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Köfteci Metin

restaurants•
London
London

Köfteci Metin

553 Green Lanes, Harringay Ladder, London N8 0RL, United Kingdom

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Christoff

Christoff's Take

Insider review

Tucked into the vibrant Turkish dining strip of Green Lanes, Köfteci Metin does one thing exceptionally well: Turkish kofte. This intimate 25-seat family-run spot has earned its stripes as a neighborhood gem, serving up what many consider the best kofte in London with lightning-fast service and portions that actually make sense for the price.

Köfteci Metin: Green Lanes' Sizzling Turkish Meatball Haven

Where authentic kofte meets proper London value in Harringay's Turkish corridor

My Honest Review

Atmosphere & Ambiance

Step into Köfteci Metin and you're greeted by a delightfully unpretentious space that perfectly captures that authentic neighborhood dive vibe. The cozy interior features neon lights casting a warm glow over tiled walls and exposed brick, creating an atmosphere that's both lively and intimate. The quirky touch of a large fake Picasso adds an unexpected charm to this casual setting. With just 25 seats, the space feels genuinely intimate rather than cramped, fostering that family-run warmth where conversation flows easily. The energy level sits comfortably at a 7.5 out of 10 - lively enough to feel vibrant but not overwhelming. It's the kind of place where the sophistication comes from authenticity rather than fancy decor, scoring a modest 3.5 on refinement but maximizing on genuine Turkish hospitality. The flexibility factor is high here, making it equally suitable for solo diners, casual meals with friends, or even intimate dates.

Food & Drink

Köfteci Metin keeps things beautifully simple with their laser focus on three signature kofte varieties. The classic Metin kofte represents their flagship offering, while the kasarli kofte topped with melted cheese adds indulgent richness, and the karisik kofte mixed grill provides variety for the adventurous. Each order arrives dramatically sizzling on hot pita bread - a theatrical touch that's both practical and satisfying. The traditional accompaniments elevate the experience: piyaz bean salad, fresh coban salad, and grilled aubergine provide fresh contrasts to the rich meatballs, while the cooling ayran yogurt drink cleanses the palate. The meal concludes with sweet irmik helva for dessert, rounding out an authentically complete Turkish dining experience. The generous portions are particularly noteworthy - six mixed kofte with bread and sides can genuinely feed 2-3 people, making this exceptional value in London's dining landscape.

Service & Experience

The service at Köfteci Metin operates at what can only be described as lightning speed, with owners who demonstrate that personal touch of remembering regular customers. This family-run establishment clearly prioritizes efficiency without sacrificing warmth, creating an experience that feels both quick and personal. The staff's ability to serve food rapidly while maintaining quality suggests a well-oiled operation that respects customers' time. However, the intimate 25-seat capacity means that during peak dinner rush, you'll likely face waits or potentially be turned away entirely. The quick-service approach makes it ideal for those seeking satisfying meals without lengthy commitments.

Value for Money

Here's where Köfteci Metin truly shines in London's notoriously expensive dining scene. With a price level of 1 out of 4, this represents genuine affordability in the capital. The standout value proposition is clear: six mixed kofte with bread and sides for under £20 that can actually feed 2-3 people. In a city where £20 barely covers a decent solo meal at most restaurants, this represents extraordinary value. The generous portions justify every penny, and the quality doesn't suffer for the affordable pricing. The fact that it's tagged as both 'affordable-for-london' and 'student-friendly' speaks volumes about its accessibility. For those seeking authentic Turkish cuisine without the premium pricing often associated with London dining, this represents a rare find that delivers on both quality and quantity.

Insider Tips

Best Time to Visit

Timing is crucial at Köfteci Metin. Arrive at 12:30pm on weekdays for instant seating and the full menu at your disposal. Avoid the 7pm dinner rush entirely unless you're prepared to wait or risk being turned away due to the limited 25-seat capacity. Weekend hours extend to 23:00, while weekdays close at 22:00 (Monday at 22:00 based on opening hours).

What to Focus On

Go for the karisik kofte mixed grill to experience all their signature varieties in one order. The six mixed kofte with all traditional sides represents the best value and gives you the full Köfteci Metin experience. Don't skip the ayran yogurt drink - it's essential for balancing the rich meatballs. Save room for the irmik helva dessert to complete the authentic Turkish meal journey.

Christoff's Insider Tips

The owners remember regulars, so a friendly greeting and return visits will enhance your experience significantlyAvailable on Uber Eats for delivery when you can't secure a table during peak timesThe sizzling presentation isn't just for show - the hot pita bread actually enhances the kofte's flavors and keeps everything warm throughout your meal

The Final Verdict

Köfteci Metin succeeds brilliantly at being exactly what it claims to be: an authentic Turkish kofte specialist that delivers exceptional value in London. While the limited seating can be frustrating during peak times, the lightning-fast service, generous portions, and genuine family-run atmosphere more than compensate. This isn't fine dining - it's something arguably more valuable in London's restaurant landscape: honest, authentic food at prices that won't break the bank. The 6.5 uniqueness score reflects its specialization in a cuisine well-represented on Green Lanes, but the execution and value proposition set it apart from the competition.

Christoff's Rating:
7.8/10

Perfect For:

Budget-conscious diners seeking authentic Turkish cuisineStudents and locals wanting generous portions under £20Anyone craving genuine neighborhood atmosphere over polished restaurant experiences

Quick Details

1

Köfteci Metin

🏘️ Neighborhood gem
⭐️ Lightning fast
⭐️ Great value
⭐️ Kofte specialist

Lightning-fast service and sizzling hot kofte define this intimate 25-seat specialist on Green Lanes, where three varieties of Turkish meatballs arrive on hot pita with traditional accompaniments. The cozy space features neon lights, tiled walls, and a quirky large fake Picasso, creating warm neighborhood atmosphere where owners remember regulars. Each order includes piyaz bean salad, fresh coban salad, grilled aubergine, cooling ayran, and sweet irmik helva for dessert. Six mixed kofte with bread and sides feeds 2-3 people for under £20, representing genuine London value. The family-run operation focuses exclusively on perfecting Turkish kofte, delivering consistent quality at remarkable speed.

What's Great

✓ Lightning-fast service with owners who remember regulars

✓ Six mixed kofte feeds 2-3 people for under £20

Keep in Mind

× Only 25 seats means waits during peak dinner rush

Christoff

Christoff's Tip:

Arrive at 12:30pm weekdays for instant seating and avoid evening queues

Vibe check scores

Trendiness
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Venue details

🕐"Daily: 12pm-11pm (Mon: 12pm-10pm)"
📍553 Green Lanes, Harringay Ladder, London N8 0RL, United Kingdom
💷££
📞+44 7399 897 233
🌐Website

Featured In My Guides

Köfteci Metin has been featured in 1 of my curated guides. Here's where you can find more context and discover similar spots.

Turkish Restaurant Insider: Where London's Turks Actually Eat 2025 reference image

Turkish Restaurant Insider: Where London's Turks Actually Eat 2025

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