The top line: Brothers Ozgur and Sidar Akyuz have launched a large modern Turkish restaurant in Wood Wharf. Found beyond the likes of Hawksmoor, Dishoom and Roe, the site feels a little off the main circuit at the moment. Building on the success of their four-strong Middle Eastern-inspired café brand Beam, Nora marks the brother’s move into restaurants proper with a concept that draws on the breadth of Istanbul’s culinary traditions – from street-food carts and local mangal grill houses to contemporary fine dining. They’ve enlisted serious talent, including former The Barbary and Ottolenghi chef Daniel Alt, and restaurant manager Daniele Beltramo, who has held senior roles at several of David Carter’s restaurants, including Manteca and Agora.
On the menu: Nora is a sharing-led concept that offers a concise selection of familiar Anatolian dishes. Meals begin with breads and dips before moving into small plates and larger sharing dishes. Dishes include pulled lamb manti with confit garlic, yoghurt and tarka oil; sweetbread with molasses and tahini; adana köfte with confit garlic, tomato sivri and pul biber butter; and mackerel with grilled herb sauce. Whole turbot and côte de boeuf – both priced by weight – are also available. The wine list focuses on Turkey and its neighbours, while the bar programme nods to Turkish flavours with drinks such as a baklava old fashioned and a gin-based cocktail inspired by cacik.
The vibe: Designed by Ola Jachymiak Studio, Nora pairs mid-century modern furniture and bespoke carpentry with Anatolian textiles. Soft lighting and a high-end sound system round out a polished, contemporary space.
And another thing: Contemporary Turkish concepts are having a moment. Serdar Demir – the restaurateur behind Knightsbridge’s fine dining Turkish restaurant The Mantl – is set to open Chargal in Mayfair, blending fire-led cooking with Mediterranean influences. Faros Group is also developing a Turkish restaurant for the former Carmel Fitzrovia site. Restaurant understands a third, major Turkey-inspired project is being lined up for 2026, involving one of London’s most dynamic restaurateurs and a leading chef. Details remain closely guarded.
7 West Lane, London E22 3AA