28th February 2008 - Cappadocia, 2 Station Buildings, Kingston

(020 8549 6228 - www.cappadociarestaurant.co.uk)

Starters: Garlic bread and the meze plate (with humus, ispanak tarator [fresh baby spinach leaves sautéd with garlic mixed with yogurt], patlican sogurme [grilled aubergine pate a hint of garlic mixed with yoghurt], cacik [cucumber dip with yoghurt, garlic, fresh dill, mint & olive oil], among other things).

Mains: Kuzu tandir [braised lamb shoulder], Zencefilli Tavuk [ginger chicken cooked with basil, cream and soya sauce] and Kilic Baligi [grilled swordfish marinated in whit wine, lemon juice, fresh herbs, garlic butter.

Desserts: Baklava for two and Turkish rice pudding.

Drinks: 2 beers and a glass of wine.

Cost: £60.50, plus tip.

Friendly staff. The cooking is done largely in an open area that serves as the take-away counter too. There seemed to be quite a lot of staff for the size of the place.

The starter meze plate gave us a variety of light, fresh tasting dishes, served with pieces of garlic bread - very good.

The lamb was succulent and tasty, obviously braised for several hours. The chicken was delicious, the basil coming through delicately after the richness of the sauce and the ginger making itself known from time to time. The swordfish was also fresh and tasty, although Lyn found the garlic in the accompanying spinach somewhat too much.

The desserts were also very good. The baklava crisp, buttery, nutty and sweet; the rice pudding creamy with a taste of vanilla. However, Lyn was disappointed that the speciality ice creams were just chocolate, strawberry and vanilla.

The atmosphere was friendly with a lively buzz. About halfway through our main courses, the staff put on some Turkish music and a belly dancer appeared. She was lovely and skilful, and wisely did not ask any of us to dance, though a few others did get up with her. After 5 or 6 tracks, some involving balancing a sword on her ‘lady bumps’, she slipped away and the lively music turned more sedate.

All in all, a delicious meal in pleasant and stylish surroundings, with good service.

Our rating: FOUR STARS