Inspired by the meyhanes of Istanbul and northern Cyprus, Kismet will open in mid-July in the upstairs dining room previously occupied by Cambodian concept Barang.
The food offer will focus on meze and mangal-grilled kebabs, available à la carte or as a set menu priced at £48.
Mustafa is best known as the launch chef of progressive Mayfair Indian restaurant BiBi, where he worked alongside chef-patron Chet Sharma.
He has also worked for at Michelin-starred West London restaurants Chez Bruce and The Harwood Arms.
Since leaving BiBi, he has worked as a consultant at restaurants including David Carter’s Borough Market Greek venture OMA.
He has also run a series of pop-ups under the name Kıbrıs at venues including Fitzrovia’s Carousel, a Turkish concept similarly inspired by meyhanes.
Starting at £7, meze dishes at Kismet will include zeytinyağlı taze fasulye (braised green beans in olive oil); atom (buffalo milk yoghurt with chilli butter); bulgur köftesi (fried, stuffed bulgur wheat dumplings); and yaprak ciğer (fried lamb’s liver).
More substantial dishes will include kuzu şiş (lamb leg with tail fat) and şeftali kebabı (a Cypriot minced lamb and beef kebab wrapped in caul fat), served with sides such as meyhane pilavı, a traditional Turkish dish made with bulgur wheat and tomatoes, and patates kızartması (fried Cyprus potatoes).
Desserts will include fıstıklı dondurma (pistachio ice cream) and baklava.
Raki, Türkiye’s anise-spiced national spirit, will sit at the heart of the drinks list, with regulars encouraged to buy a bottle and store it on Kismet’s shelves.
A traditional Turkish musician will perform live on a weekly basis.
The space is being overhauled by Studio Adra in collaboration with Mustafa and Hamdy. Design details will include dark wood finishes, nicotine-stained walls, white tablecloths, low ambient lighting, black-and-white photography and traditional lace window dressings.
“Growing up in a Turkish-Cypriot family, food was always at the centre of gatherings,” says Mustafa. “The meyhane has long been one of my favourite expressions of hospitality – generous, lively and built around sharing.”
“I’m thrilled to be bringing Kismet to life with Keiran,” adds Hamdy. “Having worked together on a number of projects, and having spent significant time in both Istanbul and northern Cyprus, we share a deep appreciation for the culture, hospitality and traditions that inspire Kismet.”
Kismet opens on 16 July.