Reliable Dalston Turkish spot for grilled meats, soups, and generous complimentary sides; strong food and friendliness with occasional service-policy friction and rare cleanliness complaints.
Somine delivers solid A-grade performance through exceptional food quality anchored by tender grilled meats and rich soups, paired with strong service attentiveness and impressive speed. However, basic design and occasional consistency variations prevent grade A territory, while isolated food safety concerns and rigid policies temper what is otherwise a beloved neighborhood institution with genuine repeat loyalty.
On the Dalston High Street, Somine comes across as a bustling neighborhood stalwart where plates of grilled lamb, warm bread, and pickles land quickly and generously. Reviewers describe staff who often bring extras and a room that feels casual and lively, especially on weekends. One diner shared, "They kept topping us up with bread and salad, and the lamb was spot on," which sums up the warm, value-forward vibe. The culinary approach leans traditional Turkish grill and home-style soups, with classic kebabs and comforting lentil soup rather than flashy fusion. Expect clean, robust flavors from the coal grill, yogurt-accented plates like Iskender, and simple mezze. It suits diners seeking authentic, no-fuss cooking and generous portions more than those hunting for experimental cuisine. For families, this is quite workable. Kids can happily pick from chicken shish, wraps, rice, and warm bread, plus mild soups like mercimek. The menu’s straightforward dishes and friendly service help, though it can get noisy on weekends. There is no explicit kids menu, but practical choices abound and prices remain family-friendly.
Area vibe: Lively High Street in Dalston with a late-night, multicultural food scene and steady foot traffic.
Safety: Generally active and well-trafficked; urban feel with typical High Street dynamics.
What's nearby: Near Dalston Junction/Kingsland, music venues (e.g., EartH), bars, and other Turkish grills.
Lamb Shish, Iskender and lentil soup are reliable picks, with rice pudding to finish and bread and salad often brought alongside
Dress casually and plan to walk in, but watch for optional service charges, possible minimum-spend rules, and a few past cleanliness flags
Casual and lively with friendly staff who top up bread and salad, but expect a noisy room on weekend nights