Bosphorus Kebabs is a hole-in-the-wall kebab shop mostly aimed at takeaway but with a couple tables in the back for dine-in. Unlike other Middle Eastern shawarma joints, where sandwiches are the go-to, Bosphorus serves up their meat and veggies simply in an aluminium box with a pita on the side, which is certainly less convenient for on-the-go eating, but nice perhaps if you wanted something lower carb. Unfortunately, I just wasn't a fan of the food. The shawarma meat itself was fine but unremarkable. The salad was rather plain, and the overall meal was a bit of a letdown, especially for a price above what other places would normally charge for a much tastier pita sandwich concoction. Overall not a fan. Also, they only take cash. read more

Bosphorus Kebabs - Shawarma box was uninspired - Turkish Near Me - South Kensington, XGL

We had döner for four people here. The döner was reasonably tasty. However, the tables are very small and the stools are uncomfortable. The prices compete with those of upscale restaurants. You can find better options for a lower price elsewhere. read more

Little hidden gem! Great tasting food and fast service. FOOD IS AMAZING AND TASTES FRESH!!! Not a local but I wish I was because I would be here all the time. read more

This place only accepts cash. The food is great. The people working here are hilarious. The place is small but it is never really packed. The meat was extremely tender. Be careful, there were some bones. read more

Small hole in the wall resturant, that serves fresh, inexpensive food. I had the lamb a couple times. It was seasoned nicely. Cheap and quick. Recommend. read more

Bosphorus Kebabs - Turkish Near Me - South Kensington, XGL

We ordered XL Mixed Grill Kebob and xL Donner Kebab. Good flavor! Good value for money read more

Bosphorus Kebabs - Turkish Near Me - South Kensington, XGL

Rude to be sure, not sure if they are always this way. They are a cash only business and no ATM's are operational anywhere near this little spot according to owner. Avoid if you are wanting a clean and caring environment, very limited space for accommodating eating in. For me, the owner/worker has poor service and client skills. There are many other better food options, thank goodness. read more

My friend recommended this place since i was going to london, i wanted to give it a try so i went in the morning once it open, the person that greeted us and the staff were very friendly. I order the shish kebab and friend ordered the mixed grill. My shish kebab with the small salad on the side was amazing and my friend enjoyed her mixed grill plate too. Everything was great, a must go if you're in london read more

Bosphorus Kebabs - Turkish Near Me - South Kensington, XGL

At the mention of 'going for a kebab' my inside shrink, having only tried them once in this country. My first (and as a consequence I'd decided last) still appears in my nightmares... fatty, oozing, strips of cheap meat, with heaps of pepper that I can only imagine was added to cancel out the taste of its former self. Whatever that was. When the work boys insisted on taking me to Bosphorus I was ready to think up any excuse as to why I couldn't make it. Ever. It turns out that the food at this little Turkish hot spot is INCREDIBLE. Although I still haven't dared to try the donnor either of the lamb or chicken shish are delicious. Now I'm a complete devote. The meat tastes fresh and is deliciously marinated and the best bit, you can watch it being cooked in front of you on their enormous grill whilst you chew the fat with the friendly Kebabeners (I made that up). They all come in a pitta or in a tray with fluffy white rice and salad. Whichever you go for do not miss their delicious garlic mayonnaise for 60p extra. I love the fact that they're keeping it real by still calling it that when the word 'aioli' has all but eradicated good old garlic mayo. Admittedly, I don't know much about kebab variants, but they seem to offer a great selection, such as Spicy Kofte (the boys favourite) and a great mixed grill. They also claim not to use any dodgy artificial additives so it's probably the healthiest kebab you're going to find after a night out. There's even a good choice of salads such as Kisir, Tabouleh (both bulgar wheat based) and Choban (cucumber, onion, pepper, radishes) so you can even take your veggie friends. The food is undoubtedly great, but the wait is long and service can sometimes be a bit on the brusque side. They seem to like to yelling, "Hey, lady, what dya want with this?" at you whilst you stand in the long winding queue of people, which on a Friday night after dancing till 3am can get a little exasperating (are you talking to me or her?!) But, for a kebab this good, I'm prepared to wait in that queue from as long as it takes and damn don't they know it. read more

I ordered the mixed grill. Overall, I really enjoyed it. The lamb and sausage pieces were my favorite. Also comes with a salad and a piece of pita bread on the side. It's one of the better meals I've had in London. read more

Bosphorus Kebabs - Turkish Near Me - South Kensington, XGL

Just about the best kebabs I have ever eaten were bought and hungrily snaffled here. In my estimation, that makes them the best kebabs in London too. I'm not alone there, either. While you're waiting for your 'Large Mixed' to be ready from the big sizzling grill, take a look at the back wall of this tiny, narrow restaurant for testimonials and recommendations from all around the world: "The best kebab I have ever eaten" - Hakan, Istanbul "I've driven a black cab around London for 30 years, I eat a kebab every day, and Bosphorus is still the best" - Jimmy, Peckham They go on and on.... The boys who grill the meat and dress your kebab are quite a loud bunch. They like calling the boys 'boss' and the girls 'love', even hollering at passing people outside. The choice of sauces and salads are excellent, and you can sit inside or outside on the street. Two unique touches are the fact that you pay at the end of the meal, like a 'proper' restaurant, and the fact that you stuff your pita yourself, receiving a large container of meat and salad, with the bread seperate. But it's all about the meat. All of it is Halal, very well seasoned and cooked to perfection. I like the Lamb and the Large Mixed, but I'm confident that the whole menu is excellent. Highly recommended. read more

Bosphorus Kebabs - Turkish Near Me - South Kensington, XGL

If you are in the Kensington area and love food(I am assuming this is a given as you are on yelp) you owe it yourself to stop by this hole in the wall known as Bosphorus Kebabs! The Lamb Doner Kebab is ridiculously good. For those who don't know(I didn't either) a "Doner" kebab is the meat(usually lamb or chicken) sliced from the spit. Think of it as similar to gyro or shawarma. A "Shish" kebab is cubes of meat on a stick, sometimes with vegetables. I've had the Lamb Doner four times and can't imagine ordering something else. They slice the meat very thin, and it is juicy and so flavorful. I could eat a plate of the meat alone all by itself. Combine that with the pita bread they put on the grill and the outstanding red chilli sauce and it is perfection. No "lamby" taste that I'd had when I'd tried other lamb from spits. I actually had never liked lamb before Bosphorus! Don't let the hole in the wall look turn you away, Bosphorus is a winner! read more

Bosphorus Kebabs - Turkish Near Me - South Kensington, XGL

See all

Excellent meal. Even let me pay when I had finished. It was very much worth the search. Great kebab! You can choose the portion of meat as well. Excellent quality, and service. read more

Bosphorus Kebabs - Doner Kebab - Turkish Near Me - South Kensington, XGL

Tight little joint that the food is packed with flavor! Bring cash but if you forget, they are patient and trusting for you to return right away. The Doner sandwich and platter is delightful. Enjoy! read more

This place fed me through Uni and I have my friend Ben to thank for introducing it to me. A true hole in the wall, it has been in its present location for over 20 years and serves up the freshest Turkish street food you can imagine. While there is very limited seating inside, your best bet is to take away your large doner with extra meat and chili sauce. Find somewhere you can eat it and get it everywhere... because it will go everywhere. Not cheap anymore, but the taste speaks of the quality ingredients. The local dog and rat population are intact :) read more

Bosphorus Kebabs - Turkish Near Me - South Kensington, XGL

See all

One my first trip to London, 4 years ago, this was the first place I ate. Just a whole in the wall down from the hotel we were staying at. What could be more perfect? And let me tell you a kebab with their spicy sauce will cure your jet lag in a hurry. The things they server here have a bit of magic in them. The amounts are huge and a real deal for the price. Just 5 or 6 pounds and you are in business. Four years later, it is still just as good and maybe better than I remembered, as I wasn't jet lagged this time! Besides having great meats and an practiced hand on the grill, the veggies and sauces that accompany the kebabs really sets this place apart. I know some people are scared of the doner but it is pretty good and orders of magnitude better than any doner I've had anywhere else. But their other kebabs are as amazing or better. I want to try them all, but that means I'm just greedy! Get on the tube and go there now! The guy working the counter just laughed at me when I told him I had been waiting four years for their kebabs! But it is true, and I hope the wait isn't as look next time around. read more

Bosphorus Kebabs - Turkish Near Me - South Kensington, XGL

See all

I trusted the Yelp reviews and they were right. After spending a day at the museums I was starving. I walked over and ordered an XL mixed grill. The portion was huge for £9.70 I could barely finish it. Topped with vegetables and a pita. The only thing I would change is to order just lamb next time. Although the chicken was good I always prefer lamb when eating this type of food. He only put red sauce on it. Maybe they don't have tzatziki? The guy cooking was very nice and he was talking to regulars which is a good sign. This place is not touristy, a hole in the wall with just a few tables. Cash only! read more

Bosphorus Kebabs - Xl mixed grill - Turkish Near Me - South Kensington, XGL

See all

had a craving for grilled lamb saddle. arrived right at opening hour and the grill was just ready to go. the bespectacled old man whom i suspect is the owner was on hand to personally serve us at the grill. he still has it. skillfully grilling 4 orders at the same time. despite my cynical apprehensions, the lamb was perfectly grilled! the takeaway box of rice, vege and lamb with a splash of their spicy sauce tasted really good when i had it for lunch. the meat had time to sit and the sauce permeated the rice evenly. at 7 quid, it's both satisfying and filling. from memory, the takeaway meal tasted better than when i ate there! read more

Plain and simple. 5 Stars and anyone who rated it less...well, they must have had a bad day. Fresh meat cooked perfectly, salad and tzatziki sauce bar none. If I lived close, I'd be here at least once a week. DANG!! read more

Bosphorus Kebabs - Turkish Near Me - South Kensington, XGL

See all

His place keep me feed while living in South Ken. The food is fresh. Make sure to get the sides. read more

Fantastic place nearby the South Kensington tube station. It's a hole in the wall with not much place to sit, so we took our food to go. Everything on the menu is very reasonably priced. I think the most expensive thing was £10. For a family of 5, we got 2 XL mixed grills and 2 Chicken Kebab's (one chicken breast and one chicken thigh skewer). In terms of quality, I've never had a more tender and delicious selection of kebabs to choose from. We had chicken, beef and lamb and they were all marinated and cooked to perfection. Would highly recommend visiting this place if you're in town and nearby visiting Kensington Palace since it's basically walking distance. read more

Be it known, Yanks: kebab as it's known here is more akin to what you would expect as a gyro. Do not raise your hopes for the most wondrous of wondrous: meat on a stick. Or, you know, you could read the reviews and look at the pictures. Since, evidently, I couldn't be bothered to do either, I was slightly surprised at what I received. That said, what I received was good. I went with the standard favorite, the doner kebab. As with what i usually find at similar shops, I had no where near enough pita to enjoy with the meat but the few(ish) bites of meat/bread combo I experienced, I enjoyed. Salad's salad. I appreciate the effort but I would have gladly traded the green for some additional pita. As I mentioned above, the meat was good. It was a bit too salty for my liking, hence a three-star as opposed to a four. I also had a bit of diner's envy when I saw another patron order the spicy kofte. From looks and aroma, I think I should have gone with that selection. Be also advised: this place is tiny. While you may be so famished that you have no choice other than to sit and eat, a more enjoyable experience may be to pick up and take away. You pay after you eat. I don't know why, but I rather enjoyed that. I think there's a modicum of greater respect in such a transaction. read more

Please read carefully, because the next five words will change your life: Fresh minced lamb doner kebab. Basically, you should translate that passage to mean mounds of succulent lamb carved straight off the vertical spit as you watch on with (likely) mouth agape. Served with salad and pita, it's ridiculously cheap for the amount of food you get, it's beyond delicious and so very satisfying. Just make sure to confirm there are utensils in your bag if you're getting takeway - I did ask but was disappointed to not find my promised fork when I got back to my hotel down the street. I could have phoned room service, but you try ignoring fresh minced lamb doner kebab after the floodgates, err bag, has been opened! What's a girl to do? Since I'd like to think I'm a lady, let's just say I ate it with something that rhymes with 'bands'. read more

I like the kebabs a lot, but some of the staff here are a bunch of flat out wankers. Its fucking annoying. Im always polite, some days they're nice some days they're just plain dickheads. Its enough to not make me want to go back ever again ive reached my limit now. I dont know what their problem is... ive even been waiting in line and seen them be rude or try to pass off smart ass comments to customers. Its like they have a chip on their shoulder or something, they need to get off their high horse and treat their customers with respect to make them feel like they want to go back. Hire some staff who enjoy their job and know a thing or two about customer satisfaction instead of letting their egos get in the way. I dont appreciate it when im a paying, polite and respectful customer and they talk to me and others like were pieces of shit. read more

before heading over to London for a weeks worth of vacation I fired up the ole Yelp UK machine to see what restaurants would be worth a visit. Since the hotel was in Kensington that was where I started the search. According to Yelp the most popular spot that week was Bosphorus Kebabs serving something called a Doner. Upon further research I found out the "Doner" was something akin to a shawarma sandwich just with some Turkish influences rather than Greek. I also realized that in comparison to most eating in London it is fairly cheap. So cheap good eats near the hotel. Well let me tell you, this is one place that I would go out of way to eat at. The lamb and chicken are tender and juicy, the chili sauce that comes with it is spicy and brings enough heat to make the sweat just start to roll and the back of the throat get that little cough going. The place is a dive in all the best ways. Small and cramp, surly guys working the flattop. I wouldn't change a thing. read more

Bosphorus has one of the best kebabs I have ever eaten.. in my life. I used to live around the corner from here, so whenever I think about my time in London, Bosphorus is one of my great food memories. The kebabs were pieces of succulent, perfectly marinated meat, fresh crunchy vegetables, and had a lip burning spiciness. I'm drooling already.. This place is always busy, but very, very efficient. Don't be afraid to jump in and get your order in. read more

This is the kind of review you have to qualify with: it's good for a ... Kebab joints are gross, and this one is no different. It's dirty, service curt, inefficiently run, but for a kebab shop, its pretty good. The meat is not as poor quality as others around town, and after ingesting it you don't feel like getting your stomach pumped, but there are some serious issues. (1) no chips, (2) pita sucks, (3) they serve everything on salad not as a wrap, (4) salad sucks, and finally, (5) rice is awful. If they were to correct the chips and wrap deficiencies I think I'd go there rather than the offensively pretentious Beirut Express next door (they don't allow sandwiches/wraps in the 'dining area' and even if the entire dining area is completely empty will make you wait for a table in the front to each a sandwich, even if your dining companion is having a full meal). Places like Best Mangal, Mangal Ocakbasi, etc., offer as good or better meat plus have full menus, table service, etc., etc., so don't really see the appeal of a kebab stand, esp. one which isn't even open when I'd ever want a kebab (read: when pigeon toed on booze). read more

Just came back from London and stayed down the street from Bosphorus. It's a little hole-in-the-wall that seems to be quite popular with the locals in a pretty touristy area of South Kensington. You walk in and the guys welcome you with a friendly "hello." While waiting for your food, it's fun to read all the index cards on the wall written by visitors commenting on how amazing the food is. Everyone seems to agree that they have the best kebabs in all of London. Hole-in-the-wall prices, with great flavor! I had the chicken kebab and bf had the donner kebab the two times we went. What's great is that they're open late night as well! Definitely a place to visit, especially when you're trying to avoid those London prices! read more

Don't get me wrong, Bosphorus Kebabs dishes out a tasty meal in South Kensington for a fiver, which is an unbelievable feat in and of itself, however, there's just something not quite right about walking into a quaint but jam-packed kebab place when there's a Rolls-Royce parked out front and a Lamborghini dealership two doors down. I do want to make it absolutely clear that the service at Bosphorus was absolutely impeccable, and arguably the best I've encountered in London. Especially in South Kensington, where workers often have to spend the day dealing with mobs of tourists and the global elite, Bosphorus will treat everyone from the bin man to the Sultan of Oman as though they're locals, which is evident by the small complimentary note cards that pepper the walls. Bosphorus' service alone bumped this review from 3 to 4 stars, and is a model of what even a quick bit out can look like when done right. While the food was good, portions are generally a bit small, and I was disappointed to find that some of the staples of most quick kebab joints were missing. Bosphorus doesn't offer Doner wraps, which makes it difficult to eat their doners on the fly, and the classic garlic yogurt sauce and hot peppers were missing from their lineup of condiments. That having been said, my lamb doner was somehow almost completely devoid of any dripping oil, which I'd never before encountered with London kebabs. So if you happen to be in South Kensington and are looking for a meal on the cheap, drop into Bosphorus for unmatched friendly service on the cheap. However, if you're truly on the quest for the best kebab and are making your selection based on food quality alone, I've yet to find a kebab in the city that matches Pitfield Street's "City Best Kebab" just off the Old Street tube station. read more

Bosphor-me Bosphor-you Bosphorus...... lived around the corner for 6 months and still miss it.... very good doner kebab.... not worth travelling across the city for but awesome if you are in the neighborhood read more

Bosphorus Kebab is pretty much a hole-in-the-wall kind of place. Not much to look at and old but kind of an institution. The walls are covered in laminated notes in every language that sing its praises from years and years ago. Service was quick and efficient. The donner kebab platter only set me back £6 and the portions were plentiful only wish I could eat the pita that came with it (since I am GF). The meat is tender, salty with a slight caramelised factor thanks to this huge spit. The accompanying red cabbage flavourful while the lettuce and tomato fresh and a good counterbalance to the meat. Hummus was pretty good too! Overall if you don't care about atmosphere and food is everything, you've found yourself a winner! I have to go back and try some of the grilled meat selection in the display case at the front soon! read more

Bosphorus Kebabs - Donner kebab platter - Turkish Near Me - South Kensington, XGL

Been coming to the place for 25 years since I was a student and still come back EVERY time I am in town. This is the real mccoy- great food, reasonable prices, and it has been around for 39 years....even as the neighborhood has gotten more posh over the years it is nice to see it still there. Highly recommend for a meal or late night after some pints at the pub. read more

If you can make it all the way to here, this definitely beats those kebabs that are near Earl's Court tube station. Quick service, food is good; you can smell it from far away. read more

Some people say that this is the best kebab in London. Some people say that Elvis is still alive. Some people don't know what the hell they're talking about. It's good, but not great. Despite waiting a very long time for it, my food was cold and my bread was stale. On the plus side, they did have a good selection and everything is prepared to order. read more

Excelent meal. Nice people. Great value. Had the mixed grill, with a hummus side. I will be back again on next London trip. Just plain good. Pita was superior and the food very tasty. Loved it. Very small place but i found a table in the back. read more

Bosphorus Kebabs - Mixed grill with hummus. Excellent - Turkish Near Me - South Kensington, XGL

Unfortunately, this previously amazing place has changed owners. The quality has dropped massively, and the taste as well :( read more

Don't let the exterior fool you this place is by far the best kebab spot in London. Great prices and great quality meat this place is a celebrity favourite despite its humble appearance. It's steps away from South Kensington station and the perfect food on a warm summer's day. The mixed grill is absolutely delicious and I cannot recommend it enough, the combination of grilled lamb and chicken comes served with a hot pitta and mediterranean salad. I recommend asking for hummus as an extra to finish off your Turkish lunch. Highly recommend! read more

So this place is good if you have the munchies and they are open until 11:30 or midnight usually. If you forfeit the bread it's actually pretty decent for you. The problem is that I have gone a few times and they have either screwed up my order or took a pretty long time. It's all pretty conveniently located near South Kensington on the Piccadilly line. read more

The meat is excellent. The rest is not. I went on account of the fabulous reviews and ordered a Chicken Shawarma. The chicken was cooked right in front of me and ended up juicy and delicious. For London, the prices were good and the meat is definitely a stand-out. What I didn't like: the pita was hard as a rock, and the hummus had too sharp of a taste for me. I didn't like either. So make no mistake, if you come here you're coming for the meat. I will return, partially because I don't have the desire to put enough time into meat to make it taste as good as it does here. read more

It'a an absolutely must visit place for any meat lover. Their mixed grill...that is only £7.5 for an extra large portion will satisfy all your meat cravings. read more

Bosphorus Kebabs - Mixed grill in the making - Turkish Near Me - South Kensington, XGL