I recently had the pleasure of dining here, a hidden gem of a restaurant specializing in authentic Turkish cuisine, where I was treated to an unforgettable culinary experience with their signature dish, Manti.
From the moment you step inside, the ambiance transports you. The warm, inviting decor, with its intricate tapestries and traditional music, sets the stage for an authentic dining experience. The centerpiece of their menu is, without a doubt, the Manti.
The Manti here is a masterclass in authenticity and flavor. Prepared with a meticulous attention to tradition, each dumpling is a work of art. The dough, thin and delicate, encases a perfectly seasoned mixture and a subtle blend of spices that speak to the dish's rich heritage.
What truly sets this Manti apart is its preparation. Steamed to perfection, each dumpling is tender yet holds its shape, offering a satisfying texture that complements the juicy, flavorful filling. But it's the serving that brings the dish to life. Topped with a generous spoonful of rich, creamy yogurt, a drizzle of melted butter, and a sprinkle of sumac and mint, the dish is a harmony of flavors and textures.
The staff are as delightful as the food. Knowledgeable, friendly, and attentive, they ensure a comfortable and enjoyable dining experience, providing insights into the dishes and the culture they come from.
In conclusion, Gözleme offers not just a meal, but a journey through the flavors and traditions of the region. Their Manti is a standout dish that is both authentically prepared and exquisitely served, making it a must-try for anyone seeking to explore the rich culinary heritage of...
Read moreTL;DR: food that tastes like home! I've been frequenting the small but amazing Gözleme place for years now. The decorations might evoke peasant kitsch for some, but to me, the small brass objects, photographies documenting Anatolian rural life, and even hand-drawn images and their style bring childhood memories back to me (and I'm not even Turkish!). The seating area is small but clean, and so are the restrooms. The two ladies behind the open-style kitchen counter will cast whatever filling, or even combination filling, right onto their electric version of a tandir for you. The gözleme are served, and should be enjoyed, warm and fresh. Yesterday, I was pleasantly surprised by the bits of veggies in my minced meat gözleme (great idea!), and the spinach-filled one was fab as always. Flavours are consistent. The other dishes on the menu, which include Turkish-style mantı (even though I prefer the Kazakh and Uzbek varieties), a few soups, several salad options, etc., pp., are also not to be underrated: all delicious in their own ways and complimenting any version of gözleme chosen. The main server, the lady with mesmerisingly beautiful eyes, has always treated me with kindness and a smile. I honestly wish the owner, man with moustache, would be nicer to all of the great women working for him. Although he says them in Turkish, his rude remarks do not go unnoticed and are, most of all, a shame. I will return tho; for the kind smiles, hard-working women, and, of course, the food that tastes like a piece of home to me. Be aware of their annual summer break and patient, when you're not alone cuing on...
Read moreThe manti at Gözleme are an addictive taste experience that you simply must try, and then once you have, you will keep sneaking back, for occasional fixes of garlicky meaty dumpling goodness. Somehow they also raise a simple salad to way beyond the sum of its ingredients, who knew you could yank so much big flavor out of simple vegetables? The bread is fresh and crisp on the outside and tender on the inside, the service is well informed, and there is someone with a deep and entrenched understanding of food doing the cooking back there in the kitchen. Go and put yourself...
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