Efendi Restaurant (RUTHERFORD LOCATION) — Restaurant in Vaughan

Efendi Turkish Cuisine Restaurant. 1076 Rutherford Rd.

We are no strangers to middle eastern foods but we like to try it from different regions for adventure.

The pictures on Google do NOT do it justice. In person the decor is far more warm and inviting. The entrance is welcoming if not a little tight. You are greseted to a large photo (painting?) of the executive chef, Chef Zeki in his whites making a hart sign to show you greetings and welcome. Pretentious? Maybe. Inviting? Definitely!

You are ushered in to a small but airy main dining room both vibrant and cozy filled with the smells of the kitchen busy with Barbecue. The smells are mouth watering and intoxicating. The sounds of happy diners chattering effervescently tells you (as it did me) that we were in for a treat.

As a family of four and though we like adventures in our eating we are also not big eaters. So we like to do things “Mezes” of late. We ordered the ‘appetizer platter’ that consisted of a fresh salad with a pomegranate vinaigrette and a plate with Hummus, Baba Ghanouj, Acili Ezme or Spicy Mashed (the latter I have to assume is smashed Turkish red peppers and spices) with a basket of fluffy flat breads. We then ordered for our Main the Mix Kebab Platter for 2. Yes, for 2. Even though we are two adults and 2 teens my wife and I knew it would be enough. The Kebab platter consists of 2 skewer Adana(ground lamb), 1 skewer meat shish(Beef tenderloin), 1 skewer chicken shish, 1 skewer chicken wings, 2 pieces lamb chops, 2 pieces içli kofte, bulgur rice, BBQ tomatoes and peppers. Our last elements were a desert called Sutlac which is a Turkish rice pudding topped with a brûlée and crushed pistachios. For a classic finish, Turkish Coffee.

The appetizer platter was delicious and though small was actually perfect for a table of four to ‘whet’ the appetite. The hummus was smooth and creamy, the Acili Ezme was vibrant and tangy while the Baba Ghanouj was deep, creamy, smokey with enough garlic to please… well ME! (I loooooove garlic by the way). The basket of fresh flat breads were served warm and soft. You could tear them in pieces and dip or even rip apart like a pita.

To our meat platter now. Let me say that watching it come out for another table made me even MORE excited for its arrival to ours! The two server team placing the live wood plank down and the second serving for Mise-en-scène the the cast iron skillet while dropping a pad of butter in it followed by the Ontario lamb chops and beef cubes to sizzles away just made us salivate. The spices that wafted up at us instantly made me ravenous (Yes I have animalistic tendencies when good food is before me). The Chicken shish was tender and smokey from the grill, full of sumac and spices. The Adana was so tender and richly seasoned I couldn’t help but swoon a little when i tasted it. I will say most of the family are not “lamb” lovers but everyone was VERY happy with this element. Me especially so. The chicken wings were toasty and moist deep with seasonings. The lamp chops were so tender and juicy it was very satisfying when i was able to get one to myself. The herbs and spices were en-point. Lastly of the meats the içli kofte. The bulgar coating was crisp and delectable while the meat inside was vibrant again in with all the Turkish spice profiles I have come to expect from this platter. Cumin, Sumac, and whatever else I couldn’t immediately identify but would guess as thyme and oregano. So good I wanted more. The Rice and Bulgar were delicious of course along with more salad. Our dessert The Sutlac was rich and creamy but not over sweet. The Turkish coffee was strong and full of flavour but the cup as you can see made it all the more spectacular. Service was Attentive, energetic and happy!

This was a meal to savour and surely we will repeat it. I recommend you find the time to get in here and enjoy a taste of Turkey. You wont regret it. Bravo Chef Zeki!

@cheffzeki @efenditurkishcuisine #turkishfood #middleeasternfood #greateats...

I am thrilled to share my unwavering enthusiasm for Efendi Turkish Restaurant, a true culinary gem that has captivated my taste buds week after week. Despite residing in Buffalo, I eagerly make the journey to Toronto just to indulge in their extraordinary food and impeccable dining experience.

As soon as I step into Efendi, I am instantly enveloped in a warm and inviting ambiance that sets the stage for an exceptional meal. Their genuine warmth and personalized service make each visit feel like a homecoming.

Now, let's talk about the food that keeps drawing me back time and time again. The moment the first dish arrives at my table, I am transported to the vibrant streets of Turkey, my taste buds ready for an unforgettable journey. Efendi's commitment to authenticity is truly unparalleled.

One of my all-time favorites is their chicken Shish Kebab a masterpiece of flavors and textures that consistently leaves me craving more. The tender and perfectly seasoned chicken paired with fragrant rice and a refreshing salad, creates a symphony of deliciousness that I simply cannot resist.

The meze selection, in particular, is a journey of taste sensations. From the creamy hummus and smoky baba ghanoush to the tangy tzatziki and the fresh bread each bite reveals layers of complex flavors that harmonize beautifully. It's a true celebration of Mediterranean cuisine that never fails to impress.

But it's not just the food that sets Efendi apart. The exceptional service provided by the knowledgeable and passionate staff elevates the entire experience. They go above and beyond to ensure that every aspect of my dining journey is flawless, from providing insightful recommendations to accommodating my dietary preferences.

So, despite the distance between Buffalo and Toronto, the pilgrimage to Efendi Turkish Restaurant is undeniably worth it. It's an oasis of Turkish culinary excellence that continues to captivate me week after week. If you're seeking an extraordinary dining adventure that transcends borders, I wholeheartedly recommend making the journey to Efendi...

First time trying a Turkish Restaurant, and I loved it!

I am so glad someone had recommended it to us because it was one of those places that you would just pass by if you didn’t know how good it was. The interior is nicer than what you would think based on the more plain/simpler exterior. The aroma inside makes your mouth water while you wait for a table! 🤤

We ordered the Efendi Salad and Meat Shish Kabob to share between my fiancé and I. It came with fresh warm bread to start. The portions were large enough to fill both of us (granted, I don’t eat much for a petite person and my partner can eat a lot). The bread was soft on the inside. The salad was refreshing with a nice vinaigrette-style dressing. The meat was tender and so flavourful through and through. Not spicy at all. To finish the meal, I ordered the Turkish coffee, which is essentially an espresso shot served in a fancy dish. It had a grainy texture from the leftover grounds, which took away from the taste and flavour. I probably wouldn’t get the coffee again, but I would highly recommend the two other dishes we tried. Unfortunately, we did not have enough space in our bellies to try the Kunefe for dessert, which seems to be a recurring favourite based on other reviews. We’ll have to come back to try it next time. Although it may be on the pricey side ($9.99 Efendi Salad, $37.99 Meat Shish Kabob, $3.99 Turkish Coffee), it was worth it given that it was delicious and the portion sizes were perfect for us both.

Overall, it was a tasty meal and pleasant experience that left me wanting to discover and try more...