Christoff.ai

Yeni

restaurants•
London
London

Yeni

55 Beak St, Carnaby, London W1F 9SH, United Kingdom

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Christoff

Christoff's Take

Insider review

Tucked away on Beak Street, Yeni has quietly become one of Soho's most compelling dining destinations, earning Michelin recognition for its modern take on Anatolian cuisine. This isn't your typical Turkish restaurant – it's a sophisticated two-floor operation where premium British produce meets ancient cooking techniques over open oak fires.

Yeni: Soho's Michelin-Listed Turkish Marvel That's Redefining Anatolian Cuisine

Where oak-fired manti meets industrial chic in the heart of Carnaby

My Honest Review

Atmosphere & Ambiance

Stepping into Yeni feels like discovering a well-kept secret in plain sight. The industrial-chic aesthetic strikes an impressive balance between raw and refined, with white brick walls punctuated by bright Turkish tiles that add authentic character without feeling gimmicky. Hand-blown chandeliers cast warm light across the two-floor space, while large windows flood the venue with natural light during the day. The glossy onyx bar surrounding the open-fire kitchen creates theatre and energy, making the cooking process part of the entertainment. With sophistication scoring 8.5/10 and energy levels at 7.8/10, it captures that coveted buzzy Soho atmosphere while maintaining an intimate, romantic edge. The space can get quite loud when busy, so conversation-seekers should time their visits accordingly. The Instagram-worthy presentation throughout makes it catnip for content creators, though the authentic design elements ensure it never feels contrived.

Food & Drink

The kitchen's commitment to oak-fire cooking elevates every dish beyond typical Turkish fare. Yeni's signature manti dumplings – available in both aubergine and beef variations – are the clear stars, representing a masterclass in technique and flavour. The menu showcases impressive British sourcing: Orkney scallops, Welsh lamb, and Cornish seabass all benefit from the smoky kiss of oak fire. The daily-changing seasonal menu keeps things fresh, with smoked desserts providing an unexpected finale. Vegetarian options ensure broader appeal, while the sharing plate format encourages exploration. Small plates range from £9-20, with mains starting at £17.50, and there's a £59 tasting menu for those wanting the full experience. The natural wine selection starts from £40, complemented by raki-based cocktails that stay true to Turkish drinking culture.

Service & Experience

Service quality appears to be a tale of two experiences. When firing on all cylinders, the staff demonstrate impressive knowledge and maintain the relaxed pacing that suits the sharing plate concept. The team clearly understands the menu's nuances and can guide diners through the oak-fired offerings with confidence. However, the data suggests peak times can strain the operation, with some experiencing slower service during busy Soho hours. Given the venue's popularity and intimate size, this isn't entirely surprising, but it's worth factoring into your expectations, especially for time-sensitive occasions.

Value for Money

At price level 3 out of 4, Yeni sits firmly in special occasion territory. The Michelin listing and premium British ingredients justify much of the cost, but some may find the portion sizes modest relative to the pricing. Small plates at £9-20 can add up quickly, particularly given the sharing format encourages ordering multiple dishes. Natural wines starting at £40 reflect Soho's premium positioning rather than exceptional value. However, for those seeking a unique dining experience that genuinely elevates Turkish cuisine, the pricing aligns with the quality and innovation on offer. The £59 tasting menu represents better value for experiencing the kitchen's full range.

Insider Tips

Best Time to Visit

Book the 5:30pm slot for optimal natural lighting – crucial for both photography and ambiance. The venue operates Tuesday through Saturday, with extended hours on weekends. Avoid peak Friday and Saturday dinner slots if you're sensitive to noise levels or slower service.

What to Focus On

The beef manti is non-negotiable – it's the dish that defines the restaurant. Follow with the Orkney scallops to experience the oak-fire technique with premium seafood. Don't skip the smoked desserts, which showcase the kitchen's creativity beyond savoury dishes.

Christoff's Insider Tips

The daily menu changes mean calling ahead to confirm specific dishes if you have your heart set on something particularThe open-fire kitchen creates natural theatre – request seating with a view if you enjoy watching the cooking processNatural lighting from the large windows makes early evening bookings ideal for Instagram content

The Final Verdict

Yeni succeeds in elevating Turkish cuisine without losing its soul, creating something genuinely special in Soho's crowded dining landscape. The combination of authentic techniques, premium ingredients, and sophisticated presentation justifies both the Michelin recognition and the premium pricing. While service inconsistencies and noise levels during peak times prevent it from achieving perfection, the unique oak-fire cooking and exceptional manti dumplings make it a worthy splurge. The industrial-chic setting provides Instagram appeal without sacrificing authenticity, making it equally suited to romantic dinners and social dining.

Christoff's Rating:
8.2/10

Perfect For:

couples seeking a memorable date night experiencefood enthusiasts interested in elevated Turkish cuisinesocial media content creators looking for photogenic dining

Quick Details

1

Yeni

⭐ Michelin listed
⭐️ Cutting edge
⭐️ Instagram worthy
🎪 Soho energy

Oak-fired manti dumplings redefine Turkish cuisine at this Michelin-listed Soho sensation, where premium British produce meets traditional Anatolian techniques. The two-floor industrial-chic space features white brick walls with bright Turkish tiles, hand-blown chandeliers, and a glossy onyx bar surrounding the open-fire kitchen. Signature dishes like Orkney scallops and Welsh lamb showcase seasonal British ingredients through Turkish culinary lens, while the £59 tasting menu delivers cutting-edge dining experiences. Natural wines from £40 and raki cocktails complement the Instagram-worthy presentation throughout. The cozy yet modern atmosphere buzzes with Soho energy, though it can get loud when busy.

What's Great

✓ Michelin-listed modern Anatolian with signature oak-fired manti

✓ Instagram-worthy presentation with natural lighting perfect for content

Keep in Mind

× Expensive pricing with small portions and slow service during peak hours

Christoff

Christoff's Tip:

Book 5:30pm slot for optimal lighting and try the beef manti

Vibe check scores

Trendiness
Sophistication
Noise Level
Uniqueness

Venue details

🕐"Tue-Wed, Thu: 12-2:45pm, 5:30-10pm\nFri: 12-2:45pm, 5:30-10:30pm\nSat: 1-10:30pm, Sun-Mon: Closed"
📍55 Beak St, Carnaby, London W1F 9SH, United Kingdom
💷££££
📞+44 20 3981 9888
🌐Website

Featured In My Guides

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

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