Lokal: Bringing Turkish Flavours to the Heart of Fitzrovia
Lokal, the contemporary Turkish restaurant from the team behind Fred Bakery and Faros, brings the rich culinary traditions of Türkiye to the heart of Fitzrovia. Celebrating the country’s regional flavours through a modern, ingredient-led approach, Lokal offers a fresh perspective on Turkish dining, combining Anatolian heritage with the energy and diversity of London’s restaurant scene.
Led by Head Chefs Salih Serden and Akacan Agir, Lokal’s kitchen draws on the depth and diversity of Turkish cuisine, reinterpreting traditional dishes through contemporary cooking techniques and high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. The menu spans refined small plates, handmade mezze, fresh salads and contemporary interpretations of Turkish classics, showcasing the breadth of flavours and culinary traditions found across Türkiye.
Dishes celebrate the ingredients and techniques central to Turkish cooking, from aubergine prepared over smoke to vibrant salads and traditional specialities. Highlights include Hünkar Beğendi, featuring beef fillet with smoked aubergine and pepper sauce; Ciğer, fried veal liver; Gavurdağı salad; smoked aubergine; and çiğ köfte. A thoughtful selection of vegan and vegetarian dishes further reflects the versatility of the cuisine.
The food offering is complemented by a considered cocktail list inspired by Türkiye’s cultural heritage and geographical influences. Signature serves include Mesopotamia, a bold blend of tequila infused with padrón peppers, rosé wine, Campari and rosehip cordial, and Galata, combining Yeni rakı, Tokaji sweet wine, lychee liqueur and elderflower in an east-meets-west composition inspired by Istanbul’s iconic tower.
Located in Fitzrovia, Lokal features 110 indoor covers and 22 outdoor covers, alongside a semi-private dining room, counter dining and a dedicated cocktail bar. Design plays a central role in shaping the experience, with raw, tactile materials and warm finishes creating a setting that balances contemporary aesthetics with an informal, welcoming atmosphere.
Co-founded by Burak Demirelli, Lokal builds on the success of Fred Bakery and Faros, with a vision to showcase the depth, diversity and versatility of Turkish food beyond familiar expectations. By bringing regional culinary traditions together with a contemporary London sensibility, the restaurant offers an inviting setting in which to discover Turkish cuisine through food, drink and hospitality.
At its heart, Lokal celebrates the meeting of tradition and modernity, offering a considered interpretation of Turkish dining that honours its Anatolian roots while embracing its place within London’s dynamic culinary landscape.
