Having cut its teeth in Istanbul and then moved on to Moscow and St Petersburg amongst other locations the Turkish restaurant chain Kitchenette is now trying its luck south of the River in Putney in a bid to conquer the UK market.

It's first stop is a location in Putney Bridge Road, a short stroll from the river, and with Kitchenette's all-day café bar celebrating the brands Turkish heritage having already proved a hit in 24 different locations across Turkey, Russian and Azerbaijan, I am told if this venture pays off they could look to expand further across the country.

The 80 seater café is light and airy and has a relaxed feel about it, with its pre-dominantly grey and white colour scheme fresh and clean cut. Tables are well spaced, some with comfortable leather banquettes, and mirrors, chalk boards, and displays of food including shelves of oils and pulses feature prominently and add an interesting dimension to the ambience. There is also an attractive front terrace which really comes in to its own in the summer months and was clearly popular on the night of our visit with space pretty much at a premium.

The menu is strongly influenced by Kitchenette's Turkish heritage and has recently been re-launched for the summer months with classic and traditional dishes featuring heavily. It was also refreshing to see that the staff were completely in tune with the menu and on top of their game, always alert to the diner's needs and serving with a cheery disposition.

For starters we shared a mezze platter for two (£13) which comprised of six components, all of which were decent portions, and came with some addictive light fresh bread. Stars of a good range of flavours were a smooth smoky baba ganush and a spicy and tasty ezme, while a traditional hummus was well made along with the vine leaf dolma. However, the beans pilak and falafel both fell into the ordinary category.

For starters we shared a mezze platter for two
For starters we shared a mezze platter for two

We also enjoyed another traditional Turkish starter borek (£4.50) and were both licking our lips at the delicious pastry filled with mouthwatering cheese and salami. These are 'as good if not better' than I tasted in Istanbul” declared my partner Fiona and I have to admit I wished we had ordered more, even if that would have been plain greedy.

Fiona's grilled salmon (£13) main was well cooked with a lovely crispy skin and attractively served with flavoursome giant cous cous and tangy orange juice and tarragon in pomegranate molasses, which added depth and richness to an enjoyable plate of summery food. A side order of crunchy broccoli with almonds (£3.50) was a good choice.

My kulbasti (£13) was a good plate of food with the lamb (medium rare) tender and moist and it sat well with the sautéed potatoes, peppers and spinach. It was a well balanced dish but needed an injection of seasoning to really titillate my taste buds.

With the late evening sun still shinning on the terrace we sipped glasses of a very respectable French Chardonnay and tucked into a decent and well presented Turkish cheese platter (£6.50) with grilled halummi, feta and a tasty blue leading the way of the four cheeses on show, and a dipping pot of lovely sweet honey a nice extra touch.

Kitchenette has many of the ingredients to succeed and perhaps expand further across the capital and into the UK market with its well priced, good value menu, which covers breakfast, lunch and dinner, pleasant surroundings and excellent staff.

Find out which other restaurants Adrian recommends .