Since moving to Clapton three years ago, I’ve seen a lot of changes – mostly for the better and particularly along the retail strip of Lower Clapton Road. One of the tastiest has been the opening of Dom’s Place, a casual little low key eatery with a pared down menu featuring “traditional Turkish food with a modern twist.”
By “modern twist,” I reckon Dom and co mean it’s an assembly line kind of ordering experience which in many ways is more similar to a burrito bar than a typical London kebab shop. Here customers choose from one of a broad selection of main fillings, a choice of salad and whether you want it all wrapped up in a thick or thin flat bread. Most wraps cost around £7. All are huge and, if you like, are served with ace chilli sauce and garlic sauce. Everything’s made fresh with a number of ingredients sourced locally. I’m torn between the lamb and chicken as to which wrap I think is yummiest … but I’ve hardly had a chance to sample everything available. Despite the prominence of the grill, there’s a good range of veggie options. Indeed, one of my faves from the menu is a fairly substantial side order of sweet potato fries (£4). They serve Climpson & Sons coffee here too as well as a decent selection of beers (locally brewed, celebrated international craft or budget friendly Efes for £2.90) and wine and even a “skull cracking” raki cocktail.
“Modern” might also refer to the fact that the place certainly doesn’t look or feel like most kebabs shops either. With its minimalistic ‘rustic industrial’ décor accentuated with with some street art murals and little else, there’s a bit of a hipster vibe about this humble takeaway with a relaxed dining area.. It’s not off putting though or anywhere near as egregious as some of the other newbie “East Dalston” shops nearby. Music wise you’re as apt to hear something along the lines of Fleet Foxes piped through the space as anything (unless there’s a live event).
Beyond the menu and the digs, the things I like most about Dom’s include its super close proximity to my flat (if you’re shuffling around Clapton Pond, it’s right there) and the late night hours (noon to midnight Monday to Thursday and on Sunday; noon to 3am on Friday and Saturday). Folks working there are friendly and it’s a chilled out place for relaxed dining. They’ve got toothpicks at the till too.
Dom’s Place is located at 199 Lower Clapton Road, E5 8EG. Find out more at doms-place.com.
