Izgara Turkish Restaurant Whetstone

 We like all the Izgara Restaurants. The one in Hatch End is large. The one in Edgware served a great meal. 

But the one in Whetstone was our choice for a change. It seemed elegantly decorated .

But a plus point. A bit quieter so easier to talk.

We didn't order starters. The restaurant gave us hot bread, yogurt dip and olives.

I ordered a reasonably priced Prosecco.

I recommend the red fruit cocktail.

Main courses

I ordered meat moussaka. Good meat, and at the bottom hidden slices of potatoes.

Others ordered: lamb; kebabs; spinach pasta.

In a long street full of restaurants.  We might return, here or try another nearby.

Desserts

Baclava

Excellent. Moist. More-ish.

Coconut cake.

Turkish coffee.

The bill came with Turkish delight.

We were given foil takeaway dishes and pretty paper small totes.

Update on parking tickets November 15 2025

A short time afterwards we received a parking ticket. A parking ticket saying we had failed to pay the fine which had now doubled. We had not received the first supposed letter. We went back to the parking area down an alley. The signs did not make it clear that after eight pm you must pay. We photographed the signs and have appealed.

If I get a parking ticket I don't go back to the restaurant. Even if I forget about the parking fine, or don't blame the restaurant, somehow my memory of the occasion has moved out the section of my brain in which I store memories of places I must visit again. I can walk to Izgara in Hatch End. That will be my first choice of their restaurants. 

Where to celebrate a birthday in London?

 One good restaurant is El Vaquero. the name means the cowboy. The decor is Argentinian

Food

The food is based on Argentinian. The meat comes to your table on skewers. Eat as much as you like. (There is a high set price. But that includes all you can eat. They often bring the cheaper meat, the sausage on skewers, first. Then the slice off steak. But nobody minds.

Birthdays

They will come to your table in their cowboy or cowgirl costume. They sing happy birthday. They take a photo of you.

I have been to their branches in Mill Hill and Whetstone. Mill Hill is smaller. Check on the parking.

Timing

See if they have two sittings. My family recently went to the Whetstone branch. They got second sitting because the first sitting was booked. But they were told that if they arrived a bit early, they could probably get seated.

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Useful Websites

https://elvaquero.co.uk/

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Izgara, Turkish cuisine restaurant, opening in Hatch End soon

Opening soon another branch of Izgara, "The home of Turkish cuisine" in Hatch End. Their other branches are in Edgware, Finchley and Whetstone.

According to their website, the name Izgara means grill in Turkish. If you need a memory aid, think G in IzGara and G in Grill. 

Drinks

I scanned down their drinks list. What will I be wanting to try? Turkish coffee!They also have aryan, yogurt drink. On Wikihow I found a DIY recipe for it, using salt and garlic and fresh mint.

http://www.wikihow.com/Make-Ayran-(Turkish-Yogurt-Drink)

When will the Hatch End branch open? A few days ago the workmen told passers by about a fortnight (two weeks). Definitely in time for Xmas, Xmas parties and treats to a new restaurant.

http://www.izgararestaurant.co.uk

Angela Lansbury, travel writer and photographer, author, speaker.

Update. See post on Nov 29 2015.

Rotisserie restaurant, reliable filling food in four locations

I have visited the reliable Rotisserie in Hatch End many times but had a new experience when friends took me to the branch in Whetstone. The familiar immaculate black interior was there, but the Hatch End branch is one open room whilst the other place has a pillar in the middle offering a choice of seating. My friends opted for the away from it all section nearest the front door entrance.

I chose French onion soup from the two course option. 

I also tasted the a la carte option of roasted butternut squash and goat cheese. Heavenly. So if you are booked in on a Saturday night after 7 pm when the the more limited two course menu is not available, you have this great opportunity.

My main course was lamb shank with mashed potato. It came without any greens, so if you opt for a salad starter you get vegetables that way.

The ladies toilet is a visual delight.

You can see their menu on their website.

therotisserie.co.uk

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