Harrow Town Centre’s acclaimed Melissa Restaurant has been shortlisted for a significant accolade at the upcoming Turkish Restaurant and Takeaway Awards (TURTA), celebrating the best of Turkish cuisine across the United Kingdom. This nomination places the Station Road eatery in contention for a regional award specifically for North and West London, underscoring its growing reputation within the competitive culinary landscape of the capital.
A Culinary Showcase: The TURTA Awards
The Turkish Restaurant and Takeaway Awards (TURTA) have established themselves as a premier event, dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the excellence, authenticity, and community spirit inherent in the UK’s Turkish restaurant and takeaway sector. Now in its third year, TURTA’s mission is to highlight establishments that not only serve exceptional food but also foster a welcoming atmosphere for diners. The awards are a consumer-driven initiative, meaning that public votes play a crucial role in determining the ultimate winners, ensuring that the accolades genuinely reflect popular opinion and customer satisfaction.
This year’s TURTA awards will culminate in a grand ceremony scheduled for November 3rd at the renowned Sheraton Grand London Park Lane. However, before the winners are announced, the public has until October 25th to cast their votes for their favoured establishments. The nomination for Melissa Restaurant signifies a moment of recognition for a dining destination that has rapidly become a local favourite.
Melissa Restaurant: A Taste of Tradition in Harrow
Melissa Restaurant opened its doors in Harrow Town Centre in late 2022, strategically located in the prominent former O’Neill’s pub building on Station Road. This marked the second London venture for owner Cetin Kaygusuz, whose original Melissa restaurant, opened eight years prior in Canons Park (Edgware), had already garnered a loyal following for its authentic Turkish dishes and warm hospitality. The Harrow branch was established to bring their celebrated culinary experience to a wider audience across North West London, drawing customers from surrounding areas like Borehamwood, Watford, Barnet, and Hillingdon.
Kaygusuz, a restaurateur with over three decades of experience in the hospitality industry, draws upon a wealth of knowledge gained from working in top restaurants and hotels in Antalya. Melissa Restaurant prides itself on serving traditional Turkish cuisine made with certified, fresh, daily produce, prepared using time-honoured methods. The menu features a broad array of classic dishes, including charcoal-grilled meats, fresh fish, a variety of mezes, and hearty stews, aiming to offer a genuine taste of Turkish culinary heritage. The restaurant’s interior, adorned with handmade paper flowers and neon signs, creates an inviting and escapist ambiance for diners.
This latest nomination is not the first time Melissa Restaurant, or its owner, has been recognized. In February 2023, Cetin Kaygusuz himself was honoured with the ‘Chef of the Year’ award at the TURTA ceremony, a testament to his dedication and skill. The Edgware branch also holds ‘Awards of Excellence’, showcasing a consistent commitment to quality across the Melissa brand.
Competing in a Vibrant London Food Scene
The North and West London regional category is particularly competitive, featuring a strong list of esteemed establishments alongside Melissa. Contenders such as Durum Restaurant, Gökyüzü Green Lanes, Izgara Finchley, Kervan Sofrasi Wood Green, Turkish Gobble, Usta Charcoal Grill, Woody Grill, and Yaprak are all vying for this prestigious title. This array of finalists highlights the rich and diverse Turkish food scene that is trending throughout London, offering residents and visitors alike a plethora of authentic dining options.
Your Vote Counts
As voting remains open until October 25th, residents of Harrow and supporters of quality Turkish food are encouraged to cast their vote for Melissa Restaurant. This nomination is more than just an award; it’s an opportunity for the community to rally behind a local business that contributes significantly to the town’s culinary identity and offers a trending destination for food lovers. Supporting Melissa Restaurant through the voting process can be done via the official TURTA voting portal.
Melissa Restaurant’s journey from its opening to receiving this significant nomination is a narrative of dedication, quality, and a deep understanding of traditional Turkish food. It stands as a proud representative of Harrow’s burgeoning food scene and a strong contender in the national pursuit of culinary excellence within the UK’s vibrant restaurant industry.
