A Taste at Skewd’s Leicester Square: Best Dishes & Insider Tips

Skewd Leicester Square Menu Review: Award-Winning Turkish Cuisine in the Heart of London

Introduction

Recently, the West End’s casinos have become unlikely hosts to new dining destinations, with Horizon’s Casino joining the trend. It’s here, on the main strip of Leicester Square, that you’ll now find Skewd’s third outpost — an Anatolian Turkish restaurant bringing fire and flavour to the heart of London.

Skewd has long been a name associated with bold flavours, contemporary Turkish cuisine, and multiple restaurant awards. With its newest location in Leicester Square, the brand brings its signature coal-fired cooking to the very centre of London’s dining scene. I visited to explore the full menu and see if the hype — and those awards from 2015, 2017, 2018, 2024, and 2025 — still stand strong.

Background / About Skewd

Since opening, Skewd has developed a reputation for modern Anatolian food with a fine-dining touch. Known for its creative twists on classics and a commitment to quality ingredients, it’s no surprise they’ve collected multiple industry awards over the years. The Leicester Square branch continues that tradition, offering both a vibrant setting and a menu designed for sharing.

As you enter, you descend the stairs to the bar area, where you are warmly greeted by staff. The dining area, with its chic design, is filled with blue velvet seating, striking lighting and graffiti artistic murals by Mr Lee.

Menu Breakdown

The menu consists of Anatolian cuisine, fused with Mediterranean flavours. Divided into different sections based on how the meal is cooked, cold, hot, fire, soil, land, sea, sauces and sides.

The hot mezze

The Pachanga arrived first — a golden Turkish spring roll, its crisp shell giving way to a molten filling of kashar cheese, mushrooms, and cured beef. The richness was lifted by the sweetness of roasted bell peppers and a silky roasted pepper velouté, making it both indulgent and surprisingly balanced — a clever opening act to the meal.

From the Sea

The Pan-Seared Scallops arrive perched on a bed of creamy mashed potato, glossed with a Malibu butter sauce. Both scallop and sauce lean into sweetness — a tropical, almost playful pairing — though some diners may find themselves wishing for a sharper counterpoint to balance the dish.

Fire & Grill

The Mixed Grill is Skewd’s calling card, a carnivore’s parade of lamb, chicken, Adana shish, and lamb chops — with lamb ribs usually included for good measure. On my visit, the much-lauded ribs were sadly unavailable, but the rest of the platter left little room for complaint.

The Lamb Shish is the purest expression of coal-fired cooking: smoky, tender, and perfectly seasoned. The Adana Kebab arrives smoky and spice-laden, each bite juicy with just enough heat. But the real surprise lies beneath: a cheese-infused flatbread, soaking up the kebab’s juices. It’s a hidden flavour bomb — one I almost missed until the end, but it turned out to be the most satisfying bite of the plate. All fire dishes are served with Shepherd’s salad.

Portions are generous, easily shared between two, especially when paired with sides.

Sides

The hand-cut chips are prepared to a high standard, featuring a thick, golden exterior with a crisp texture that transitions to a light and fluffy interior. Simple, honest, and well executed — the kind of side that earns its place alongside the grill.

Drinks & Pairings

Beyond the Turkish wines and colourful cocktails, Skewd has introduced a line of mocktails — a thoughtful addition for non-drinkers or those looking to pace themselves. Far from an afterthought, these are well-crafted, layered drinks that mirror the complexity of their boozy counterparts. Fruity, refreshing, and vibrant, they fit neatly with the restaurant’s playful, modern energy.

What to Try

Top Picks: Adana Kebab, Lamb Chops, and Pachanga
Best for Sharing: Mixed hot and cold mezes
Skip: Some basic cold mezes, unless you’re pairing them with mains

Verdict

Skewd Leicester Square isn’t just another grill restaurant shoehorned into the West End. It’s a statement of intent: a brand that’s earned its awards by marrying fire, flavour, and finesse. The food is bold without being brash, indulgent but rarely excessive. Go for the Pachanga, stay for the Adana kebab, and end — inevitably — with knafeh.

Disclaimer

This meal was part of an invited press visit and was complimentary. As always, all opinions and critiques are my own.

More information on Skewd Leicester Square.

Leicester Square, London WC2H 7RN

Nearest station: Leicester Square station

website: https://skewd.com/