I recently had coffee with a friend. We talked about how great it feels when you stumble across one of those hidden gems while on holiday – restaurants with nondescript frontage, frequented by locals, often missed by visitors. Find one, and you’re almost certainly in for a treat. But discovering one on your doorstep? Now that’s a next-level pleasure!
North Street is one of those places I tend to visit on my way somewhere else, and Lavash, a stone’s throw from The Clock Tower, could easily be overlooked if you’re not paying attention – which evidently I wasn’t. Tucked discreetly between two larger stores, it’s easy to miss. Yet, step inside, and you’ll uncover a family-run restaurant rich in warmth and welcome. Its subtle charm is precisely what draws people in.
A Place for Friends & Family
Lavash deliberately and successfully challenges perceptions of casual, on-the-go dining popular in contemporary hospitality.
The owner, Cemal, speaks passionately about his mission: providing food that’s delicious, bold, and healthy, without compromising atmosphere.
Whether you have an hour for a working lunch or you’re meeting friends after work, it’s a place to sit back and relax, confident that everything on the menu is fresh, vibrant, and fragrant.
Walk in for Lunch, Take a Trip Somewhere New
Pass the counter, and you’ll discover an aesthetic synonymous with terrace cafés of Türkiye – bright, fresh, and inviting, encouraging you to pause and enjoy your meal. The highlight awaits on the first floor, a gorgeous space filled with natural light. You could easily imagine yourself transported to a secluded city rooftop (with the added comfort of cover, perfect for our less predictable weather).
Above the staircase hangs a picture of Mardin, Türkiye, Cemal’s home city. It’s not just decorative; it’s a reminder that this restaurant places tradition and culture at its heart.
As Cemal happily recounted a customer’s emotional reaction to seeing her own family’s home in the picture, we were reminded that dining here isn’t only about the food. It’s about the stories, people, and places that came before.
This legacy and heritage intertwine with cuisine, making the difference between grabbing a bite and taking a moment for pure escapism.
For the Love of Olive Oil
Despite frequently boring dinner companions with enthusiastic praise for the magic of olive oil, I must admit I use it carelessly in my own (very amateur) cooking. However, speaking with Cemal reminded me how integral this humble ingredient is to superbly flavoured dishes – alongside other ingredients – the herbs and spices, which elevate every plate. Steeped in tradition, Cemal shared that these are the same flavours his mother would use in family recipes: onions with sumac, red cabbage salad, and fresh pomegranates. There’s no need for reinvention when you’ve got it right the first time.
Mezze Magic
We shared the mixed mezze to start – wow, what a feast! A delightful selection of traditional dishes, from baba ganoush to grilled halloumi; each bite was a taste sensation. The balance was on point; contrasting the heat of the chilli ezme with the creamy tzatziki worked beautifully. The hummus was delicate and flavourful, while the halloumi and börek added lovely texture to the dish. There’s no denying it – this could easily have been a meal in itself (but where’s the fun in that?).
The Bread at Lavash restaurant
Let’s take a moment to appreciate the Lavash bread served alongside our dishes. Freshly baked onsite, it’s delightfully light and flavoursome. Truly irresistible – I could happily have asked for bowl after bowl. It features prominently on the menu, showcasing the team’s passion, and rightly deserves praise.
Wraps & Kebabs
I particularly enjoyed the balance of vegetarian and meat dishes on the menu. There are several options for falafel and halloumi wraps, each complemented differently based on preference. The falafels were crisp, light, and beautifully spiced, showcasing the delicate blend of herbs. The spicy kofta kebab, by contrast, packed real heat. As a big fan of bulgur pilaf, I found it the perfect accompaniment. The additional salad elements brought zest and tang, creating a masterclass in flavour.
Generosity – The Sixth Fundamental Taste
You certainly won’t leave Lavash hungry! It’s easy to see why it’s become a popular lunch spot (featuring in the BRAVOS Best Lunch Top 20 in 2025). Every dish leaves you feeling comfortably satisfied without being overly full. In the tradition of all great family-run establishments, we felt like guests rather than customers, genuinely looked after in the best possible way. What a marvellous find!
Cecily English is a travel consultant based in Brighton. Having recently launched her new website, Brighton, Bordeaux and Beyond, she specialises in curating holidays for people who love to explore culture, good food and a little bit of luxury.
