Miami Michelin Recommendation: El Turco Turkish Food 🌟

I recently visited El Turco Turkish Food, a Michelin Bib Gourmand-recommended Turkish restaurant located in Upper Buena Vista, a bohemian-style open-air shopping center. The ambiance is super atmospheric. I chose an outdoor seat, where the sun was shining and the breeze was blowing. Dining under the big tree was truly enjoyable. However, there were occasional small flies, so if that bothers you, I recommend sitting indoors. Locksmith Bagel 🥪 Sesame bagel + smoked salmon + pickles. The bagel has a rich sesame aroma, with a crispy outer layer and soft interior. The combination of the salmon's fattiness and the pickles' tanginess makes for a refreshing and appetizing dish. Izmir Kofte Casserole Meatball 🍲 Potato + tomato + stewed meatballs. The potatoes soak up the meat juices, and the sweet and sour flavor of the tomatoes balances the dish perfectly. It's super rice-friendly! Turkish Tea 🍵 The Turkish black tea has a strong flavor with a hint of bitterness. It might not be to everyone's taste on its own, but it pairs perfectly with the dessert Kunefe, cutting through the richness. Kunefe 🍬 Kunefe is a classic Middle Eastern dessert made with very thin phyllo dough (Kataifi) wrapped around cheese. After baking, it's drizzled with syrup and sprinkled with pistachios. The outer layer is crispy, while the inner cheese is gooey and sweet. Although it's quite sweet, it's very satisfying, and the Turkish tea balances the sweetness well. Turkish Coffee ☕️ Turkish coffee is unfiltered and extremely strong. After drinking it, you'll find a thick layer of coffee grounds at the bottom of the cup. Some places even use it for fortune-telling. The waitress warned that it's stronger than espresso and suggested adding sugar. I followed her advice, but... it's still super strong! The bitterness and intensity are more pronounced than in regular coffee. It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience. If you're used to Americanos or lattes, this might be quite a challenge. Hummus 🥬 I thought it would just be a small side dish, but it came with a huge amount of Pita bread. Even I, a carb lover, felt like I overordered... Summary Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) Is it suitable for solo dining? Yes, the atmosphere is relaxed and not awkward. Value for money? Bib Gourmand-recommended, with reasonable prices and generous portions. Pitfall? The outdoor area can have small flies, so if that bothers you, sit indoors. El Turco Turkish Food Average cost: $$ #MichelinRecommended #BibGourmand #SoloTravel #FoodReview #TurkishCuisine