EFES TURKISH CUISINE — Restaurant in Halifax

Cafe Istanbul used to be one of my favourite haunts when I would come to the HRM years ago. We decided last night, while on a short trip, to have dinner there only to realize it has been taken under new ownership several years ago. I have to say, I believe my beloved little cafe has only gotten better!!

We orders the dinner for two which included a mixed plate of appetizers (chefs choice), mixed lamb and chicken kabobs served over rice and a baclava and Turkish tea or coffee for dessert for $65. The food was heaven; absolutely to die for flavour. Perfectly seasoned and cooked to perfection. Part of the appetizer plate included a sample of a carrot dip. I don’t know what the chef did to make a carrot taste like that but I have a feeling I’m going to be throughly discounted by all other carrot dishes I taste. Nothing will compare to that. Since I have never liked lamb, in spite of trying it many different ways, many different times and at many different places, the owner offered (I didn’t ask), to make me an all chicken option. It was delicious! Even the rice tasted amazing! I will also tell you that after sampling some of my partners lamb, I now LOVE lamb as long as Efes prepares it! My partner follows a keto diet. He had no plan to eat the baklava when it came. Then he decided “just a small bite”. Needless to say, he’s no longer in ketosis this morning! Again, I don’t know what they do to their baklava but it was the best we’ve eaten!

This little gem, and it is a gem, had amazing service that was kind and friendly. Our meal was perfectly paced and the portions were plentiful. I’ll have a full lunch of leftovers today. They are passionate about sharing their love of Turkish cuisine and that was evident.

We will most certainly return when we...

It is authentic Turkish restaurant very nice and warm ambience and décor, which make you feel you are in Istanbul. Great place for lunch with coworkers or dinner with friends or family. The menu has great variety of grilled kebabs and wraps in addition to nice selection of wines. This restaurant make you feel warm Turkish Mediterranean hospitality. I went with coworkers there for lunch and we had for a starters: delicious gluten free kiymali, which is warm hummus with spicy minced lamb, shrimp guvech cooked in eggplant tomato sauce, and halloumi grilled slices of Turkish goat cheese. For the main course we had delicious seafood kebab, kofte kebab and yogurt kebab with bottle of nice Villa San Martino Pinot Grigio. The prices are very reasonable for the great quality food. For desert we had Turkish coffee with yammy baklava. I would highly recommend this restaurant for anyone who likes Mediterranean food. We are planning to come back with the team again and try other items...

We were immediately greeted and steated by a very pleasant waiter, we were seated with menus and water and given some time to review the menu. We opted to start with an order of falafel, I opted for the kofte kebap while my fiance chose the chicken. The falafel starter was phenomenal, easily the best falafel I've ever had, nice crisp on the outside while still very moist and flavorful on the inside. It was served with a delightful dipping sauce, hummus and fresh, grilled pita. The entrees were equally impressive. Both the kofte lamb and the chicken were perfectly grilled, moist and flavorful. The side of sehriye rice was delicious and perfectly portioned. We didn't have room for desert but we will definitely be back to try the Turkish coffee and the baklava! We encountered three different staff members during our visit and all of them exhibited that typical middle eastern hospitality and kindness. The atmosphere is great, with beautiful Turkish style...