Seemor
Pitted Olive Cafe RestaurantB+Worth Trying
3 Leigh St, London WC1H 9EW
· Turkish restaurant, Cafe, Deli
· 4.8/5 Google (1079 reviews)
Takeout · Outdoor seating
Warm Turkish cafe near King’s Cross serving fresh, hearty plates and excellent value lunches; mostly glowing reviews with occasional complaints about service tone and crowding.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Pitted Olive Cafe delivers reliable Turkish comfort food with exceptional roast chicken and moussaka that justify its loyal following, and outstanding service speed makes it ideal for pre-train lunches. However, cramped seating during peak hours and inconsistent service warmth prevent grade A territory—solid neighborhood favorite rather than destination dining.
Restaurant Summary
Steps from the stations, this cozy Turkish spot hums with a lunch rush and the scent of grilled flatbreads. Plates arrive fast and generous, and a regular put it simply: "the chicken falls off the bone and the sides taste fresh." The room can feel tight at peak times, but staff are often warm and the vibe stays casual and bustling. Cooking here leans classic Anatolian comfort: fresh meze, tender stews, and hot trays ready at lunch rather than cheffy theatrics. Gozleme is made up front, moussaka and stuffed aubergine win loyalists, and vegetarians eat well beyond token salads. Expect familiar flavors done right, with speed over ceremony. For families, it works well if you time it right. Kids tend to like the roast chicken, rice, and pastries, but space is tight—strollers can be tricky at the rush. No kids menu spotted, yet the straightforward plates and friendly pricing make it an easy, central option.
At a Glance
- Tender roast chicken and comforting moussaka are crowd favorites
- Quick, filling lunch sets at fair prices
- Small, cramped dining room during lunch rush
- Occasional brusque or defensive service interactions
- Come before 1 pm to avoid queues and item sell-outs
What Sets It Apart
- fresh_gozleme_in_window
- pre_train_friendly_speed
- hearty_halal_turkish_lunches
What People Love
- Hearty plates that arrive fast
- Freshly made gozleme at the window
- Reliable lunch sets with meze sides
- Kind, welcoming staff on most visits
- Consistent value for central London
Points of Concern
- Space is tight and fills up near 1 pm; expect queues
- Service tone can feel brusque when correcting mistakes
- Some price sensitivity on meze portions and desserts
- Review patterns show balanced authenticity with minimal templating; mostly trustworthy
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleCounter With Seating
Average Cost£22-32 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- Build a lunch set (main + bulgur + meze) for value
- Add a vegetarian meze like Kisir or Fasulye (£8) to round out the plate
Perfect For
- Pre-train lunch near King’s Cross
- Casual solo meal with quick turnaround
- Vegetarian-friendly Mediterranean craving
- Warm, hearty comfort food without fuss
Location Insights
Area: Lively, student and traveler mix near universities and major rail hubs; casual daytime energy.
Safety: Generally safe, well-trafficked streets near stations; busy at lunch, quieter evenings.
Nearby: Steps from King’s Cross/St Pancras and UCL; offices and hotels nearby drive lunch rush.
ClerkenwellClerkenwell is renowned for its dynamic dining scene featuring trendy restaurants, gastropubs, and artisanal eateries. The area combines historic charm with a modern, cosmopolitan vibe, attracting a crowd interested in innovative cuisine and a lively social atmosphere.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday09:00–17:00
Tuesday09:00–17:00
Wednesday09:00–17:00
Thursday09:00–17:00
Friday09:00–17:00
Saturday09:00–17:00
Sunday
Available: Takeout, Outdoor seating
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