Ishtar, London Travel Guide

Ishtar is a sit-down Mediterranean, Turkish and Middle Eastern restaurant on Crawford Street in Marylebone. It has the feel of an established neighbourhood address rather than a novelty venue: contemporary in presentation, urban in pace, and geared to proper meals rather than grazing. The menu centres on grilled meats, fish, vegetables and mezze-style dishes, with a bar offering drinks to match. The room is compact and dining-led, with a polished but not formal atmosphere.

Most people come for lunch, dinner or an early evening table, staying around 1 to 2 hours, longer if the meal turns social. Service is attentive and the rhythm is steady rather than rushed. You are likely to start with mezze or a drink, move on to grilled dishes or fish, and finish with coffee, dessert or another round at the bar. The experience suits couples, small groups, solo diners and business meals. It is less about spectacle than about a well-run meal in a central London dining district.

The restaurant sits on an ordinary Marylebone street lined with mixed residential and commercial buildings. There are no views or landmark surroundings to frame the visit; the appeal is inside, where the open-kitchen and grill-led style gives the dining room a bit of movement and heat. Indoor seating is the main draw, though outdoor tables are available when the weather allows. The overall tone is smart casual, lively without becoming noisy, and urban without feeling hurried.

Ishtar opened in 2004, which gives it a degree of local staying power in a district known for steady footfall from residents, office workers and visitors. Its Anatolian-Mediterranean identity fits London’s long-established Turkish and wider Middle Eastern dining scene, but this is not a heritage site or a sightseeing stop. Access is straightforward by Tube, rail or bus, followed by a short walk. Marylebone station is the most practical nearby rail hub, with Baker Street and Edgware Road also useful. Parking is limited, so public transport is the sensible choice. The venue works year-round, with weather mainly affecting the comfort of outdoor seating and the ease of arrival.