Iznik

Established in 1989, this trendsetting Turkish restaurant frequented by Islington's intelligentsia. Iznik is the modern name of Nicaea, an ancient Turkish town known for the richly decorated pottery and tiles produced there in the 15th and 16th centuries. Beautifully decorated with dark wood, bright pink walls, floral tiling and lots of multicoloured glass lanterns hanging from the ceiling, it evokes the spirit of an Ottoman palace . Just as impressive is the authentic menu based on traditional Ottoman cooking (generally spice-free lamb and vegetable dishes), overseen by the congenial owners, a husband and wife team. Everything is prepared fresh on the premises, including the homemade yoghurt which they make from organic milk. Local regulars have include Tony Blair, when he lived in Islington, Nigel Slater, Katherine Hamnett and David Starkey amongst others. A restaurant with real character. Fully air-conditioned.