A taste of the Med in South London

Nar, Vauxhall’s newest restaurant and bar opens to bring a touch of the Mediterranean to South London. Located beneath the railway arches of Albert Embankment, Nar Restaurant and Bar is a surprising and welcome addition to the restaurant scene in this corner of South London.

Owned by the Turkish Kuccuk brothers, Nar to brings together two of the Mediterranean’s best cuisines serving the exotic flavours of Turkey and more familiar Italian dishes.

Nar Restaurant and Bar occupies two adjacent arches, one housing the restaurant and the other the bar. The cool and relaxed bar area is an ideal spot to enjoy a drink whilst mulling over the extensive menu. Conversely, the restaurant, with its large glass frontage, is light and spacious with a stylish interior complemented by a contemporary design studded with hand-made antiques from the East Mediterranean.

The structure’s arched ceilings have been layered with bamboo that is partitioned by large, curved wooden beams. Tiled terracotta flooring, crisp white linen and smartly upholstered seating betray the fact that Nar offers a dining experience that is in actual fact fantastic value.

The à la carte menu offers a large selection of delicious Turkish dishes such as Arnavut Cigeri (fried lamb’s liver with red onion salad), Kisir (bulgur wheat with mixed nuts, parsley, onion, fresh mint, mixed herbs and spices with lemon juice), Imam Biyaldi (baked aubergine stuffed with mixed vegetables and herbs served with rice), Balik Guvec (mixed seafood casserole with Mediterranean vegetables in a tomato sauce), Nar Special (skewer of marinated lamb wrapped in home-made thin crust bread served with rice, garlic yoghurt, fresh tomato sauce and salad) and Kayisi Tatlisi (sundried apricots with cream, almonds, pistachios and cinnamon.

In addition, diners are able to order mezes that offer a fine selection of Nar’s Turkish specialities. There is also an array of tantalising Italian dishes including pastas, risottos and home-made pizzas.

During the (hopefully) long hot summer months, Nar’s large French windows open up and there are several shaded garden tables at the front of the restaurant where you can wind away an afternoon over a glass or two of wine and a sumptuous meze.

Nar Restaurant and Bar is located at The Railway Arches, 80-81 Albert Embankment, Vauxhall, London SE1 7TN.

For more information, visit Narrestaurant.com.