Etci Baba Turkish Charcoal Grill & Steakhouse
If you're craving smoky Turkish flavors in the heart of Leicester, Etci Baba Turkish Charcoal Grill & Steakhouse at 62A London Rd is an absolute must-visit. This spot brings the warmth of Anatolian hospitality and the unforgettable aroma of charcoal-grilled meats into a vibrant, contemporary setting. Whether you're popping in for a solo bite, grabbing takeaway, or sitting down for a full feast, Etci Baba has a way of making you feel like you’re part of something authentically special.
The moment you walk in, you’re welcomed by the comforting scent of sizzling Adana Kofte and the subtle sweetness of Turkish tea wafting through the air. The space is inviting, with wheelchair-accessible entrances and seating, making it a welcoming spot for everyone. The service is friendly but unfussy - quick enough for a lunch break, yet warm and attentive enough for a long dinner with friends or family.
Meat lovers, rejoice. The Mixed Grill Platter here is a showstopper - perfectly seasoned lamb chops, juicy shish tavuk, and smoky kofte all served straight from the charcoal grill. If you want something more refined, the Lokum Burger is a standout. It’s rich, savory, and melts in your mouth in a way that only premium Turkish beef can. The Creamy Chicken dish offers a comforting balance if you're after something indulgent yet not too heavy.
For those leaning towards variety, the Meze Platter is your golden ticket - it’s a colorful, flavorful mix of small bites including hummus, stuffed vine leaves, and more. It’s also a great option for vegetarians, along with their solid lineup of vegan dishes and healthy options. The restaurant clearly makes an effort to cater to a wide dietary spectrum without compromising on flavor.
Etci Baba isn’t just about meat, though. There’s a playful side to the menu that deserves attention. Their wood-fired pizza might surprise you - it fuses Mediterranean and Turkish influences for a crusty, satisfying experience that holds its own. If you're more in the mood for seafood, dishes like the grilled shrimp or lighter small plates give you that satisfying Mediterranean freshness.
No Turkish meal is complete without something sweet, and Etci Baba takes dessert seriously. Their Baklava and Ice Cream combo is a crowd favorite - flaky, buttery layers soaked in syrup paired with velvety vanilla ice cream. But if you’re looking to indulge, the Kunefe will take your taste buds on a wild ride. Served hot and cheesy with a golden crisp exterior, it’s unapologetically decadent.
Thirsty? Don’t skip the drinks menu. Whether it's a refreshing Mojito, signature mocktail, or a glass of classic Turkish tea, there’s something for every taste. Their tea selection is extensive, giving tea lovers more than just the usual black or green options. Plus, the restaurant serves coffee, halal food, and even late-night bites - perfect for when cravings strike after hours.
From a user experience perspective, what sets Etci Baba apart is how they combine fast-paced convenience (with no-contact delivery and takeaway options) with the leisurely charm of a traditional sit-down Turkish meal. It's a rare balance. And for folks who appreciate late-night spots, this place stays open when other kitchens are winding down.
Whether you're a seasoned lover of Turkish cuisine or just dipping your toes into the charcoal-grilled scene, Etci Baba Turkish Charcoal Grill & Steakhouse makes a solid impression. Its ability to blend traditional Turkish grilling techniques with contemporary service options and a diverse, inclusive menu is what makes it stand out in Leicester’s buzzing dining landscape.
Reviews
I have had the pleasure of dining in, ordering online, and using takeaway services from this restaurant several times and I can confidently say it's one of the best Turkish restaurants in the UK, if not the best. Their consistency is remarkable - the food always tastes the same—fresh, flavorful, and well-prepared. As their customer base has grown, they have also stepped up impressively by increasing staff numbers to maintain service quality. A standout perk is that they reimburse your parking costs for up to two hours, which is incredibly thoughtful and rare! Their revised menu is excellent, offering even more variety while keeping the classics. Price-wise, they are far more affordable than many other Turkish spots. I usually go for the platter for two, it is generous enough to last me two days. Highly recommend.
Love this place! Good value for money! Been here over 10 times now…makes me a regular doesn’t it. I have tried lamb chops and lamb and chicken sheesh with couscous which are genuinely delicious and the peina collada (don’t know the spelling) it’s good! I keep coming back to this place. Good service - good ambience and definitely a large spacious place. I also liked the chicken Tuvuklu which I’ve tried recently! It’s a good snack on the go if you don’t feel like having too much.
5** We decided to try somewhere new and we couldn't be more pleased! The food was amazing! From homemade bread at the table with dips, to fresh ingredient food, seeing it all cooked in front of us and staff offering complimentary tea. It was a new experience for us taste wise and we loved it! Lots of lovely mocktails too! The pina coldas were amazing! The STAFF were amazing - from greeting to the waitress (who was smiley and attentive!) to the host who came to take our bill we felt so looked after! We also saw the teamwork the staff had and how happy and laughy the kitchen staff were and how the host looked after his staff members. It made the meal experience even better! IF YOU ARE THINKING OF COMING HERE I COULD NOT RECOMMEND IT MORE!!
My husband and I stopped here when on route home south from Sheffield. We read the reviews online. As it’s the month of Ramadan where we are fasting. We were greeted with so much hospitality, accommodated with dates and water. The option to have food brought to the table when it was time to break the fast. We order d the sharing platter for 2. The meat was cooked to perfection. The food was 10/10 and we’d recommend the staff, the service, the atmosphere and most importantly the food. Most of the staff were fasting but that did not disappoint and we did ask of their food and we were told by the manager, the team had food set out for them to look after them this month. So Ramadan Mubarak, Etci family! Thank you for having us. We’ll be back to visit again.
It's one of the best places if you fancy a nice steak. Individual portions can feel a bit "small" if you're a good eater. Last time we ordered one of their specials, decent size pfor sharing. Their dessert, baklava with ice cream really hits the spot after a good meal. All in all, it was a very good experience. Price wise, they aren't the cheapest. However, the food is worth it. Staff were always happy to help, polite, and friendly.