Hala Restaurant on Green Lanes. Photo: Tom Devine.

If you are going to eat out on Green Lanes, chances are you’re going for a Turkish. It’s great to see a host of restaurants breaking up the scene a bit – Autograf for Polish delights, Bun & Bar for, well, the obvious. Nonetheless, it was Turkish food I was after this Saturday lunchtime. 

Spoilt for choice on my mission to try to them all, I ventured towards the newly refurbished and expanded Hala Restaurant on Grand Parade.

Here we were greeted by friendly, smartly dressed staff. Wooden walls and wagon wheels are the main features of the venue’s new design.

After settling in with our menus, my other half and I made a vow not to over-order, an easy mistake in restaurants such as this where the portions are so generous.

There is something of a formula at play with side dishes, up and down Green Lanes: we’re talking simple salads, filling breads and flavourful dips.

Hala’s bread was fresh, chewy and warm. The salad was one of the best I’ve ever had, oily, crisp and perfectly seasoned – a salad this simple has to be done right.

The kiymali pide. Photo: Tom Devine.

I’d heard that Hala is known for its home cooking, so I decided to go for a ‘daily stew’ from the menu, instead of the more familiar shish or imam bayildi dishes. My choice was guvech lamb and aubergine stew served with fluffy rice, and was rich and filling.

My other half went with a pide – the kiymali pide, to be exact. He is a fan of this Turkish pizza dish, a tasty bargain here at just £7.

Overall the service was quick, friendly and professional. Complimentary Turkish tea and a gorgeous bite of baklava, served in a puddle of sweet syrup, finished off the meal nicely.

Everyone seems to have their favourite Turkish place on Green Lanes. It’s too soon for me to make that decision for myself, but Hala is definitely in the running. I’ll certainly be back to try the homemade manti dumplings and icli kofte kebabs.

The food and service both get Hala a thumbs up. They also deliver, via online services. It’s always handy to have a trusted local gaff in your box of tricks come dinner time.

Words: Julie Ann Andreshak
Photos: Tom Devine