Reviews
“My favourite restaurant is my local, a Turkish place called Pasha on Upper Street in Islington. They are friendly guys serving fresh food. When the wife and I get a minute to ourselves, it's the perfect hideout.”
Boris Johnson, Mayor of London (The Observer 20/04/08)
“Last year Pasha changed its generally traditional look to a slicker, more modern style befitting the Angel location. Rich dark greys and low lighting are now the order of the day, enlivened by cream walls, bright cushions and sections of red and gold textured wallpaper. Wooden flooring and a lack of tablecloths can make the interior noisy.
Our meal couldn't be faulted. We started with a first-rate houmous kavurma, and squid in beer batter. A main course of ískender came in a big bowl containing a wide range of meat, both lamb and chicken, shish and köfte, mixed in a rich tomato-based sauce on yoghurt and pide. In cafés, manti (Turkish ravioli) is often served as tiny parcels in a bowl of yoghurt. Here, a bowl of large, tasty pasta envelopes were pleasingly displayed around a central dollop of thick yoghurt.
Of late, the menu has moved beyond providing only traditional Turkish food, branching out to include the likes of roast rack of lamb on a potato gratin. Perhaps as a result, a broader spectrum of diners seems to come here. Good for them: Pasha deservedly remains the top spot for Turkish food in Angel.”
Time Out Eating & Drinking Guide 2009
“A refit has given Pasha a slight change of emphasis. The look is modern rather than traditional, with muted pale-khaki colouring and a mirror at the back to increase the sense of space. The front still opens out on to the street. The menu has now been extended to include separate breakfast and lunch menus; on Sunday, roast beef with yorkshire pudding is offered alongside the traditional Turkish fare. Mixed meze were very fresh, with houmous and a mackerel-like fish particularly notable. Main courses didn't disappoint either; outstanding choices included lamb stew, which boasted chunks of melt-in-the-mouth meat, and duck kapama (stewed in a covered pot), served with sweet pomegranate sauce, potato and cabbage. Service was attentive, even if the staff were, as ever, slightly manic. Though its made a few changes, Pashas position as Islington's top Turkish restaurant is not under threat. The food is still excellent, and the more adventurous flourishes on the new menu are more than welcome.”
Time Out Eating & Drinking Guide 2008
“Pasha is one of the best restaurants in Islington. Great food, great atmosphere and wonderful staff and Hostess.”
Ronnie Franklin (viewlondon.co.uk customer review)
“Pasha is a real Turkish delight. The menu at this elegant restaurant, on the equally elegant Upper Street is strictly authentic Turkish dishes made with plenty of fresh herbs and spices. The set menu offers a choice of meze dishes so you get to sample a little of everything. Highlights include the courgette fritters and kilic baligi which is swordfish marinated in lime, bayleaf and herbs. Finish your meal with either a traditional dessert such as creamy rosewater rice pudding or a glass of highly potent raki.”
Reviewed by Linda Buttle (restaurant-guide.com)
“I've just visited Pasha for the first time and was really impressed. The service was great, all the waiters were friendly and polite.The menu was a good mix of dishes, including decent veggie options. Our order arrived quickly and with a smile. The food was delicious, we had a starter, main and dessert and all were great. We didn't have to wait around for the bill either. I'd really recommend you try it!”
Sarah (london-eating.co.uk customer review)
“I have been to Pasha several times and can say its a Turkish restaurant with a difference nice modern decor, efficient service, and fab food.”
Shelley (islington.org.uk customer review)