The Counter has proved so popular that chef Kemal Demirasal has now opened a second branch in Soho (which has a bigger focus on fish dishes AND its own ‘listening bar’), but the original Notting Hill location is famed for Demirasal’s “having put the record straight on Turkish kebabs” (restaurantonline.co.uk). It takes its name from the counter which separates the casual dining area, bathed in warm oranges evocative of the Turkish scenery, from the chefs who grill meat over the ‘mangal’ - a Middle Eastern open fire charcoal grill.
While you’ll have to check The Counter’s online menu for the most up-to-date menu, we can give you a taste: To start, the selection of traditional mezes (perfect for sharing) features cold plates like pickle tzatziki, roasted peppers and ricotta, lamb tartare or their own invention of white chocolate babaganoush (yum!), to hot plates like traditional kibbeh, cheese saganaki or the saffron and crab orzo. Mains come from the grill, with traditional kebabs and Levantine chicken alongside a seabass (to share), classic steak or vegetarian option of stuffed and seasoned aubergine. The dessert menu features traditional regional sweets like baked quince and sage infused burnt rice pudding.
As for drinks, around half of the wines at The Counter come from Turkey and the neighbouring region of Thrace in Bulgaria, while there is also a wealth of options from regions further west in Italy, France, Spain and Portugal. The House Cocktails are divided into a ‘Safe and Solid’ selection of standard classics and their ‘Crazy and Bold’ selection, which features The Counter’s novel Mesopotamian takes on classic cocktails, infused with the flavours and ingredients specific to the Turkish regions.
Details
- Address:
- 108 Goldborne Road
- W10 5PS
- Transport:
- The Counter is a 6-minute walk from Ladbroke Grove Underground Station