Rüya

Turkish Gastronomy Through the Lens of Modernity

The journey from the tube station to the restaurant was a delightful adventure for the senses. Setting off from the vibrant Hydepark Corner Station, I meandered past London’s luxurious landmarks—IHG, Four Seasons, 45 Park Lane, then ‘The Dorchester”, and finally JW Marriott—immersing myself in the opulent atmosphere of Mayfair.

Ambience:
Arriving at the restaurant didn’t dampen my excitement; if anything, it only heightened it. This establishment exudes an enchanting aura that captures the senses, drawing one into the irresistible world of Anatolian cuisine.

One of the standout moments was the live DJ music, which added an extra layer of enjoyment to the dining experience. The DJ curated a vibrant yet cozy ambiance, perfect for sharing a meal with friends, partners, or family.

And of course, the sight of the oven where they baked their bread was a delightful surprise—a testament to the craftsmanship and care evident in every dish. At least I thought so when I saw it for the first time.

Service:
From the moment the gracious staff welcomed me, I sensed I was in for an exceptional dining journey. Their genuine warmth and infectious enthusiasm set the scene for what would evolve into a passionate exploration of Turkish flavors.

As for the service charge, while it might seem a bit extra, it’s part of the deal. The staff took great care of me and my friend —maybe even a bit too much. We could have easily handled putting meat on our hummus or cutting our dessert, but I see it as their way of showing dedication to their craft.

Drink:
They offer a wide range of wine selections and cocktails. In fact, you could easily use their bar area as a standalone bar, as it’s separate from the dining space.

Price: £££
While you might feel that some main dishes are a bit on the pricey side, the portions, especially for starters, are quite generous.

What I Ordered:

Antep Fıstıklı Rafikf

The vibrant green leaves provided a striking contrast to the creamy cheeses, and the feta cheese boasted a luxuriously creamy texture with a hint of tanginess that paired perfectly with the richness of the goat curd.

While I couldn’t pinpoint the exact role of the pistachio, it certainly was a tasty dish. Also, I was anticipating Turkish-style bread, but what we received was simply grilled bread. Could it be that the oven I observed was used for baking British-style bread instead?

Fırınlanmış Kemik İliği

Featuring roasted bone marrow alongside slow-cooked beef and hummus, this culinary creation provided a tantalizing introduction to the diverse flavors of Anatolian cuisine.

Bone Mallow stole the show with its rich, buttery flavor that enveloped the senses. Paired with the creamy hummus, each bite was a delightful revelation—a harmonious blend of savory goodness that left a lasting impression.

Once again, I found myself yearning for Turkish fluffy bread to accompany the dish. As I left the restaurant, I couldn’t help but notice the lady standing in front of the oven, which prompted me to wonder if it was merely a decorative piece. Oh, and did you notice that the oven area was too clean on the picture? Scroll up to go back!

Adana Kebap

While I appreciated the concept of the contracted Kebap, I wasn’t entirely convinced by the taste. The lamb boasted a rich flavor profile that hinted at the slow grilling process over an open flame, but the juiciness was missing.

Accompanying the kebabs were charred tomatoes, which provided a welcome contrast to the robustness of the lamb. Bursting with sweetness and acidity, they acted as a refreshing counterpoint, enhancing the overall balance and complexity of flavors in every bite.

Izgara Piliç

Upon the initial bite, the tender flesh of the poussin unfolded, carrying hints of smokiness from the grill and harmonizing with the rich, nutty undertones of the smoked paprika walnut sauce.

However, the chili butter failed to deliver the expected punch, lacking the depth and complexity I anticipated, which left the dish somewhat wanting in terms of flavor dimension.

Antep Fıstıklı Pilav

This dish proved to be a culinary delight, whisking diners away to the lively streets of Gaziantep with each aromatic forkful.

The pistachio pilaf, cooked to perfection with its ideal balance of moisture and fluffiness, offered a symphony of nutty flavors that seamlessly blended with the earthy essence of spinach and fragrant herbs.

For those eager to experience Turkey’s vibrant culinary traditions, this dish is an absolute must-try—an unforgettable voyage through the diverse flavors of Anatolia that will linger in your memory long after the final bite.

*Kunefe

I implore you, don’t miss out on ordering this dish—even if it means waiting for the next overground train home, which could be a bit of a wait. Trust me, it’s worth it. This heavenly creation is a true testament to the culinary prowess of the chefs, offering a symphony of flavors and textures that will transport you to a world of enchantment. As I savored each bite, I couldn’t help but feel like Princess Jasmine, eagerly awaiting her Aladdin on a flying carpet.

It truly was a special experience. The shredded pastry, boasting a crispy exterior and a delightfully soft interior, gave way to a decadent, gooey center of sweet cheese that simply melted in the mouth. Every mouthful was an absolute delight, especially with the addition of Pistachio Ice Cream and Pistachio sprinkles, creating a perfect harmony of flavors and textures.

Conclusion:

While some main dishes may have fallen short of expectations, the tantalizing Mezze and the indulgent Kunefe were shining examples of the culinary team’s passion and creativity. The flawless service only added to the experience, ensuring that every moment was infused with warmth and hospitality.

Rüya London is a haven where food transcends into art and dining transforms into an unforgettable journey. For those in search of an escape from the ordinary and a taste of the extraordinary, Rüya London promises to leave a lasting imprint—a cherished memory to be savored long after the final bite has been enjoyed.

Check their Halal menu from their website: https://ruyarestaurants.com/london/