The Kara

“What an amazing place. The food is excellent, homely atmosphere. I've celebrated there twice this year, last year three times always dinner though. Very soon going for lunch”

“It was my second visit here, a small group of us went here yesterday for a friend’s birthday. Lovely aesthetic restaurant - very tastefully decorated. Food is ok - not bad, not the best, just a very decent Turkish - tbh the food is pretty similar to all the other decent Turkish places I’ve been to - tastes good, large portions and presented well. The meats were cooked well - not overdone as can sometimes be the case - the lamb kebabs and the chicken shish were juicy and succulent and the sauces were amazing. Booked for 6pm and it was very busy but as we had a booking, we were seated straightaway. Chilled family atmosphere, went early so no live music which we didn’t want anyway - it’s not loud so we could hear our conversation which was great for us. Was really impressed with the customer service - our waiter Habib was very attentive, friendly and polite and really made the experience that much better.”

“I had the absolute pleasure of dining at The Kara, and it exceeded all expectations. From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere was warm, elegant, and inviting – the perfect balance of relaxed and refined. The food? Simply outstanding. Every dish was beautifully presented and bursting with flavour. You can really taste the quality of the ingredients and the care put into the preparation. Whether you’re a fan of bold spices or delicate, balanced flavours, there’s something on the menu to impress even the pickiest eater. The service was exceptional – friendly, attentive, and genuinely welcoming without being intrusive. The staff were more than happy to offer recommendations, and it’s clear they’re proud of the food they serve. A special shout-out to the ambience – stylish décor, great music at just the right volume, and a cosy yet modern vibe that makes you want to stay longer than planned. Whether you’re out for a romantic dinner, a family meal, or a catch-up with friends, The Kara delivers an experience that’s memorable in all the right ways. Highly recommended – can’t wait to go back!”

“I have been to Kara many times as am only 10mins away from the restaurant. Yesterday I had dinner there to celebrate my 60th birthday. No regrets, good food, excellent service, great ambient. They were so accommodating, they even play birthday music for me to dance to. Very neat toilets and beautiful environment. I greatly recommend them. On top of it they gave me a gift and a card. Very thoughtful.”

“We recently had the pleasure of dining at Kara Turkish Restaurant in Grays, and it truly exceeded our expectations. It’s such a blessing to have a proper halal fine dining option in this area, and Kara stands out not only for its food but also for the overall experience. We ordered the Mixed Grill Platter, and it was absolutely delicious. The meat was fresh, well-marinated, and grilled to perfection. Each bite had that authentic Turkish flavor we were hoping for. The portion size was generous, and the presentation was lovely. We also tried one of their specialty drinks, which was refreshing and paired perfectly with our meal. The atmosphere at Kara is warm and inviting, just as we expected from a Turkish restaurant. It’s stylish yet comfortable, and perfect for both casual and special evenings. The staff were polite, attentive, and made us feel welcome from the moment we walked in. Service was quick and efficient without feeling rushed. One small letdown was the Turkish tea. We were looking forward to ending the meal with a hot cup, but they were unfortunately out of it — and it was only around 10:20 PM, which was a bit disappointing. That said, another big plus is the parking — plenty of space, which is a rare bonus in the area. All in all, Kara is a fantastic addition to Grays. We’ll definitely be back and highly recommend it to anyone looking for great halal Turkish cuisine in a relaxed and classy setting.”