"Once part of the old school of N16 ocakbaşı restaurants, Mangal II in Dalston is now one of London's most innovative—think dishes like cull yaw fat sourdough pide, or tahini and apple tart with mahlep cream. The comfortable, pared-back room is often full of Dalstonites hitting the natural wine list and if you’re looking for a scene that pairs Turkish tradition with new-age approaches, this is your place." - rianne shlebak, sinead cranna, jake missing
"A long-standing Turkish grill house where an open charcoal mangal sits at the heart of cooking and conviviality; family ownership has passed to a new generation that introduced refined techniques after stints with high-profile restaurants. The menu keeps grilled meats central while refreshing classics—ezme salad, stuffed vine leaves—and elevating items like lamb sweetbreads with pomegranate molasses and a Cornish hen with apricot pilaf. The result is hospitality-forward, charcoal-driven cooking that bridges no-frills tradition and polished execution." - Ksenia Prints
"Mangal II is the perfect pre-night-out birthday dinner spot. The modern Turkish spot, in the heart of Dalston, is for anyone who appreciates the meaty delights of mutton pirzola, moreish mushroom manti, and a bottle of grüner veltliner. Across the room, Charli XCX doppelgängers take down tahini and apple tarts, and, to continue the party after dinner, Doña—a fun, mezcal and pink feather-filled bar—is nearby." - jake missing, rianne shlebak, sinead cranna, heidi lauth beasley
"As far as two-part evenings go, a film at the Rio and dinner at Mangal II is very much up there. The Turkish restaurant has gone from strength to strength since shaking things up and once you try the handmade mushroom manti, you’ll understand why. Bits and bobs on the menu change regularly, but you can still expect to find kofte, doner and the always-essential grilled onion salad on the menu. Just, done a little differently." - jake missing
"It’s inevitable that there will be a meal in the future that Mangal II will be spot on for. It’s also inevitable that their delicate handmade mushroom manti dumplings with sweet preserved tomato and yoghurt will be fought over, by non-meat and meat eaters alike. But that’s a good thing, right? The fact of the matter is that this modern Turkish restaurant in Dalston is very good. Very good for dates with someone who runs a 10k daily and considers making their own granola fun. Or just as good with all your family who want to see at least three herbivores on their plate." - heidi lauth beasley, jake missing, rianne shlebak