Please note, this review refers to an old iteration of Diyarbakir, which has since moved to larger premises. Time Out Food editors, August 2017.
Even by Green Lanes standards, Diyarbakir, named after an Anatolian city, offers exceptional value. A meal costing less than £30 fed two of us twice, including lunch the following day. The freebies alone are substantial: a tart, lively salad of mint, onion, tomatoes and fresh spinach in a pomegranate dressing; a huge bowl of cacik; and plenty of slightly glazed bread with a rich, buttery flavour. We were intrigued to see saksuka on the menu, which (unlike the similarly named North African dish) contains no egg, but tomatoes, aubergine and potatoes; the Diyarbakir version is garlicky and, of course, served in a vast portion. The addition of croûtons in a buttery tomato sauce gave the halep kebab main course a slightly odd texture, but the minced lamb was plentiful and vigorously spicy. Chicken sis, served with grilled tomatoes, green peppers, rice and salad, also hit the spot. On a follow-up trip we sampled superb lahmacun: crisp, soft and spicy. Like many Green Lanes restaurants, service is hurried and there’s little to say about the interior beyond its exposed brick arch and slightly cramped seating. Alcohol isn’t allowed, so copy the locals and order aryan, a yoghurt drink, by the jug.