Average turkish restaurants prices across the UK
**TL;DR:** Turkish restaurants across the UK typically charge £8-15 for mains, with kebabs around £6-10 and mezze sharing plates from £15-25. London and major cities cost more than regional areas. Budget around £20-30 per person for a casual meal with drinks.
## Introduction
Turkish food has become a beloved part of UK dining culture. You’ll find Turkish restaurants in nearly every town and city now. But what’ll you actually pay for a proper Turkish meal? Understanding average Turkish restaurant prices helps you budget wisely. Whether you’re planning a date night or casual family dinner, knowing typical costs matters. This guide breaks down real pricing across the UK. We’ll look at different dishes and regions. You’ll discover what represents good value for money.
## What Do Turkish Mains Cost at UK Restaurants?
Main dishes at Turkish restaurants typically range from £8 to £15 across the UK. Kebabs represent the most popular and affordable options. Lamb shish kebabs average £10-12, whilst chicken versions cost £8-10. Meat-heavy dishes like lamb chops or chicken breast skewers sit at the higher end. Regional variations exist significantly. London establishments charge £12-15 for quality mains. Regional towns often offer the same dishes for £8-10. Vegetarian mains like halloumi or vegetable kebabs typically cost £1-2 less than meat options.
## Are Kebabs Really the Budget Option?
Yes, kebabs represent the most wallet-friendly Turkish choice available. A basic doner kebab from a takeaway costs £5-7. Restaurant doner plates with salad and rice run £7-9. Shish kebabs in restaurants cost slightly more at £9-12. Quality matters here though. Cheaper establishments sometimes use lower-grade meat. Mid-range and upmarket restaurants invest in better quality. You’ll taste the difference immediately. Expect to pay more for properly marinated, slow-cooked meat. Most UK diners find £10-12 represents fair pricing for quality.
## How Much Should You Budget for Mezze and Sharing Plates?
Turkish mezze plates range from £4 to £8 each when ordered individually. A proper mezze sharing platter for two people costs £15-25. These typically include hummus, baba ganoush, falafel, and halloumi. Some restaurants offer set mezze selections that represent better value. Six to eight mixed pieces usually cost £20-30. Sharing plates work brilliantly for groups or couples. You’ll sample multiple flavours without heavy spending. Add bread (£1-2 per basket) and you’ve got a varied meal. Most diners find mezze offers excellent value compared to single mains.
## What’s the Price Difference Between Regions?
London restaurants charge noticeably more than elsewhere. Turkish mains in central London average £14-18. Manchester and Birmingham offer the same quality for £10-13. Edinburgh and Glasgow restaurants sit at £11-14. Smaller towns typically charge £8-11 for identical dishes. This reflects local rent costs and customer expectations. Quality doesn’t necessarily improve with higher prices either. Some regional restaurants outperform pricey London equivalents. Bradford has earned particular acclaim for Turkish cuisine at fair prices. Research your local area before assuming costs.
## What’s the Total Bill Per Person Including Drinks and Extras?
A casual meal for one person typically costs £20-30. This includes a main, soft drink, and bread. Adding alcohol increases costs to £30-50. Starters add another £4-8 per person. Desserts like baklava cost £4-6 each. Service charges add 10-12.5% in some restaurants. Coffee costs £2-3. Tip appropriately at 10-15% for good service. Sharing mezze plates with others significantly reduces per-person costs. Groups often spend £25-35 per person including drinks. Budget-conscious diners can eat well for £15-20 by choosing carefully.
## Conclusion
Turkish restaurant prices across the UK remain reasonable compared to other cuisines. You’ll find quality meals for genuine value nationwide. London costs more than regional areas, but options exist at all budgets. Kebabs offer the most affordable choice. Mezze sharing represents excellent value for groups. Most diners spend £20-30 per person for a complete meal with drinks. Research menus beforehand to find pricing that suits your budget. Quality Turkish restaurants reward loyalty with consistent food. Find a Turkish restaurant near you by searching our free UK directory.
## FAQ
**Q: Are Turkish restaurants cheaper than Indian restaurants?**
A: They’re generally similar. Turkish mains average £8-15, whilst Indian mains cost £9-14. Both offer excellent value for money compared to other cuisines.
**Q: Do Turkish restaurants charge for bread?**
A: Most charge £1-2 per bread basket. Some include it free with mains. Always check the menu first to avoid surprises.
**Q: What’s the cheapest Turkish meal option?**
A: A simple doner kebab with salad costs £7-9 in most restaurants. This provides excellent value and fills you up adequately.
**Q: Do service charges get added automatically?**
A: Some restaurants add 10-12.5% service charges automatically. Others leave it optional. Check your menu or ask your server beforehand.
**Q: Is Turkish restaurant food expensive for families?**
A: No, it’s family-friendly and affordable. Sharing mezze plates reduces costs significantly. Most families spend £60-80 for four people including drinks.