Tara Restaurant

I can’t believe no one’s reviewed Tara yet — it’s our favourite local restaurant. Definitely worth a visit. Several things separate this one from the pack. Most restaurants on this stretch of Green Lane are Turkish or Turkish Kurd. Tara’s owners are Kurds from northern Iraq, and the restaurant décor, influences and music reflect this. Although the food is similar to those of neighbouring restaurants — same mix of Middle Eastern starters, grilled meat mains — it’s very well seasoned and subtly spiced. Special mention for Tara’s bread — it used to come piping hot from a tandoor oven in the window. When we went back recently, the tandoor had vanished following a makeover. We were perturbed. But not to worry — when our bread emerged from the kitchen, it was exactly the same: hot, crispy, delicious. The best bread on Green Lanes. There are also a few specials — slow-​cooked lamb shanks and other cuts of lamb served on flatbreads. Factor in the smiling, nothing-​too-​much-​trouble service, the reasonable prices, and the complementary cardamom-​spiced black tea to finish, and Tara really is a hidden gem.