Seemor
Kibele RestaurantB+Worth Trying
175-177 Great Portland St, London W1W 5PJ
· Turkish restaurant, Cabaret club, Live music bar
· 4.7/5 Google (3140 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Vibrant Turkish spot with lively entertainment, standout grills, and warmly attentive service; pricing is central-London moderate with set-piece nights pricier—watch for service-time limits and optional charges.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Kibele delivers solid neighborhood dining through genuinely attentive service and flavorful grilled specialties, but inconsistent execution on busy nights and occasional food safety concerns prevent a higher grade. The polished interior and lively entertainment appeal to those seeking celebratory dining, though quieter diners may find the atmosphere overwhelming and service slower during show nights.
Restaurant Summary
Lively and welcoming sums up Kibele, a Fitzrovia Turkish spot where grills meet live sax and celebratory energy. Diners describe service as genuinely attentive and often call out servers by name: "they looked after us from start to finish." The room feels polished yet relaxed, and on show nights it tips into a party vibe. The cooking leans classic Anatolian with a polished edge: chargrilled shish, mixed platters, manti, and a sweet finish with kunefe. Think elevated traditional rather than avant‑garde; most praise the tenderness of lamb and the breadth of meze, though a few report uneven mixed grills on busy services. Entertainment nights add spectacle and cost, better for those who enjoy a lively dinner show than a quiet meal. For families, it works well thanks to familiar crowd‑pleasers like chicken shish, burger with fries, rice, and chips. Portions are generous and staff are accommodating, but the music-forward evenings can run loud. If you need calmer conversation, aim for earlier seatings upstairs and skip the show floor.
At a Glance
- Warm, attentive service with memorable staff interactions
- Flavorful grills and generous platters with lively atmosphere
- Entertainment nights can be noisy and slow drinks/service
- Occasional confusion over optional charges and time limits
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- live_entertainment_downstairs
- signature_mixed_grill
- warm_personal_service
What People Love
- Feeling looked after by named servers
- Tender lamb chops and robust mixed grills
- Festive live music and celebratory touches
- Finishing with hot, syrupy kunefe
Points of Concern
- Entertainment nights may feel rushed due to fixed sittings; book carefully
- A few reports of billing/charge misunderstandings; review bill and service charge policy
- Isolated safety/allergy mishandling and undercooked items reported; confirm needs clearly
- Review patterns show signs of potential manipulation (many staff name shout-outs, marketing-style praise) which may not reflect every night
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost£45-£60 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Start with Borek or Grilled Octopus, share the Mixed Grill, add Bulgur and Salad, finish with Kunefe; budget £65-90 with drinks and service.
- For vegetarians, Musakka or Grilled Vegetables & Halloumi with meze selection works well.
Perfect For
- Birthday dinners with music and a show
- Group gatherings craving generous grills
- Date nights that like a lively scene
- Out-of-towners seeking central Turkish dining
Location Insights
Area: Bustling Fitzrovia high street near offices, media studios, and boutiques; draws locals and destination diners.
Safety: Generally safe, well-lit central area with steady evening foot traffic.
Nearby: Near Oxford Circus and Regent Street; mix of restaurants, pubs, and galleries; nightlife options close by.
FitzroviaFitzrovia is a trendy and eclectic neighborhood with a mix of traditional pubs, modern eateries, and international cuisine. It has a lively dining scene that caters to a creative and professional crowd, with a blend of casual and upscale venues.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday12:00–23:00
Tuesday12:00–23:00
Wednesday12:00–23:00
Thursday12:00–23:00
Friday12:00–01:00
Saturday12:00–01:00
Sunday12:00–22:30
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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