"Never judge a book by its cover and never judge a restaurant by the faux-jungle styling in their conservatory. You might take one look at Güneş Restaurant and declare that you know their shtick—the aggressive use of neon strip lighting, all marble everything, velvet seating—but you’d be wrong to write off this Walthamstow spot as Instagram bait. photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch This Anatolian and Mediterranean restaurant does unthinkably delicious things with meat. Adana kebab skewers sizzle, juicy lamb doner is carved from the rotisserie, and chicken shish is tossed onto the grill before being piled onto platters and whisked to tables on their second round of strawberry daiquiris. The service is delightful. And whether you’re here for a low-key meal and a few Efes beers, or a big birthday party sponsored by Sex On The Beach cocktails, you’ll be warmly welcomed and probably given complimentary rice pudding—it’s that kind of place. Food Rundown photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch Mixed Platter For 2-3 People Ignore the distractions—starters, salads, the astroturf in that foliage-filled conservatory—and get the mixed, family, or jumbo platter, depending on how big of a group you’re rolling with. It’s a plate loaded with juicy, fatty bits of lamb and chicken doner, tender pieces of chicken shish and beyti, nicely charred chicken wings, meaty lamb ribs, and adana kebabs that hum with warming cumin. It comes served with salad, soft bread, rice, and tomatoey bulgur." - Sinéad Cranna
