Review: Kibele, Great Portland Street – A Turkish Gem in the Heart of London
Stunning Mediterranean restaurant is a hidden gem just a stones throw away from Oxford Street.
Finding a restaurant that delivers on every front—service, food, value, and atmosphere—is rare. Yet Kibele, a stylish Turkish restaurant on Great Portland Street, just five minutes from Great Portland Street tube and a ten-minute stroll from Oxford Street Underground, manages exactly that. From the moment you walk through the doors, the experience is nothing short of outstanding.
Ambience & Décor
Kibele strikes the perfect balance between contemporary elegance and warm hospitality. The décor is refined and inviting, with thoughtful touches that make the space feel both chic and comfortable. Whether you’re visiting for a business lunch, a relaxed evening meal, or a special occasion, the ambience sets the tone beautifully. It’s the kind of place where every detail—from the lighting to the table settings—feels considered, creating an atmosphere that’s both vibrant and relaxed.
Service
The service at Kibele deserves special mention. Attentive without being intrusive, the staff move seamlessly between tables, making sure every guest feels welcomed and looked after. Friendly, professional, and genuinely enthusiastic, they elevate the dining experience, ensuring that you not only enjoy your meal but feel truly valued as a guest.
Food: A Feast of Flavours
Kibele’s menu is a celebration of Turkish cuisine, with a contemporary twist that makes it stand out in Central London’s crowded dining scene. At lunch, the set menu offers exceptional value with a wide array of dishes to suit every taste, from hearty mains to lighter small plates.
On our visit, we enjoyed:
Kibele’s Burger – A 6oz Wagyu beef patty cooked to perfection, topped with applewood smoked cheese, crispy lettuce, caramelised red onions, pickled cucumber, and a decadent truffle mayo. Served with golden fries, this was not just a burger—it was a masterpiece. Rich, smoky, and indulgent, every bite was packed with flavour.
Musakka – Layers of tender aubergine, courgettes, carrots, and potatoes, topped with creamy béchamel. Comforting yet elegant, it showcased the best of traditional Turkish cooking with a modern refinement.
Humus and Olives – Simple, classic starters that set the stage perfectly. The humus was silky and rich, the olives plump and bursting with flavour—proof that even the simplest dishes are executed with care and quality.
Every dish was beautifully presented, bursting with flavour, and left us wanting to try even more of the menu.
Value for Money
Despite its prime Central London location, Kibele’s lunch menu offers superb value. The portions are generous, the quality is exceptional, and the range of dishes available makes it easy to return again and again without ever repeating the same experience. It’s the kind of place where you could enjoy a quick, affordable lunch or linger over a multi-course meal with friends or family.
Great Portland Street’s Media connections
Great Portland Street has played a quiet but important role in film and television. In the early 1900s it was home to a Pathé studio producing short films, marking its place in Britain’s cinematic history. More recently, it appeared in the BBC’s The Ink Black Heart, with scenes shot around the Underground station and the A501. The street is also closely tied to broadcasting; It’s home to the BBC HQ, where BBC Radio and news studios are based, and of the courtyard-facing studio for The One Show.
You never know who you might spot when walking to Kibele!
Final Thoughts
Kibele is more than just a restaurant—it’s an experience. From the impeccable service to the stylish décor and the outstanding food, everything about this Turkish gem is done with care, flair, and attention to detail. Whether you’re a local, a professional working nearby, or a visitor exploring London’s West End, Kibele is an absolute must.
Outstanding in every way, Kibele is one of Central London’s finest dining destinations. Visit https://kibele.co.uk