Kismet Turkish Restaurant — Restaurant in Toronto

Its a Shame the highest rating is 5/5 because this restaurant deserves even higher. Located on queen street east, Kismet is perhaps the truest definition of a hidden gem. its quaint outside is a facade that only those who are lucky enough to enter can experience true happiness. Walking into Kismet I was hopeful for a nice experience knowing Toronto food isn't always the best, little did I know that I was about to experience the most stupefying tantalising meal of my entire life. The atmosphere was authentic, the kind of local spot you know you're going to enjoy a meal. Biggest shoutout to Okan our server who made the experience even better. We ordered the chicken iskender, bulgur, lahmacun and to end the meal we had kunefe. To begin turkish tea was served with complementary pita and ezme which aroused the taste buds. Right on cue like Okan could read our minds, he brought forth the Holy Grail; the main dishes. The flavour was nothing short of outstanding. The chicken iskender was arguably the best chicken I have had in my life; juicy chicken, cut and placed on a bed of pita with the most delectable sauce drizzled on top and yogurt on the side. The first bite felt like fireworks on my tastebuds... It would be an understatement to say it was the type of meal that people would write songs about, the type of meal that people would fight and die for.. The bulgur was beautiful with every grain perfectly seasoned, each bite showcasing a new flavour profile... the lahmacun... guys this was what brought me to tears literal tears. The first taste left me speechless and yet every bite changed; with nuanced flavours and side vegetables that you could add to elavate the dish. When we thought this adventure full of discovery had come to a close, Okan brought the crown jewel; the kunefe. No words could describe the pure bliss that the kunefe was... a true gem. The type of cheese pull that i will forever dream about. The crispy kadayif soaked in the sweet syrup was life altering. Undeniably this experience was one for the books. For those of you lucky enough to read this and experience Kismet for...

You might walk past Kismet and think the front patio belongs to it—it doesn’t. That’s the Mexican joint next door. Kismet's actual patio is tucked in the back, like a secret garden for those who know better.

Step inside, and suddenly you're not in Toronto anymore. You’re somewhere between Istanbul and the Aegean coast. The walls are dressed in art that whispers stories of a country both ancient and evolving. The music? Pure enchantment. A soundtrack to your meze dreams.

We ordered a wrap and a pide—Turkish pizza, if you need a point of reference. The pide was fantastic: a boat of golden, crispy dough cradling bold, savory fillings. The kind of thing that makes you pause mid-bite and just nod at your friend across the table.

And speaking of friends, that’s what everyone calls you here. “My friend, my friend”—there’s a warmth in the service that’s unmistakably Turkish. It’s more than hospitality. It’s culture.

Turkey is a beautiful tangle of influences—East and West, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern—and you can taste all of it here. Political tides may shift (just ask Italy), but cuisine like this remains a constant reminder of beauty, resilience, and spice.

Most folks probably get Kismet delivered, but honestly, you’re missing half the charm if you don’t sit in. Bonus: we were served tea on the house. That tiny tulip-shaped glass, warm in my hand, was the final note in a symphony of a meal.

Sipping that tea, I was reminded—some places serve food. Others serve something...

We decided to dine here for a special date night because my husband, who is Turkish and was longing for the taste of home, wanted to support the local community. He had even brought a colleague here previously to introduce them to the cuisine, but unfortunately, they didn't enjoy it. Additionally, it was convenient for me as my workplace is in the neighborhood.

Regrettably, our visit turned out to be a significant disappointment. The only highlight was the complimentary bread. We opted for a dinner tray for two, which promised a selection of various meats. However, the Adana kebab was dry and lacked cohesion, the chicken was both dry and devoid of flavor, and the beef cubes were overly tough. The kofte fell far short of our expectations.

As we became aware of the food's disappointing quality, we attempted to cancel our order for the Kunefe dessert, but it was already in preparation. Our suspicions were confirmed when the dessert arrived without the expected cheesy goodness, and its bottom lacked the desired crispiness. It was an overall letdown.

I had hoped to share an Instagram post showcasing the delightful cheese pull from the Kunefe, but unfortunately, there was no cheese to be found. On a positive note, the server provided good service...