sweets
Occasional inconsistency: some bland sides or dry meat mentioned among otherwise strong meals
Review patterns show signs of potential manipulation (some templated praise, staff name repetition) which may not reflect typical diner experience

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleTable Service Average Cost£38-52 per person ReservationsRecommended

What to Order

Share Mixed Meze Starter then split a Mixed Grill to balance variety and cost
If you prefer milder flavors, choose Chicken Shish or Moussaka over Adana
Seafood fans: Sea Bass or King Prawns pair well with salad instead of mash

Perfect For

Sharing meze and a mixed grill with friends
Family dinners where everyone wants something familiar
Casual celebrations without formality
Takeaway feasts for a crowd

Location Insights

Area: Leafy North London high street with local shops; mixes families, professionals, and students; relaxed neighborhood vibe.

Safety: Generally safe and well-lit high street with steady foot traffic; typical London urban caution at night.

Nearby: Near East Finchley High Road amenities, cafes, and small retailers; residential streets just off the main road.

East FinchleyEast Finchley is a well-established residential neighborhood with a village-like atmosphere, featuring independent shops, cafes, and a range of casual dining options. The dining scene is relaxed and community-oriented, catering mostly to local families and professionals seeking quality but unpretentious meals.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday12:00–22:30 Tuesday12:00–22:30 Wednesday12:00–22:30 Thursday12:00–22:30 Friday12:00–23:00 Saturday12:00–23:00 Sunday12:00–22:30

Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating

View full analysis on Seemor →