Mem and Laz Brasserie

A commitment to the ancestral art of the Anatolian grill defines the culinary output of this Islington institution, where fire and smoke are treated as essential ingredients. The chef’s philosophy centers on the transformation of humble cuts through patient, slow-roasting techniques and the aggressive heat of charcoal. Chargrilled lamb chops are served with a distinct charred aroma, their exterior seasoned with wild oregano while the interior remains pink and tender. This focus on thermal precision is mirrored in the kleftiko, a knuckle of lamb slow-cooked until it falls away in succulent ribbons, paired with fluffy, spice-scented basmati rice. Texture is explored through the contrast of a hazelnut-crusted goat cheese salad and the silky, layered complexity of a signature vegetable moussaka. By marrying Mediterranean brightness with Middle Eastern depth, the kitchen produces a menu that is both technically disciplined and soulfully resonant, reflecting a deep respect for the heritage of the Levant.