You know how, in Narnia, Edmund sells out his family for some Turkish delights? That’s how we feel about all Turkish food. And, thankfully, Brisbane is home to some top notch places to grab some—no betrayal necessary. Grab a group of friends and dip into one of the best Turkish restaurants in Brisbane to see what the fuss is all about.
Caravanserai
West End
“Our treats are dangerously addictive, please approach with caution”—an accurate warning from the chefs at Caravanserai in West End. One bite of their Turkish spiced meatballs will have you begging for more. The cheery and intimate atmosphere makes it the perfect place for a romantic date night, but if that isn’t for you, their large booths are ideal for group catch-ups too. At the newly licensed venue, you can order a glass of wine, or just bring your own—they’re renowned for being BYO. But, for the deso drivers in the group, we definitely recommend the Turkish lemonade.
Ahmet’s
South Bank
A staple for any QPAC goers, Ahmet’s is the place to be before hitting up your favourite musical. Grab your pals, book in for a show, and head to Ahmet’s for an early dinner worthy to be the main event. Their menu is designed to be shared, so order a few pides, chuck some lamb dumplings and chicken gozleme on the bill, and have yourselves a feast like no other.
Olive Thyme
Albion
Founded by two passionate Turkish immigrants, Olive Thyme is authentic cuisine at its finest. Tuck in to some imam, kuzu, and ahtapot—a spiced eggplant dish, lamb backstrap, and fremantle octopus, respectively. Their desserts are not to be missed either—with options of Turkish delight gelato, hazelnut burma, and stuffed figs on offer, it’s enough to make a grown man with a sweet tooth cry. Don’t worry, there’s alcohol aplenty too!
Downtown Istanbul
Hawthorne
Turkish with a twist—that’s what you can expect at Downtown Istanbul. Think of all the vibes of a classic Turkish bazaar with contemporary flavours melting in your mouth. Halloumi fries, slow-cooked lamb shanks, mushroom pides and more, their menu looks good to vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. And if saving for that Euro summer has your bank account looking more sad than happy, fear not—dinner here won’t break the bank.
Mado Turkish Restaurant
South Bank
Cancel your flights to Turkey right now and book a table at Mado Turkish Restaurant—same feel, way cheaper. Belly dancers, a gift shop, and a kids table, it’s fun for the whole family. Colourful tablecloths, mosaic lamps, and walls adorned with various ceramics and paintings give the restaurant a homey and comforting feel. With booths that can seat up to 18 people, bring the whole gang and share some moussaka, kebabs, and vegetable casserole, all while sipping your favourite wine.
Looking for another international cuisine? Check out Brisbane’s best Indian restaurants right here.