If you’re a fan of Anatolian cuisine with a contemporary spin Ruya is definitely on the Capturist map of places we recommend. We recently got the chance to sample their hero dishes from the current menu and were absolutely blown away. The restaurant has a sleek, luxurious feel with a full lounge/bar, a traditional open oven, and a huge dining room with private areas and cosy nooks.

Service was exceptional, with our waitress recommending her favorites and the bartendar pouring the cocktails tableside. We had the Oya, a deliciously smoky pear and apple juice with cinnamon and the Violet Breeze with prosecco, elderflower and a gorgeous violet syrup.

We sampled the cold meze to start with the Isli Patlican, Turkish Spoon Salad and Antep Fistikh Rafik. The trio complemented each other so well and provided a tasty and delicious start to our journey. We also tried the Lahmacun with spicy lamb which was so light and moreish we could have easily ordered it again…

For the hot meze we selected melt-in-the-mouth Borek, Icli Lamb Kofte, and Umut’s Bayildi – a twist on the traditional Turkish dish of Imam Bayaldi.which is named because the priest fainted at the deliciousness of the aubergine and garlic dish. The main event was the 24-hour short rib which we tried with stacks of parmesan truffle and chili and garlic fries, complemented with chickpea puree and Turkish chili paste as well as some tasty Pistachio Rice.

We gazed long and hard at the dessert menu but our bellies were so full, so we will have to visit again! We would have tried the specialty Kunefe or the Baklava FYI. We left with a doggy bag vowing to return and try the rest of the menu.

Address: Ruya Mayfair, 30 Upper Grosvenor St, London, W1K 7PH

Book now at https://www.sevenrooms.com/reservations/ruyalondon

Written by Claire Selby

Photography courtesy of Ruya