"Authentic" Turkish Cuisine is what they advertise and although I'm not Turkish nor have I visited Turkey, I know what is authentic and what's not - and the flavours are toned down and don't pack enough zing compared to other Turkish places I've ate.
We ate at a lunchtime, the BBQ doesn't fire up until after 6pm, so my preferred grilled meats were off the menu but the rest of the menu was quite full. I'm not sure of the decor of this place, it looks quite smart but has a great big flatscreen pumping out Turkey Tourist Board advertisements?
The missus started with Kalamari which was simply deep fried with mayo (why she insists on ordering this everywhere, I don't know - as it's only ever good if made with fresh squid) ... so it was dull but at least not greasy. I had minced lamb balls in tomatoe sauce and it had way too much oil and way too little taste.
The bread which they make in-house was excellent and this featured in our main meals. Hers, a Turkish "pizza" with chicken and peppers (it's Turkish because it's shaped like a boat and has no cheese ... or tomato sauce ... so basically shaped flatbread). Lacking in any real flavour or substance this good have been great with a good throw of fresh parsley, a squeeze of lemon and some spices. Mine was better, grilled chicken in a tasty enough tomato sauce over chopped bread (which soaks up the sauce) and way too much yoghurt. Again, should have had some spice and fresh herbs to give it some zing.
We were on a deal (from a website) so it was worth a try but I can't see myself rushing back. It's not big on flavour and seems to be catering to a crowd who are just looking for something different but safe, to the pizza and pastas on the Quayside. read more