Seemor
Grand BazaarA-Worth Trying
22 James St, London W1U 1EJ
· Turkish restaurant
· 4.6/5 Google (786 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Authentic Turkish cooking with standout pide, lahmacun, and baklava in a central Marylebone spot; warm hospitality most days, but service can be uneven at peak times.
Why it gets an A- for overall quality
Grand Bazaar delivers exceptional food quality with standout pide, lahmacun, and baklava that justify its strong reputation, supported by generally attentive service and a convenient West End location. However, occasional consistency lapses, tight seating during peak times, and intermittent service friction prevent grade A territory. It's a reliable neighborhood favorite that exceeds typical casual dining standards without reaching destination-level distinction.
Restaurant Summary
Tucked just off Oxford Street, Grand Bazaar feels warm and bustling rather than chaotic. Guests describe kind, attentive staff and plates that arrive quickly, with one diner noting, "the baklava was on another level." However, there are some review authenticity concerns suggesting certain reviews may be solicited or influenced. The cooking leans classic Turkish with stone-oven breads, vibrant meze, and comforting lamb dishes. Expect crisp-edged lahmacun, generous pide, and sweet, pistachio-packed baklava rather than culinary theatrics. It suits shoppers, casual dates, and families who want authentic flavors without formality. Families are generally welcome, with kid-approachable choices like cheese pide, wraps, and hummus. No explicit kids menu shown, but portions are generous and staff usually accommodating. Do note one outlier complaint about seating with a baby during a busy period.
At a Glance
- Excellent pide, lahmacun, and baklava with authentic flavors
- Central, convenient location near Selfridges
- Generally fast, friendly service; good dietary care when flagged
- Service can be brusque at peak times; a few confrontations reported
- Occasional pricing/value complaints (soft drinks, service charge handling)
What Sets It Apart
- Authentic stone-oven breads
- Exceptional baklava
- Central Marylebone convenience
What People Love
- Crisp, flavorful lahmacun
- Generous meze and portions
- Warm Turkish tea service
- Baklava praised as best-in-city by several
Points of Concern
- Isolated reports of rude or confrontational hosting during busy periods
- A few complaints about overpricing of soft drinks and tip pressure
- Rare but serious hygiene allegation; not corroborated widely
- Review patterns show signs of potential manipulation (very high five-star share, staff name disputes) which may not reflect typical diner experience
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost£30-45 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Build a shareable spread: meze platter (£12.50) plus a pide to split, finish with baklava and tea
- For lighter bites, pair hummus (£3.90) or dolma (£4.85) with Turkish tea
Perfect For
- Post-shopping lunch near Selfridges
- Casual group dinner with shareable meze
- Comforting Turkish classics night
- Sweet stop for tea and baklava
Location Insights
Area: Busy central shopping corridor by Oxford Street/Selfridges; heavy footfall, mix of locals, office workers, and visitors.
Safety: Well-lit, high foot traffic, generally safe even late due to retail density.
Nearby: Steps from Selfridges, department stores, cafes; strong lunch and pre/post-shopping dining demand.
MaryleboneMarylebone offers a refined dining scene with a mix of traditional British pubs, contemporary restaurants, and chic cafes. The area is known for its elegant streets, boutique shops, and a quieter atmosphere compared to the more tourist-heavy parts of the West End, making it popular for relaxed yet sophisticated dining experiences.
Marylebone VillageMarylebone Village is a charming enclave within Marylebone, characterized by its village-like feel, independent shops, and a concentration of high-end restaurants and gourmet food stores. It offers an intimate and upscale dining environment away from the busier main streets.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:00–22:00
Tuesday11:00–22:00
Wednesday11:00–22:00
Thursday11:00–22:00
Friday11:00–22:00
Saturday10:00–22:00
Sunday10:00–22:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
View full analysis on Seemor →