I had the chance to join a few friends for a 6 PM dinner at Bursaa charming yet narrow restaurant located in West Portal. Upon arrival, all the tables were occupied, and we were informed of a 10-15 minute wait. We added our name to the list, and within five minutes, a party was wrapping up and leaving their table. We seemed to have arrived at just the right time, as four more parties came in shortly after us.
We were seated by a friendly host and introduced to our server, who was very attentive and handed us the dinner menu and wine list. As we browsed, we started some small talk and selected drinks. Two of us ordered the 2022 Crossings (New Zealand) Sauvignon Blanc, while our other friend chose Efes, a Turkish pilsner (a 300 ml bottle dated October 2024). For an appetizer, we ordered two plates of Dolmas ($6 each), which arrived with four pieces per plate and a refreshing cucumber yogurt sauce.
The Dolmas, while flavorful, seemed as though they had been stored in a refrigerator and were slightly firmer than I prefer. That said, they delivered excellent flavor, with hints of herbs, mild spices like allspice and cumin, and what seemed to be pine nuts. Despite the thick texture, the grape leaves were a lovely start to our Turkish meal.
For the main course, I debated between the Musakka and the kebabs and asked our server for her recommendation. She suggested the Adana Kebab if I wanted something spicy or the Köfte Kebab for a milder option. On her advice, I decided to combine both. My friends ordered the Musakka and the Beyti (ground beef and lamb wrapped in lavash).
Before the food arrived, we had our 2018 Chimney Rock Elevage opened, enhancing the dining experience. The food preparation was impressively quick, and our dishes were served within 10 minutes of ordering. Each dish looked incredible. The Musakka arrived bubbling hot, the Beyti was beautifully presented with a dollop of yogurt and tomato sauce surrounding the lavash-wrapped pieces, and the kebabs were served over a bed of rice alongside a simple side salad. The Köfte came on a skewer, while the Adana kebabs were not.
The kebabs were delicious. The Adana Kebab had a fiery spice, as promised, but it wasn't overpowering--it complemented the flavors well. While they appeared a bit dry at first glance, this wasn't the case; both were moist and flavorful. I enjoyed the Köfte slightly more than the Adana, but I would happily order both again.
The Musakka, however, was a bit of a disappointment for my friend. The preparation wasn't what he expected, feeling more like a "Musakka surprise" than the traditional layered dish he'd had before. The Yukon potatoes were thicker than he preferred, and while the flavor was good, he mentioned he would choose something different next time.
The Beyti, on the other hand, was a hit. My friend who ordered it had enjoyed it before and once again appreciated the flavorful mix of ground beef and lamb. The yogurt and tomato sauce were the perfect accompaniments, elevating the dish.
All in all, it was a wonderful evening of good food and great company. Our total came to about $140, including corkage, which felt reasonable. The staff were professional and efficient, and the owner was present, engaging with diners--a nice personal touch. I would definitely recommend Bursa to anyone in the West Portal area looking for a delightful Turkish dining experience. read more