Ayse's | Turkish Cafe-Home-Made Mediterranean Cuisine in Anna Bay

A Hidden Gem Turkish Spot – Homey Mediterranean Flavors That Hit the Spot! Let me gush about this under-the-radar Turkish restaurant—it serves classic Mediterranean dishes with that “home-cooked” warmth, simple but delicious. Entrees are a bit pricey, but everything else balances out. If you love no-fuss, flavorful food, this is your spot 🇹🇷! 🥢 Apps: Hits & Hard Passes Baked Eggplant & Bell Pepper: Total wins! Both are richly flavored—salty with a nice tang from the house red sauce. Perfect for sharing, and they set the mood for the meal. Side Salad: Skip it! It’s tiny and tasteless, like an afterthought. Not worth the money or stomach space. Chicken Soup: Way too salty—one sip and we had to put it down. Save yourself the disappointment. Pro Tip: Stick to the baked veggie apps (and keep an eye on Photo 8—those are the safe, tasty picks!). 🍖 Entrees: Tender Meat, Simple (But Amazing) Flavors Every entree I’ve tried here has been great—no over-the-top seasonings, just pure, delicious meat and veggies. The star? Everything is cooked to fall-off-the-bone tenderness (whether stewed or roasted!). Lamb Shank: Melts in your mouth, with a subtle meaty flavor. No gamey aftertaste—just juicy, hearty goodness. Homemade Meatloaf: Served with that same tangy red sauce, it’s comfort food at its best. Moist, not dry, and the sauce adds just the right zing. Roast Chicken: Crispy skin, tender meat—so simple, but so satisfying. You can taste the quality of the chicken. Stuffed Pepper (or Eggplant): HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! The menu changes based on the owner’s mood (sometimes it’s stuffed eggplant or other veggies), but it’s always amazing. The filling is flavorful, and the veggie is cooked soft—total comfort in a dish. You can pick rice or bulgur (a wheat grain) as your side—both have a rich buttery aroma that pairs perfectly with the meat. The best part? It’s “simple Turkish cooking at its best”—no fancy spices, just letting the ingredients shine. Bonus: Opt for the “lunch size” (smaller portion) for select entrees—saves you $5 🔪, perfect if you’re not super hungry! 🍰 Desserts: Pine Tree Brûlée Is a Must Pine Tree Brûlée: My favorite! Not too sweet, with a strong, cozy pine tree scent (unique but delicious). It’s creamy, with a crisp top—so satisfying. Poppy Seed Cake: Hard pass. It’s cloyingly sweet, with a weird texture (like soggy mung bean cake). The poppy seeds pop in your mouth like Pop Rocks, which is fun, but not enough to save it. Only try if you’re super curious! 💰 Final Verdict Average cost is around $30 per person—great value for the quality, especially since the portions are generous. It’s homey, tasty, and feels like eating at a friend’s (very good) Turkish kitchen. I’ll definitely be coming back! #UniversityOfMichiganAnnArbor #AnnArborLife #MichiganFood #Cafe #HiddenGemRestaurant #AnnArborEats #AnnArborRestaurants #TurkishFood #MichiganLife #MichiganEats #AnnArborFood