Why aren't there more Turkish restaurants? My wife and I shared the Mezze Platter and the Yogurtlu Kabablar. With the very fresh Turkish bread, it was a fanstastic meal. The rugs on the walls and modern turkish music (not too loud), made for a cozy welcoming environment, even in the rather large space. Service was also fantastic, our waiter knew his restaurant and food. The only suggestion I would have is to ditch the TV or at least orient it so it is just facing the bar area. Great place, we'll be back! read more

Would love to go back there. A very nice website with great pictures. We started with cocktails-Turkish fizz-lightly fruity, very refreshing on a hot evening and not too alcoholic, and a rose petal/champagne and campari-based drink We celebrated our mother's 96th birthday (and 2 other birthdays). It was like we think a hookah lounge, would be like if we'd ever been in one. Oriental rugs decorating the walls and low-level lighting. We thought the service was excellent-very attentive and welcoming. We had the mezza sampler-tabouli, haydari, small stuffed grape leaves (they contained currents, made them a little sweet). Pastlican Ezmesi (smoked eggplant puree), Acili Ezmesi (spice red peppers, etc.-not that, red lentil patties. The mezza sampler had sliced carrot dividers. We wished they had given us spoons and little plates so we could each taste it. Two of us had Antep hummus. The freshly-made hot bread was especially good, a very pretty round loaf with black sesame seeds. In fact, they gave us an extra bread to have with the leftovers we took home. The bread was served with a red/orange (tomato? pureed red pepper?) dipping sauce. We thought the dip was good and a nice change from plain olive oil. We had, patlican oturtmasi (layered fried eggplant topped with tomato sauce and feta). The whole fish special was light, flaky, delicious fish, grilled and basted with a delicate flavored butter or olive oil, that was very light and complimented the crispy fish. Served with fresh greens like an arugula mixture and some pickled red cabbage that we didn't care for, and sliced raw red onion. This dish was very, very good. The diner said she doesn't usually order fish in a restaurant, but she was glad she did. A very nice presentation that was very appealing. It didn't come with a starch, but that was ok. The fish was timed well so it came to the table crisp and fresh from the grill. That was a feat, since we dawdled over the mezzas. They had music, but it wasn't so loud as to intrude on our conversation, and the tables were well-spaced apart so we weren't on top of the other diners. There were two partitioned-off tables in the front windows that we'll ask for next time. It's interesting that other reviewers thought these dishes were just like those at Mediterrean Deli. We love Mediterrean Deli, but Talulla's dishes are obviously particular to the region, with its own Ottoman history, not pan-mediterrean. read more

After reading several reviews critical of the service or the parking but generally favorable of the food my wife and I decided to give Tallulah's a try as there aren't many Middle Eastern options on St Simons Island where we live. To begin with, the free valet parking in front solved problem #2. And our waiter was a hoot! Knowledgeable, prompt and funny. The food- excellent. 5 stars in my book. A lamb flatbread appetizer could have been a meal in itself. I tried the tilapia baked in phyllo pastry. Very subtle flavors and perfectly prepared. The turkish cofee topped off the meal. read more

Turkish. Delish. The presentation was great and the food was tasty. I had the lamb kabobs, which were really good: moist and flavorful. They were a little red inside, though. And the side items that came with the dish were great. I also like the dipping sauce that came with the freshly baked bread. read more

Talullas is promising, but the main courses fell short and the service fell even shorter! If I were to go again, I might sit at the bar, enjoy a class of wine, and get the Mucver fritters and the steamed lamb and ground beef dumplings again. Those were really delicious. Unfortunately, our "turkish pizza" was really lack luster, the tabbouleh and grape leaves were not really to our liking, and the tilapia wrapped in phyllo dough was SO fishy I thought it might not have been fresh. Those main dishes just fell so short it cast a pall over the good appetizers. All these dishes seemed to me to be over-priced. Lastly, the final nail in this three star coffin was the service. The servers really tend to correct with great disdain mispronunciations of the names of dishes, service is slow, you really feel like you're intruding. Its a weird feeling...made the experience kind of puzzling. read more

I tried Tallula's for the first time this weekend, and my review of the restaurant is a bit mixed. The food itself is quite good. I had lamb that was perfectly spiced -- the dish I ordered was delicious. No complaints there. One of our hot dishes came out cold, which could have been either the kitchen or the server's fault but it was fixed quickly so wasn't a big deal. The service left something to be desired and it's the reason that my review is currently sitting at 3 stars instead of 4. I understand that waitstaff are underpaid and overworked, and I always treat them well and tip them well for their hard work. Unfortunately, though, there were just a few too many "misses" with our server. They weren't terribly friendly, to begin with. We had the cold dish, referenced above. We asked for items (utensils, etc.) that were never delivered to the table. A soda took 15 minutes to arrive at the table, and when it was inquired about we were told that it was because the restaurant's bar was "too busy" to pour it. I've never heard of a server relying on the bartender for a soda, so the excuse irritated me far more than the truth -- which was simply, "I forgot to get your soda." And sure enough, after inquiring about it I watched the server go behind the bar and pour the drink herself. Anyway, the food was very good and I'll be back. I hope the service improves next time, though. For now, Tallula's gets docked a bit for poor service but the tasty meal has earned it another go. read more

Talulla's is one of my favorite special-occasion restaurants in the area. Part of the reason is certainly the food, but a big part of it is also the atmosphere. From the layout, to the seating, to the decor and the music, everything is so eclectic and relaxing! The warm colors, the soothing music, the booths in nooks with plush pillows and privacy curtains, the quiet thoughtful service...it's all here. It's been a little while since I've been here, and I'm not good in general at recalling exact dishes, but I can say with certainty that I've never had a dish here that was less than exceptional. I especially love the Turkish juices they have (cherry juice, peach and apricot nectar), Turkish tea and yogurt, and of course the coffee! Be sure to save room for an after-dinner coffee and an order of baklava. read more

Very good Turkish food. I was born in Turkey, so I have eaten a good bit of it before ;) The best things are NY strip steak kabob and the fried cheese rolls - sigara barek (hot appetizer). The dipping sauce with the bread is amazing. Dessert: the kanafa, the rice pudding, and kazandibi (chewier pudding with burned caramel on top thicker like cream caramel's cousin) are all good. Baklava is average. I eat here every time I can get to Chapel Hill. I live an hour away. If you like humus and you like eggplant, they have an appetizer that is like baba ganoush but with milk. It is very good. PS this place is not much more expensive than Olive Garden, Red Lobster, or Outback. I was surprised someone said it was expensive. Menu items range from 15$ and up. Desserts and appetizers start at $7. Don't drink alcohol and you will save a lot of money. We drink water. read more

Great food! Great service! We had the patlican ezmesi as an appetizer-it isn't quite as good as what we've had in Turkey but was still delicious. I had the iskender, my favorite Turkish dish and my husband ordered doner. Had baklava with Turkish kahve to finish it off. It was all perfectly delicious! The atmosphere and service were excellent. The location is in Chapel Hill and it was graduation night at the university but parking and seating went smoothly. Will definitely go again! read more

The wife is mollified and that is, indeed, a feat. Excellent food that actually uses spice, as opposed to solely fat, to flavor the meal (indeed this is a rarity in Chapel Hill). Portions are large enough to share. Particular kudos goes to the Baba Ghannouj - smokey but not acrid. read more

This place was fantastic! The food was delicious, the ambiance was superb, and the service was very personal and prompt. The tapestries on the walls and the dim light from lanterns makes you feel as though you are in Turkey. If you are on a date, be sure to request the "Sultan's Corner", which is a semi-private room with a couch and pillows. It is very romantic :) Prices are expensive, but my boyfriend and I just ordered two appetizers (lamachun and kefta kebobs), which was more than enough food and cut the cost by a lot. Drinks are expensive too, but other than that, this place was a delight. read more

This review is on Tallula's for dinner, not as a bar or club. Good food, maybe a tad overpriced. Waitstaff seemed a little pushy, at least for my taste, but overall the service was OK. The baked hummus was delicious. Had one of the doner kebab specials (weekend only) for dinner and it was good, but like I said, somewhat overpriced, especially considering doner kebab is street food in most places. read more

My girlfriend brought me and her brother who was visiting from Los Angeles here for dinner. Conveniently located to the bars on Franklin Street, we got to grab a drink and watch the sunset at Topo before going to dinner. This was my second time at the restaurant but the first time actually dining in. My girlfriend always talked about how good their red sauce and bread was so one time I passed by and grab some of that sauce to bring home to her. They charged $5 for the bread and sauce but when you dine in, it is complimentary. The ambiance and service here is great! Love all the Turkish rugs that are hung up on the walls and the beautiful lighting. We sat at the booth seats by the window which felt like a private room because there are curtains separating from the rest of the restaurant. I got the lamb pizza dish which was good but the lamb and beef skewers that her brother got was even better. Very fresh and authentic dishes! I also really like their baklava dessert and their grape leaves were amazing. I would definitely come here at least once a week if I could. read more

Had a nice meal here this evening. The food is very good. To start we shared the beef and lamb dumplings in yogurt sauce which were good but actually overshadowed by the superb fresh warm bread with garlic/olive oil/red pepper dip they bring with it. For main dish I had the chicken sis kebab and my husband had the salmon skewer. Both were delicious. The only down side, as with all restaurants, it was too cold! But they did respond to our request to reduce the air conditioning. Overall a very enjoyable evening. read more

While some say this is expensive, the real trick to having a great affordable meal is sticking to the appetizers. Order the cold mezze platter ($16) and then one or two more small plates to share and you've got a great meal for 2. The Turkish pizzas are truly authentic and full of flavor. All of this, of course, could be colored by the fact that my husband and I went to Turkey for our honeymoon. Plus we were seated in the corner table curtained off - very romantic. read more

My wife and I have been to Turkey several times, and one of the reasons we love the country is the food. I'll never forget my first taste of manti: wow! We learned about Tallulas shortly after moving to Chapel Hill and have visited several times in the past 12 months -- which makes the point. We love to try different places, but we keep coming back. The staff is terrific -- friendly and personal -- and the food is fantastic, both in variety and quality. Tallulas serves the best baba ganoush we've ever had (there's a Turkish name I can't pronounce, but it's the same thing), and that sets the bar. We have tried fish, lamb, chicken and vegetarian dishes and loved them all. We have taken a dozen friends with us and everyone we take enjoys it as much as we do. Take time to go to Tallulas: you'll be glad you did! read more

I went here the other day because the Mediterranean Deli a couple doors down was closed temporarily. What first caught my attention was the decor. The ambiance in the restaurant is very nice. We ordered the hummus appetizer and it was amazing. The drinks were also very good! For the main meal, I got a salad and it was just ok. However, my girlfriend got the lamb and her dish was very good. We got the baklava for dessert and I think it might be the best baklava I've ever had. read more

The bread is yummy and the salad was great! Will definitely come back when I visit chapel hill again!

Never had Turkish food before today. Went with one of my friends who studied in Turkey for 6 months and knew what the dishes were. Was not disappointed! So much flavor. The bread was very fresh, and the dipping sauce was amazing. Both on the bread and in the bean soup. Main entrees were also very unique and had a variety of flavors that complimented each other very well. read more

Once again a stellar dinner. Been 4x so they get 20 stars now! Today was my birthday dinner and I brought my dad with me. He was equally impressed. I had thought "how does it get any better with the sirloin Sultan's Delight"...well, they made a lamb shank version, and I'm hooked. My New Year's resolution will be to TRY to order a different entree just so I can experience the rest of the menu. Had plenty of apps and desserts to know they all rock, but it's so hard to venture away from the perfection I already know. I did have a bite of a friend's lamb shis, and that is a definite "must try" but only if they don't tempt me with the Sultan's Delight again. And the bread with red pepper dipping sauce... a.d.d.i.c.t.i.v.e Eddie has taken care of my table twice now - Thanksgiving 2016 and Birthday 2016... both times... VIP treatment. My favorite "special occasion" restaurant! It would a frequent location for me, but I live about an hour away. Thank you, Talullas, for an outstanding dining experience.... read more

I ordered grape leaves, manti, mercimek koftesi, beef sis kebap, kunefe, ayran and tea. The best Mediterranean/Turkish restaurant I have ever eaten at in USA as a Turkish girl. Food is really authentic. Prices are also convenient. The service and taste of food were amazing! I highly recommend this restaurant. Stop by and check it out. read more

Awesome food! They serve some of the most unique entrees in the RTP area. My personal favorite is the Sultan's Delight. Their entrees consist of perfectly spiced char-grilled meats and flavorful accompaniments that compliment each other really well. One visit would get you hooked on to their food and you wouldn't forget the unique taste. The ambience and service is also great. read more

A great place. Would be awesome if they can have all the items all the time. Specially, the iskender kebob needs to be available all the time (highly recommend it!).... read more

Great falafel, lamb & fish (the tilapia in phyllo dough I had was really tasty), interesting hummus & a thicker, interesting take on Turkish bread. As others have said... service seemed a bit shaky, but excellent ambience and good, fairly priced food are more important any day of the week that ends with "y." read more

Restaurant was busy the night we went and it impacted the experience a bit. A too-long wait for our table (15-20 minutes beyond our reservation) followed by a too-long wait for the first visit from our waiter. Once he arrived, though, things went pretty smoothly. Wonderful food--we split a lot of small plates, allowing us to sample a variety of dishes. None disappointed. Friendly folks, too. All in all, a very good, albeit slightly diminished, dining experience. read more

One of my favorite restaurants in Chapel Hill. Have been here probably over 30 times. Food is consistently good, best bread ever. I believe their chef might have changed a year or two ago, its slightly different - not worse, but different, than it was for many years. Really great place, nice staff too. Highly recommended for quality of ingredients and pure delictability! read more

I came here for the first on a Tuesday night for their restaurant week special. I have lived in the Durham/CH area for about a year now and I have to say this place is in my top three. I am not all that familiar with Turkish food and I hate myself for not trying it sooner. The restaurant is well done in the décor department but the tables are a little too close for me. A Tuesday night was not bad but I wouldn't want to be there on a Friday/Saturday night unless you like eating with other people. As for the food: The restaurant week special was a 3 course meal for $20. What I was not expecting was bread served once we arrived that was to die for. The sauce (think a warm kind of gazpacho type sauce) was delicious and I was pleased to see that they used it in the main courses as well. To start we tried Mücver- Fritters made from zucchini, feta, eggs, scallions, dill, parsley and served over a house made garlic-infused yogurt sauce and Mercimek Köftesi- Red lentil patties made with bulgur wheat, spicy Antep pepper, scallions, mint and parsley. Both were good but I would not order them normally. For our main course we had Hünkar Beğendi (Sultan's Delight)- A classic Ottoman dish served with a choice of cubed sirloin beef or hormone free chicken over a creamy smoked eggplant sauce. This was amazing. I ordered the beef medium rare and it was melt in your mouth perfect. My boyfriend ordered the Beyti Kebab - A classic Turkish dish consisting of ground lamb, grilled on a skewer and served wrapped in lavash and topped with tomato sauce and yogurt. This was good but not out of this world like the sultan's delight. For dessert of course we had the Baklava - Layers of fillo dough with walnuts, baked and topped with syrup and pistachio nuts. THE BEST I HAVE EVER HAD. Served warm and fresh, both I think made this baklava heaven on a plate. We also tried the Kazan Dibi- Caramelized upside down milk pudding served in layers. If you like Flan I think you would like this. It has the same texture but tastes better. Service: The wait staff here works as a well-orchestrated team. I never felt rushed and you can tell they are professional. I wanted for nothing and can't remember the last time I had such good service. The next Triangle Restaurant Week is in Jan 2014 and will be making reservations here again. read more

Quite simply wonderful!!!!! Thanks living social!

Authentic doesn't do this place justice! My husband lived in Turkey for 5 years in the late 80s and therefore loves and misses real Turkish food. This place more than satisfied his need! The Adana kabobs were amazing! The hummus, yogurt and falafel made me miss Israel and the super yummy salad made us miss the spices and tastes of the Middle East! Amazing! The service was exceptional too. Overall great experience! Highly recommend and can't wait to go back! Ps: the vodka, Cherry juice and mint drink (can't remember the name) was great too! Perfect! read more

A very elegant restaurant with a nice dining environment. The service there is fantastic. The food is a bit pricy but it is well made and tasty, definitely one of the best middle eastern restaurants I have been to. Will go again! read more

Delicious! I went last night and had an incredible doner kebab (only served on Friday and Saturday's) the food is all around excellent and freshly prepared. They also serve excellent Turkish coffee. read more

Come try Tallulas at night-- dancing, dancing and more dancing! Typically Thursday thru Saturday, its a lot of fun and the music can be really good, depending on who's in the DJ booth for the night. I like DJ's who know how to transition from one song to the other with a similar pace (specifically upbeat) and they keep the tempo upbeat; as well as, playing music in the same genre for a length of time, then fading into another genre for a while and so on. DJ Nunda is excellent with this process. Its a lot of fun, and on some occasions they have music videos to correspond to the track their playing. read more

So I'm giving this two stars based on the price. The food is sparse for the amount you pay. I can't say I've had Turkish food before and so I can't speak to the authenticity of the dishes or if they taste like what they should. I enjoyed that tastes of what I had, but the price just isn't worth it. read more

Wonderful Middle Eastern cuisine with an Ottoman Empire inspired decor. Pizzas are fantastic. Full bar. Waitstaff are very helpful. Weekend nights can get very crowded-- the restaurant often features live musical acts and transitions into more of a bar than a restaurant later in the evening. read more

Hummus was good, coffee was excellent. I just had a snack and coffee, but the staff was nice, the place was popping and the bar and restrooms were clean. read more

We had a good time. Huge menu of interesting food.

This is a great restaurant for genuine Turkish dishes. I can highly recommend the mezze sampler, it is delightfull. The serving staff are great. Do go there if you want to experience middle eastern flavours. read more

This place was fantastic. if you like Greek or Lebanese food you'll love the food here. The staff was so cool and friendly. The prices are not bad. Get the Lamb dumplings in yogurt as an appetizer. Their wine selection is big. read more

Can get crowded, a reservation or going early in the evenings especially on weekends is definately recommended. The food is great though. They change their menu up every couple of months too, so there is always a reason to go back. One of the best resturants in Chapel Hill. read more

I had booked a reservation for a party of 5 a week in advance, though upon arriving at the restaurant our group was not seated for half an hour. However, the staff were very friendly and approachable, and once we sat down we had quite a good experience. The decor and ambiance of this restaurant are vivid and ethereal with a menu to match. Service was thoughtful, quick and positive. Our group collectively tried many dishes, including a stuffed eggplant dish that was on special. I would definitely come back again, but would be more proactive about ensuring that my reservation was planned for. read more