A chef with 20 years of experience names the tastiest kebabs in Britain: a restaurant rating.
According to The Sun: Kebabs are no longer just a late-night snack. In Great Britain, many establishments offer them for takeout, and many are raising their standards.
Chef Philippa Davis has discovered the best little kebab restaurants in the UKPhilippa Davis is a chef with over 20 years of experience. She has worked at the Michelin-starred River Cafe, where Jamie Oliver got his start, and at Moro before opening her own cafe in London - The Mud Chute Kitchen.
Today, Philippa works as a private chef, traveling around the world and cooking for famous clients. Despite this, we sent her on a journey around Great Britain to find the best kebabs.
“My greatest joy in this trip is all the new restaurants popping up that focus on kebabs,' she says.
“Many contemporary establishments are beginning to understand the cultural heritage of kebabs. There are also more elegant places where the food is as good as in a fine restaurant.'
“It was tough to pick just ten, although Manchester was a real hit in terms of quality.'
Here are her top 10:
1. MATINA
- The Glass Arcade, St Nicholas Market, Bristol, BS1 1JQ
MATINA is located in an old Georgian arcade.
This impressive place in the vibrant St Nicholas Market features its glass ceilings and tiles in blue, white, and earthy tones. The queues here are long, and it’s no surprise — the chef prepares naan to order and generously fills it with smoky, juicy spiced meat and salads.
“This was my absolute favorite. The line is always lively, mixed, active, with everyone from young moms to local workers in bright vests.'
The naan here is the real star — soft, slightly crispy, and perfectly prepared in a tandoor.
I ordered everything: sauces, snacks, and salads. The homemade sweet chili sauce is just excellent.
Overall, this was incredibly generous — all aspects that make a kebab great are proven here.
“My favorite dish: Char grilled Chicken Naan Wrap (£8.80) with harmonious flavor and excellent meat with just the right amount of seasoning.'
2. SQEW
- 7 Duncan Street, Leeds. LS1 6DQ
Philippa Davis
Sqew draws inspiration from the culinary traditions of the Levant, the region of the Eastern Mediterranean, which includes Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, and Palestine.
Here, authentic ingredients sourced from the Middle East and recipes inspired by the best shawarma restaurants in the world are used.
“I was delighted to see the meat slowly melting, juices dripping, and to feel the aromas in this vibrant restaurant in Leeds.'
There’s a fantastic selection of sauces and salads including tahini, pomegranate syrup, spicy harissa, parsley, and pickled vegetables. The wrap here is especially neat and tight.
“My favorite dish: Lamb Shawarma Wrap (prices starting from £6.90) with a sweet and sour pomegranate sauce.'
3. FALAFEL GUYS
- 47 Briggate, Leeds. LS1 6HF
Philippa Davis
This stylish establishment is located in an old school transformed into a pub. Here, red brick walls and hanging lights create a light atmosphere.
Long tables with benches for groups, as well as cozy corners for small gatherings, offer the perfect ambiance.
“A masterpiece in simple paper. It looked very basic, but when I unwrapped it, the dish turned out to be a true work of art.'
The bread was very tasty: chewy and tender, sturdy enough to hold the filling.
There are three types of hummus here: smoked, original, and a bright pink beetroot version — all of which wonderfully complement the rich flavor of garlic mayonnaise.
“My favorite dish: Chicken Shawarma and Halloumi Wrap (£9.45) — or choose a kebab with local Faith beer.'
4. BAB NQ
- 14 Little Lever Street, Northern Quarter, Manchester. M1 1HR
Bab - a stylish restaurant in the Northern Quarter of Manchester
The restaurant has a modern look with green tiles and soft purple decor. Here, there’s a fun, friendly atmosphere and knowledgeable staff.
The menu features mezze, snacks, and main dishes, including “Bab-style kebabs” or open babas with salads and sauces.
“My favorite dish: Harissa and Pomegranate Lamb Baba with salad and fries (£10), which is excellent value.'
There are also good vegetarian options, including Bab with broccoli and roasted cauliflower.
5. GREEK VILLAGE
- 1 Caroline Street, Cardiff. CF10 1FF.
Greek Village - a casual restaurant in Cardiff offering traditional Greek food
Greek Village is an informal establishment with a light atmosphere on bustling Caroline Street in Cardiff. Here you’ll find traditional gyros, marinated meat on a vertical spit, served in pita with vegetables and tzatziki.
“Expect a warm welcome from the chefs. This place does pork gyros right.'
The meat is tender and well-cooked, served with a crisp salad and sauces that bring rich flavor to the dish.
6. MUGHLI CHARCOAL PIT
- 30 Wilmslow Road, Curry Mile, Rusholme, Manchester. M14 5TQ.
Philippa Davis
Mughli on the famous Curry Mile in Manchester impresses with neon lights and the aromas of delicious food. The interior has a Bollywood atmosphere with bright colors and reminiscences of traditional Indian establishments.
Expect spicy beef or chicken cooked over hot coals, accompanied by salad and garlic naan — one of the best I’ve ever tasted.
“My favorite dish: Chicken or Lamb Seekh Kebab (£8.50) with garlic naan (£4.30), which I consider a luxurious indulgence.'
7. SHAWARMA KING
- King Street, Glasgow. G1 5RB
Shawarma King - a hidden gem on King Street in Glasgow
Shawarma King is a vibrant place serving shawarma with marinated meat and salads. Here, three spits rotate, and the bread is made to order during cooking.
“It’s an old-fashioned place under a railway bridge, but the food here is really wonderful.'
The lamb here is rich in flavor, tender, and juicy.
“My favorite dish: Lamb Shawarma Wrap with all pickled vegetables and sauces (£7.50), which is a great deal for its size and flavor.'
8. LE BAB
- Top Floor, Kingly Court, Carnaby Street, London. W1B 5PW.
Philippa Davis
Le Bab is located on the top floor of Kingly Court in bustling Soho. The owners say they use “Michelin specifications” for kebab preparation.
They serve modern Eastern Mediterranean dishes with a focus on ethical and sustainable ingredients.
“I tried a few kebabs and was disappointed.'
Although there are many popular places in London, I enjoy Le Bab for their emphasis on ethical meat.
The air here is filled with live music, and the kitchen impresses with generous and colorful portions.
“My favorite dish: ‘Dirty Bab’ (£16.50) — marinated grilled lamb with sauces and fries.'
9. TZATZIKI (in the Queen Edith pub)
- 152 Mill Road, Cambridge, CB2 8PB.
TZATZIKI - a hidden gem located in Cambridge
This cozy pub serves excellent Greek cuisine. Skewered marinated meat cooked over charcoal is served with salads and chips in pita.
“A relaxed and vibrant atmosphere with the best Greek food.'
You can choose from a variety of dishes that are done to a high standard — both chicken and lamb kebabs are very tasty.
“My favorite dish: lamb kofta souvlaki (£11) - the star of the show, and the side of halloumi is a wonderful addition.'
10. GREAT BRITISH DONOR
- 61 Deansgate, Ground Floor, Manchester. M3 2BW.
Philippa Davis
This venue has an American-style energy with fun neon signs. Here you can order Turkish doner kebabs, which are cooked on a vertical spit, with vegetables and sauces.
“Tasty and always high quality — the food here is family-friendly.'
The meat is very tender, and the salads are fresh and juicy. Everything is served in a pita, which is a sign of the generosity of the establishment.
“My favorite dish: Beef Doner Wrap (£8.90) with GBD sauce and herbed sauce.'Overall, chef Philippa Davis demonstrated that kebabs are not just essential late-night food. Her list features a variety of restaurants raising the quality of this dish to the level of fine dining. This selection will be useful for anyone looking for delicious and original kebab options in Great Britain, emphasizing their place in contemporary gastronomy.
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