Fitzrovia has recently welcomed a new addition to its diverse family of restaurants. Lokal a modern Turkish restaurant that’s set to combine tradition with contemporary.

Set at Market Place it occupies a large space, tiled inside, with red bar sitting and outdoor terrace it appeals to locals and shoppers alike and the name can’t be more fitting Lokal.

A bar presence is reflected in the cocktails list. There is a choice of Classics as well as Signature Cocktails named after seven regions of Turkey.

I start with a GALATA, a clear cocktail served in a tumbler glass with plenty of ice and a spoon of lychee pearls. Aniseed warmth of Yeni Rakı is balanced well with the rich sweetness of Tokaji wine. While fresh grape and elderflower notes add brightness and texture.

It feels both refined and playful while remaining light enough as a starter cocktail. As expected it’s a sharing concept at Lokal designed for friends and family alike to dine and chat over mezze and grilled meats.

I try ordering dishes I don’t normally go for skipping past calamari and straight to grilled prawns, which are tender and juicy, with just a hint of garlic and chilli. Combined with padron peppers they are a welcome bonus.

A classic of cacik of course can’t be missed especially in summer refreshing cucumber, mint, dill and yogurt are perfect.

I spot one of my usual favourites on the menu — börek, which Lokal makes with cured beef. I had high hopes for it, but the pepper seems to overwhelm the flavour of the beef, while the filo pastry falls a little too dry to bring the dish together.

The Mediterranean green beans, however, restore the balance — delicately sweet tomato complements perfectly cooked beans in a dish that proves simple things are often the most satisfying. A highlight of the dine, it may sound a little basic but a must try.

With the mezzes out of the way, it’s time for the main course: a beef saslık straight from the mangal. Thin folded slices of beef, cooked over wood charcoal, arrive with an irresistible smokiness.

Their melt-in-the-mouth texture owed to a buttermilk marinade that tenderises the meat beautifully while adding subtle richness.

If one desires there’re classic sides to pair from pilav rice and pide bread to more modern such as heritage beets with pistachio curd.

Yet served simply over warm pita bread with fermented onion slices, the dish hardly requires embellishment. The allium’ sharp acidity complements the beef’s deep savoury richness perfectly.

It’s simple, confident dish that lets the quality of the meat speak for itself.

Last but not least is a fig dream for dessert. Light and delicate in appearance, it almost resembles a bowl of oat porridge at first glance, with blended fig purée giving it a soft, earthy texture.

Despite the common belief that Turkish desserts are overwhelmingly sweet, this is anything but. Balanced with a gentle yoghurt-like tanginess.

For those with a craving for charcoal-cooked fare, Lokal is a decent choice that offers an array of flavorful dishes and a great terrace.

Lokal, 7, 8 Market Pl, London W1W 8AG