FOOD + DRINK
A FIERY FEAST OF AUTHENTIC FLAVOURS AT 7OAKS MEZE
A GREAT RESTAURANT EXPERIENCE DEPENDS ON MORE THAN THE FOOD ALONE AND OUR RECENT VISIT TO 7OAKS MEZE TURKISH RESTAURANT & GRILL BROUGHT TOGETHER GENUINE TURKISH HOSPITALITY, WELL-MADE COCKTAILS AND A GENEROUS MENU CENTRED ON TRADITIONAL CHARCOAL-GRILLED COOKING. BY ADAM READY
From the moment team iK arrived, the friendly welcome set the tone for the evening. Service was warm and attentive from the get-go, and the 7Oaks Meze team’ s knowledge of the menu made it easy to settle in and relish the experience. The smart, contemporary interior combines rich colours, warm lighting and Mediterranean-inspired details, while the open charcoal grill provides a lively focal point and fills the restaurant with the aroma of meat cooking over the coals.
Before turning our attention to the menu, we sampled a selection of the house cocktails. Expertly mixed and beautifully presented, they were every bit as impressive as the food that followed. Fresh, vibrant and bursting with flavour, each cocktail provided the perfect accompaniment to an evening that promised to celebrate the very best of Turkish cuisine.
To begin, we chose the cold meze for two- a wonderful showcase of authentic flavours designed for sharing. The creamy hummus was rich and smooth, while the refreshing cacik offered a cooling combination of yoghurt, cucumber and herbs. The tangy, smoky taramasalata was full of flavour, complemented perfectly by the vibrant, gently spiced ezme. Equally delicious were the earthy beetroot and feta cheese, and the expertly prepared patlican soslu, an aubergine dish that perfectly demonstrated the simplicity and freshness that Turkish cuisine is renowned for. Served with warm, freshly baked Turkish bread, it was the ideal way to ease into the feast ahead.
Then came the centrepiece of the evening. The grill sharing platter arrived at our table to admiring glances from diners across the restaurant and instantly became the real showstopper. Suitable for four to five people to share and overflowing with perfectly cooked meats straight from the open charcoal grill, it was a spectacular celebration of Turkish barbecue.
Tender lamb shish, succulent chicken shish, beautifully seasoned lamb kofte, juicy chicken wings, flavour-packed lamb chops and wonderfully rich lamb ribs were all cooked over glowing charcoal, giving each cut that unmistakable smoky depth that simply cannot be replicated any other way. Every mouthful was juicy, flavourful and packed with authentic Mediterranean herbs and spices, while the charcoal added a delicious caramelised finish that lifted every bite.
Served alongside buttery pilau rice, golden chips and colourful shredded cabbage salad, the platter was as generous as it was impressive. Perfect for sharing with family or friends, it captures everything that makes Turkish dining so enjoyable- bringing people together to share incredible food served with generosity and warmth.
Consistency was another strong aspect of the evening. Every dish arrived beautifully presented, every ingredient tasted deliciously fresh, and every member of the team ensured we were looked after from start to finish. The service was attentive without ever feeling intrusive, allowing us to relax, savour each course and lean into the vibrant atmosphere around us.
7Oaks Meze doesn’ t simply serve Turkish food, it celebrates Turkish culture through every aspect of the dining experience. From the warm welcome and exceptional cocktails to the theatre of the open charcoal grill and the unforgettable sharing platters, every detail reflects a genuine passion for authentic hospitality.
Whether you’ re celebrating something special, gathering friends around the table or simply searching for another excellent dining experience in Kent, 7Oaks Meze deserves a place firmly on your must-visit list. Outstanding food, outstanding service and an atmosphere that transports you straight to the heart of Türkiye, this is the closest you’ ll get to the real thing without jumping on a plane and we’ ll absolutely be returning very soon.
sevenoaksmeze. co. uk 7oaks _ meze _ restaurant
116 • www. insidekent. co. uk