Tava Turkish Cuisine — Restaurant in Ottawa

I started my meal with half a bowl of ‘’Red Lentil Soup’’. It had croutons on top and a slice of lemon on the side. Squeezing the lemon made the soup even tastier. It was a delicious start. Next, I tried the ‘’Eggplant Mutabbal’’, which was also fantastic. It was beautifully crafted with pomegranate seeds and almonds on top, making it a very refined dipping sauce, also known as meze.

For the main course, I had ‘’Ali Nazik Lamb Shish’’ and a ‘’Mixed Fruit Gazoz’’ as my drink. The creamy texture of the Ali Nazik sauce was so savory and complemented the lamb cubes perfectly. You can also dip the sauce with their homemade sourdough bread, which is incredibly fresh. In my opinion, gazoz is the best Turkish drink to pair with any meal—it really doesn’t need an explanation.

We shared a half ‘’Diced Meat and Cheese Pide’’, and a half ‘’Veggie and Spinach Pide’’ with my family. The portion was generous, and having the pide prepared in halves allowed us to try different varieties, which was a great option. The pide was very tasty, and because it was made with sourdough, it had a distinct flavor that made it even better.

I finished my meal with homemade ‘’Rice Pudding’’ and ‘’Turkish Coffee’’. The rice pudding was creamy and delicious, and the roasted hazelnuts on top enhanced the overall taste. It was a complete Turkish culinary experience, and I’m really happy that there’s a restaurant in Ottawa offering such healthy, delicious, and unique dishes compared to other restaurants. A hidden gem! I hope they get the recognition they deserve very soon.

The atmosphere is relaxed, and you can watch the kebabs and some of the food being prepared in front of you, as it’s an open-concept restaurant. The owner and chef, manager and our waitress Elif were all very helpful, friendly,...

Hands down, Tava offers the most authentic Turkish cuisine experience.

I first tried their Lahmacun when they started as a small take-out operation, and I was hooked. Now, I go there regularly. Over the years, they have not only expanded their menu but have also maintained consistent quality. I especially love their Pides and Kebabs, with the lamb shish kebab being my favorite.

Let me put it this way: when I first tried their lamb shish kebab a few months ago, I closed my eyes, and the aroma and taste took me on a journey down memory lane, back to the authentic flavors of my childhood.

I have visited Tava many times with family and friends, and every time the experience has been fantastic. Amazing food, a nice and elegant atmosphere, clean washrooms, and really friendly service. The chef and staff are always respectful and courteous, and they go the extra mile to make our experience better.

Their desserts are also really well made. I usually get the rice pudding or sutlac, but the baklava is great too. They work on a reservations basis, so it's best to call ahead. I think the prices are also very reasonable compared to other places.

I highly recommend this gem of a place.

You no longer need to travel to Turkey to enjoy authentic Turkish food—just pay Tava...

This gem of a restaurant has, without a doubt, the best pide in town.

As I eagerly scanned the menu, I was delighted to find a wide variety of delicious options, but it was the pide that caught my eye, and I knew I couldn't leave without trying it.

The golden-brown crust was perfectly crisp, and the heavenly aroma of the freshly baked dough and tantalizing toppings wafted through the air. As I took my first bite, I was met with an explosion of flavors that left me speechless. The combination of juicy, tender meats, melted cheese, and fresh veggies was simply divine.

Each bite was a symphony of textures and flavors, and I couldn't help but marvel at the skill and craftsmanship of the chef. It was clear that every element of the dish was carefully considered, from the dough's perfect balance of crispness and chewiness to the expertly seasoned toppings.

The staff's genuine smiles and attentiveness made me feel right at home.

It was absolutely worth the journey from Montreal, and I can't wait to return for another taste of this Turkish delight. If you're a food enthusiast looking for an unforgettable dining experience, I wholeheartedly recommend Tava Kitchen. Trust me; it's a journey your taste buds won't...