Kebele, which means “mother goddess,” is a brilliant Turkish restaurant on Great Portland Street and one of the best in London. Kibele on Great Portland Street is one of those places you leave feeling genuinely happy you chose it.
It sits right in the middle of a busy part of London, yet once you are inside, the room feels calm and welcoming. There is a warmth to the space and an ease to the way everything works, which makes you want to stay a little longer than planned. There's a great atmosphere but you feel unrushed and relaxed.
The service is a big part of why Kibele works so well. Friendly, attentive and unforced, with staff who read the table properly and give you time to enjoy the meal. You feel looked after without ever feeling there's a time limit.
The cocktails are delicious, with plenty of choice; well-balanced, carefully made, and generous enough to make you slow down and enjoy them. The sort of drinks you order again without thinking twice.
The food is fresh and generous, full of colour and flavour without heaviness. It is ideal for sharing, especially if you like a table covered in plates and a meal that allows for slow and mindful eating. One of the nicest touches is the open kitchen, where you can watch the team at work, which adds energy and reassurance in equal measure.
What really sets Kibele apart is how family-friendly it is. Children are genuinely welcome here. They are given colouring books and crayons as soon as they sit down, and the atmosphere never feels stiff or formal. It is the sort of place where adults enjoy their evening, and children feel properly included.
It also helps that the restaurant stays open throughout the afternoon, which makes it an easy choice for late lunches, early suppers or an unplanned meal between meetings and shopping.
On Thursday nights, there's live jazz music downstairs so you can make an evening of it and stay late, a great choice for a group of friends wanting a night out with delicious food.
Kibele is a place for good food, great cocktails, relaxed families and long evenings. The kind of restaurant you recommend without hesitation.
