Unlike many "ethnic" restaurants, Kismet definitely qualifies as "fine dining" due to the attention to detail in the food, the comfortable, elegant surroundings, and impeccable service. Everybody I interacted with - greeter, waiter, food runners, etc. - were friendly, neat, and professional, which along with the great food made a memorable dining experience. I had no trouble making a 6:00 Saturday reservation earlier that day but it did fill up while I was there so it was probably needed. Though there were some seats that remained open at the bar, so walk-ins might be accommodated there. It was a nice bar, with a very pretty stained glass table lamp on the counter and a very cool-looking bartender adding flair to the otherwise conservatively-attired staff. The menu is extensive and very Turkish. Even the wine list: every wine that I checked was Turkish. I know nothing about Turkish wine but the one I did try (many available by the glass) was enjoyable. I tried a cocktail too; a Turkish Cosmo, made with a Turkish pomegranate syrup. This was good too, tangy and not too sweet. For beers they offer ones from Turkey, Vermont, Mexico, and Connecticut. I was happy not to see any major American brands offered. I don't usually comment on prices, but they seemed slightly on the low side here, for everything: drinks, appetizers, entrees, and desserts. I am not complaining! I started with the Cold Meze Platter appetizer, recommended for 2. (Too much for 1 so I took some home.) Hummus, Baba Ganoush, Turkish Salsa, Hadari, and Stuffed Grape Leaves. Everything was very good, and the fresh-baked still-warm hadari bread it was served with was perfect with it. The Baba Ganoush was exceptional, chunky in texture and smoky in flavor. From the very extensive entree section I chose the Surf and Turf: skewers of swordfish and lamb, the latter cooked to order (it came out a perfect medium-rare as requested). The skewers, which also had green pepper and onions, was served with rice, bulghur, grilled tomato, a lemon wedge, and a salad of cabbage and pickled onions. Both the swordfish and lamb were marinated and had lots of flavor. The sides were good too. The portion size was generous and I didn't quite finish it, taking the rest of it home along with some of the appetizer. After finishing my entree and my wine, and taking in the ambience of this relaxing, blue-walled space, it was time for dessert. Among the 8 choices (a refreshingly large number) were 3 kinds of baklava. I went with the Fistikli Çikolata (chocolate, pistachio, and hazelnut) If, like me your experience with baklava has mostly been the junk found on the counter of numerous pizza houses (stale, dry, and overly sweet) this is nothing like that and will change your opinion. The three pieces made a fairly large portion but it was so good there was no question of leaving any behind. This was also offered with Turkish ice cream but I didn't get it that way. Many more things to try here. I hope to return soon. read more

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Food is outstanding! Every time we're in town we always get takeout from here. Everything we've tried is 5 stars and service is always friendly and inviting. Stand outs are the grape leaves, falafels, kebob plates, lavas bread and the Cacik yogurt sauce is amazing! read more

I was in Burlington for work and finally had the chance to check out Kismet after reading so many great things. Let me just say, it did not disappoint! I didn't have a reservation but walked right in and was promptly seated (restaurant was about half full, so maybe I got lucky). Service was quick, friendly, and on point the entire time. For starters, I went with the yogurt soup (Cacik in Turkish, similar to Matzoon soup in Armenian) and the Muhammara with lavas for dipping. Both were incredible...full of flavor, perfectly balanced, and honestly worth coming back for alone. Every bite was amazing! As an Armenian, I couldn't resist trying the Manti. Now, my mom makes it homemade, so the bar is very high, but this was pretty damn good! Definitely one of the better versions I've had outside of home. Hard to find Manti anywhere in the states, and shocking that it was here in Vermont!! If you're in Burlington, Kismet should be on your list. Great food, warm service, and an overall dining experience that leaves you already planning your next visit. I know when I'm back in town, I'll be there again! read more

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Love this place! The food is always delicious and the service is also very good. The grilled swordfish is always my go to order but their lamb is also a must try when you go! read more

Memorable dinner. Loved everything we ordered including the dry, white Turkish wine. Had a newly trained server but owner seemed to know exactly when to stop by to help with food or drink choices. We travel and eat out frequently and this was one of the best meals we have had in years. read more

Kismet has become a staple stop on every Burlington layover and it has never disappointed. The restaurant itself is classy and cozy, service is impeccable and the food is absolutely sublime. As someone who has been to Turkey and frequents Turkish dining establishments all over America, this place is one of the best I have dined at. read more

Kismet Mediterranean - Mixed grill platter - Mediterranean Near Me - Burlington, Vermont

Great location by the waterfront and incredibly staff! My family hadn't had Turkish food in over a decade since we moved from NYC and it was so comforting to have those tastes back! I only wish there were more of a char on the kebabs but absolutely no complaints. We had babaganoush, sigara boregi (cheese cigars), lentil soup, calamari, lamb kebab, both lamb and chicken adanas as well as baklava and kunefe. Will be back to try other dishes! read more

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First time here and everything was outstanding. Service, food, drink, view. All amazing. Will definitely be back when in town next. Highly recommend! read more

Excellent service Clean Welcoming Nice plate presentation Basic non turkish offerings for children Overpriced Not tasty ( hummus too much cumin and too liquidy...) This was our third try. I'm glad to see so many high reviews burlington needs and I wish them well. read more

We entered with a party of 7 including three children. They said they wouldn't seat us

This restaurant is a gem and simply amazing. The food is so authentic and unbelievably delicious. You can't go wrong with any dish you get here. The service was friendly and attentive. Nice ambiance and comfortable. One of my favorite restaurants! read more

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It was okay. Nice space, airy and bright. Just not my type of Mediterranean food. The rice tasted prepackaged and the doner kebab was sliced (I guess) off a spit. No bread of any type was offered. So I asked for a pita, and was given a hot lavash that I was charged for. read more

Gem of a find close to the water! We got the mixed platter (see picture) which had both fantastic variety and great taste - highly recommend. Also suggest getting the lavash with an appetizer, which was warm fluffy bread that we devoured. Service was so friendly. Do yourself a favor and treat yourself here by the water (and oh, get that mixed grill platter!) read more

Kismet Mediterranean - Lavash and hummus - Mediterranean Near Me - Burlington, Vermont

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Authentic, delicious food, skillfully prepared. Order anything that looks good to you, but please try the cacek, a yogurt soup served cold with a little drizzle of olive oil. It is tangy and full of flavor. I would order it as an entree if I could. The waitstaff are attentive and knowledgeable. For a perfect evening, go for a walk by the lake after your meal. read more

I stumbled across this Turkish spot walking in town and luckily it was lunch time. I was greeted with a friendly "hello" even though I was simply looking at the menu from outside. They had several lunch specials with the perfect amount of food. I ordered the lamb stuffed eggplant which came with a small salad, pickled onions, pickled cabbage and the most amazing yogurt sauce. Everything was perfectly seasoned and really balanced! The restaurant is pretty big so it would be perfect for a party or reception of some sort. The meal ended with me ordering a small glass of Turkish tea and pistachio baklava. This is where I plan to dine on my next VT adventure. read more

Kismet Mediterranean - Turkish tea and pistachio baklava - Mediterranean Near Me - Burlington, Vermont

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Mohammed was a wonderful waiter, he was so polite & knowledgeable. He answered all our questions. I had chicken satay in a fish shaped dish, so cool looking. My husband had chicken on kabab type meal, it was so colorful beautiful! Thanks Mohammed you are a fine young man read more

We dine here often because they have excellent food and wonderful service. Highly recommend recommended.

Amazing authentic food. Wonderful service. Clean and quiet atmosphere just off church st. Which is always a plus!

The food here was DELICIOUS and the restaurant was located walking distance from the waterfront park!! We tried the Sigara Boreck (cheese rolls) as an appetizer, for mains we had the lamb adana and the chicken doner, and for dessert we had the kunefe and the rice pudding. We delighted in every bite of this meal! Will absolutely return when we come back to Burlington! HIGHLY recommend!! read more

Delicious falafel! Excellent service! The atmosphere was clean and inviting! The Turkish coffee even came with Turkish delight. Everything was excellent! read more

My friend and I were so hungry when we walked in so we found all the food to be delicious, but this is definitely one of the most expensive Mediterranean restaurants I have ever been to and I have been to MANY! We decided to go meatless and started with the side of hummus and "salsa" then we got the big sample platter and we each had a beer. We didn't order much but our total came out to $85!! Plus the $15 tip our lunch came out to $100 and all we had were appetizers. A side of hummus is $11!! Insanely expensive for blended chickpeas and I had to boy extra for bread to eat it with. FIVE falafel balls were like $12!! Crazy expensive and they weren't even that good, I've definitely had better falafel. Overall the food was good, but way too expensive. I'm not broke, I'm just not used to paying so much for appetizers. read more

Some of the best Mediterranean food I've ever enjoyed. We were a party of four. Everyone loved their selection from swordfish to lamb, plus vegetarian lentil ball. Cocktails were unique and delicious. Deserts not to be missed. Absolutely perfect service, everyone was kind, unhurried, even on this busy night. So, helpful. Plus the restaurant is really nice, clean, well designed and decorated, with a view of the lake. Parking was a breeze, which is saying something in Burlington. read more

Delicious! That's how my party described their meal! And the staff was so accommodating. Don't miss the double pistachio baklava for dessert! read more

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The owner is great such a respectful person! I had a great experience while dining there. I highly recommend this restaurant to anybody that's looking for something cute and cozy with a great authentic food. read more

We were there in a Friday night. They were crowded but got us in at 7:30. Loved the food. We had the mezze plate and lamb chops were cooked perfectly. Great service and wine recommendations. Definitely a great find in Burlington. read more

Really delicious mezzes and large selection of classic Turkish cuisine. Friendly, attentive service.

Mezze platter was very flavorful. Eggplant dish also tasty. Lentil soup especially delivered for me. Much better than the usual restaurant or homemade dish. Ambience pleasant, staff friendly and efficient. read more

My wife and I came in for lunch. Walking in the restaurant looked wonderful. Linen table clothes , a sense of being somewhere else. We started with stuffed grape leaves with lamb and rice. Suffed eggplant with vegetables were amazing. The swordfish was fesh tender. The red cabbage and onions were so good. Apple tea and Turkish coffee along with an excellent lunch. A place to go back to again and again. read more

Yum, yum, yum! Just went there while visiting Vermont. There were 5 of us and it was dinner time. Found this place and wow, lucky us! The food was absolutely wonderful. The hummus and flatbread appetizer we had was amazing. Everyone enjoyed their entrees and we were sharing our plates just to sample each dish. The wait staff was charming, warm and friendly. Highly recommended. read more

What a welcome addition. First, the room itself is quite lovely. I don't recall that the south wall was glass, but it opens up to the Battery-street scene in an appealing way. Second, everything about service was on point, from greeting to ordering to presentation to getting checked on: just right. Finally, the food. We had 'greatest hits:" Dönner Kebab and their grilled eggplant wrap (with lamb). Flavors were clear, full, and balanced. It's a *BIG* menu and you could come back many times to get the full range of Turkish cuisine. Finally, while it absolutely is date-night ready, we liked the family vibe. Felt relaxed and inclusive in the best sense. read more

I can't say enough incredible things about this place. Amazing food and wonderful owner and waitstaff. This is definitely a go-to for dinner date nights. If you're looking for authentic Mediterranean, this is the place to go! read more

I had a nice portion of salad, the one with beets, and added swordfish. 4 cubes of fish cost $2 each. Not a good deal. Very good light thin pita, which they charge for, even when ordered with baba ghanouj! Dessert of pistachio Baclava was 3 pieces, almost $3 each for a 1inch cube. Overall good tastes, decent. Attentive help. But, overly expensive for what you get. I would only go for specific dishes and limit ordering. read more

Words cannot describe how fantastic this little spot is in downtown Burlington! From the moment we walked in, it felt like staff were so excited to share their food and the experience with us. We loved the variety in the platters we got, and each meat was so so good. It was very affordable and I would eat here once I week if I were local. The kunefe was fantastic. read more

Kismet Mediterranean - Kunefe - Mediterranean Near Me - Burlington, Vermont

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Kismet is, quite simply, fantastic. The friendly staff and authentic menu are a real find. I saw nothing come out of that kitchen that didn't make me "Oooo" and "ahhhh". The views of Lake Champlain are stunning. Please do yourself a favor and try the falafel. This is not the dry falafel you're used to. This is special. With so many places to choose from in Burlington, this is a place you will want to visit again and again. read more

This is my 15 year old son's favorite restaurant when we drive home from Montreal. Food and service are both great.

A new reason to cross the lake to Burlington! Everything about our experience was wonderful, especially the attentive and enthusiastic staff. Lots of options, delicious food with fun 'sharing' options , reasonable prices, inviting atmosphere. I can't wait to introduce other friends (and family from CA and AK) to this treasure. read more

Great restaurant! Get the mixed kebab grill and the muhamara! And they do generous pours of wine!

An outstanding experience. We were in town for a few days and it was by far the best food, cocktails and service. We live in Nantucket, known for its amazing restaurants and Kismet exceeded expectations. The menu pricing was more than reasonable and the portions were generous. We went for lunch and enjoyed so much we went back for a drink and appetizers that evening. read more

Food was great living up to the other positive reviews they have received. The owner took the time to greet us during our meal and chat with us. read more

Amazing food, service, and atmosphere. Will definitely eat and recommend this restaurant to my friends and family.