Why Locals Love Ember & Cork
Nestled in the vibrant heart of London’s N19, Ember & Cork offers an extraordinary culinary journey that masterfully celebrates Turkish, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean flavors. This unique restaurant effortlessly blends the rich traditions of kebab shops and halal dining with the refinement of a wine bar, making it an ideal destination for families, food enthusiasts, and takeout connoisseurs alike.
Step inside, and you’re immediately wrapped in a warm, inviting atmosphere where genuine hospitality meets understated elegance. Whether you're seated for a cozy family meal or grabbing a flavorful takeout, Ember & Cork ensures a memorable dining experience marked by attentive service and an ambiance that feels both intimate and vibrant.
The menu reads like a love letter to authentic Mediterranean cuisine, featuring a variety of pide and charcoal-grilled kebabs that captivate the senses. Imagine biting into a Mozzarella Pide, where bubbling, golden mozzarella melds perfectly with the sweetness of fresh tomatoes and peppers, or savoring the Kusbasi Pide – tender diced lamb paired with vibrant red and green peppers and gooey mozzarella. For spice lovers, the Sucuklu Pide delivers a smoky kick from spicy beef sausage balanced by melting cheese and fresh vegetables.
Charcoal grilling is at the heart of Ember & Cork’s offerings, and the aromas of the Chicken Shish Kebab – lean, juicy chunks infused with smoky goodness – or the lamb ribs, tender and seasoned to perfection, will awaken your appetite and beckon you to indulge. The Special Mixed Kebab platter is a standout, artfully combining Adana kebab, lamb shish, and chicken shish into one sumptuous feast that’s both satisfying and rich in flavor complexity.
For those seeking culinary artistry, the Chef’s Specials elevate the meal to new heights. The Musakka wraps layers of aubergine, potatoes, mushrooms, tomatoes, and garlic beneath a luscious cheese topping, delivering a comforting yet sophisticated dish that lingers long after the last bite. Meanwhile, the Sarma Beyti Kebap showcases expertly seasoned minced kebab, wrapped and grilled to tender perfection, then topped with buttery tomato sauce and served alongside cooling yoghurt and bulgur – a masterstroke of texture and taste.
Customers consistently praise Ember & Cork for its generous portions and exceptionally flavorful dishes. Margie Waltasaari enthused about the “amazing local” spot, highlighting both the “super lovely waitress” and “food so delicious” that guests eagerly anticipate their return. Peter Fraser’s serendipitous discovery of the restaurant revealed a gem “with excellent service,” while Ayse Atas described dining here as “an unmissable experience,” spotlighting the impeccable hospitality and unbeatable value.
The charm of Ember & Cork also lies in its subtle exclusivity – tucked between Archway and Crouch End, it feels like a treasured secret, offering a calm oasis to enjoy authentic flavors away from the bustling city crowd. Whether you're craving a home-away-from-home meal or a casual wine accompaniment to exceptional Turkish dishes, Ember & Cork delivers an experience rich with warmth, taste, and heart.
For a true taste of Turkey and the Mediterranean with a modern touch, Ember & Cork is a must-visit for anyone looking to indulge in deeply satisfying, wholesome cuisine crafted with care and soul.
See the Space & Food
What Makes This Place Friendly
- Outdoor seating
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Dine-in
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Coffee
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
- Bar onsite
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
- Casual
- Cozy
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Free street parking
- Parking
- Dogs allowed outside
Real Reviews from the Community
- Mar 11, 2026
What an amazing local. Great food and super lovely waitress. Food was amazing and big portions. So delicious. Can't wait to come back
- Feb 28, 2026
We found this place by accident when looking for somehere else. Glad we did! Lovely Turkish food with excellent service. Unfortunately (for them) they are situated in virtually the middle of nowhere, down side streets between Archway and Crouch End. Easy enough to get to, but I doubt if they get many passers-by. The three of us (myself and my two grown-up children) began with some mixed meze starters (Baba Ganoush, Tarama, Calamari, Lamb with hummus). These were excellent, and served with Turkish bread. We then each had a different main. My daughter and I both had the Yogurtlu kebab (one chicken, one lamb) . This seemed similar to an Iskender - meat on Turkish bread with a tomato and yoghurt sauce. My son had the mixed shish. Each of us thoroughly enjoyed our meals and were impressed that the portions were such that we ended up feeling very full (something of an achievement since neither my son nor I are especially small). Prices were very reasonable, particularly given the amount of food, and the quality of service. They are relatively new and I encourage people to try them. They deserve to thrive.
- Feb 28, 2026
An Unmissable Dining Experience! From the moment you arrive, you’re greeted with warm smiles and genuine hospitality. Each dish is a masterpiece - spice-infused, aromatic, and bursting with flavour that lingers in the best way. The ambience is unforgettable, with a perfect sunset view that makes every bite even more special. And the best part? The prices are surprisingly lower compared to similar restaurants, making this five-star experience an absolute steal. I would highly recommend this place to anyone who loves incredible food, heartfelt service, and stunning views.
- Feb 25, 2026
I had the absolute pleasure of dining at Ember & Cork, and it was nothing short of amazing! The food was bursting with flavour, beautifully presented, and made with real care. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with a perfect balance of elegance and comfort. Every bite felt like a treat, and the service was attentive without being overbearing. Definitely a hidden gem in London! I’ll be coming back again and again!
- Feb 15, 2026
I honestly cannot thank Ember & Cork enough for the incredible experience they gave us. I hired the restaurant to organise and cater for my mum’s surprise meal, and from start to finish they were absolutely amazing. The team were so helpful, accommodating, and genuinely invested in making the night special. They helped me organise everything seamlessly and made sure every detail was perfect. The surprise went exactly as planned, and my mum was over the moon. The food was unreal authentic, beautifully presented, and full of flavour. The atmosphere was warm, welcoming, and stylish, and the service was attentive without ever feeling rushed. What really stood out was how much care and effort the staff put in. They made us feel completely looked after and turned a special occasion into an unforgettable one. If you’re looking for a place to host a private event or celebrate something important, Ember & Cork is the place. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them and will definitely be back. Thank you again for making my mum’s surprise so perfect
- Feb 15, 2026
The best calamari we ever had! All dishes from entree to main were top notch…one of the best I’ve had in London. Great to have it in the area.
- Jan 27, 2026
Quaint little place in North London nestled amidst a quiet residential neighbourhood exceeded my expectations. We were looking for a restaurant with healthy options and everything that came out of that kitchen was delicious Adana Lamb was banging.. it’s new restaurant.. a big shout out .. go try out their menu …
- Dec 27, 2025
Great food. Very polite and lovely staffs. Restaurant very clean and cozy look. We really enjoy spending time here.
