メッゼ堀江 トルコカフェ&レストラン Mezze Horie Turkish cafe & Restaurant — Restaurant in Osaka

Hidden, Small, and Underwhelming: My Honest Take on Mezze Horie Turkish Café & Restaurant

While wandering the lively streets of Osaka’s Horie district, I stumbled upon Mezze Horie Turkish Café & Restaurant, a place that promised authentic Turkish cuisine. However, my experience left much to be desired.

Hard to Find, Even Harder to Enjoy

First off, the location is incredibly hard to spot. The restaurant is tucked away above street level, accessed only by a narrow, nearly invisible stairway. Without close attention, it’s easy to miss entirely.

Once inside, the first thing you’ll notice is the extremely limited space. There are just three small tables and a few bar seats — and that’s it. It feels more like a takeaway counter than a proper dine-in restaurant. If you’re going with friends or looking for a relaxed sit-down meal, you may find it uncomfortable.

Undercooked Meat & Off-Putting Taste

We ordered the mixed grill, hoping for a hearty and flavorful meal. Unfortunately, the experience was the opposite. The meat was undercooked — when pressed with a fork, blood actually came out. That alone was unsettling.

Beyond that, the flavor wasn’t enjoyable. The seasoning was off, and the meat had a strange, almost gamey taste that made it hard to finish. It didn’t reflect the rich, balanced spices you’d expect from traditional Turkish cuisine.

Overpriced for What You Get

Considering the very limited seating, basic presentation, and the disappointing quality of food, the price was shockingly high. It simply didn’t match the value offered.

Final Verdict

While Mezze Horie might attract attention as a rare Turkish spot in Osaka, the reality is underwhelming. With hard-to-find access, minimal seating, and poorly prepared food, it’s hard to recommend — especially at premium prices. Osaka is full of incredible food experiences — this, sadly, wasn’t...

A Delightful Turkish Dining Experience in the Heart of Osaka

I had the pleasure of dining at a wonderful Turkish halal restaurant in Osaka, and it truly exceeded my expectations on every level. From the moment I stepped in, the warm and inviting ambiance set the tone for what turned out to be an exceptional meal. The décor was tastefully done, blending traditional Turkish elements with modern touches, creating a cozy and culturally rich atmosphere.

The service was friendly, attentive, and genuinely welcoming. The staff made sure we were comfortable throughout the meal and took the time to explain each dish, which added a personal touch to the dining experience.

The meal began with a generous spread of appetizers, each bursting with authentic flavors. The soup was rich and comforting, perfectly seasoned, and served piping hot. The freshly baked Turkish bread was soft and fluffy, pairing wonderfully with the dips and cheese roll—crispy on the outside and filled with deliciously melty cheese on the inside.

The highlight of the evening was the sirloin steak—tender, juicy, and perfectly cooked to order. It was clear that high-quality ingredients were used, and the balance of spices reflected a deep understanding of Turkish culinary tradition.

Cleanliness and presentation were also top-notch, and it was reassuring to know that all dishes were prepared according to halal standards, which is not always easy to find when traveling abroad.

Overall, this restaurant is a hidden gem in Osaka. Whether you’re already a fan of Turkish cuisine or looking to try something new, I highly recommend visiting. I left completely satisfied and would definitely return the next time I’m...

Fabulous

This restaurant was discovered by my husband, and it was definitely one of the best Turkish dining experiences we’ve had in Asia.

First of all, the Turkish owner is the one doing the cooking himself, which is impressive. I loved everything we tried—and so did my Turkish husband!

The mixed meze was fresh and served at the perfect temperature—not too cold, not too warm. The hummus, eggplant, and dolma were all excellent.

The lahmacun was really good—slightly thicker than what you might find at some places in Turkey, but they certainly didn’t compromise on the quality or the amount of meat on it.

The Adana kebab was flawless—maybe it could’ve been a bit juicier, but overall it was very well done.

The Japanese wagyu was also nice—though we mistakenly ordered it medium-well. That was on us, but it was still juicy.

The chicken shish kebab was made from thigh meat, not breast—which made it amazing.

The mixed dessert plate was spot-on: light and delicious. The kazandibi and baklava were both excellent.

The beer was okay, but we’d suggest offering a different type of Efes if available in Japan, as we found the one served a bit flat in flavor.

Overall, it was a fantastic experience, and this place truly deserves a larger seating area, as they currently have limited space.

Most importantly, they represent Turkish culture and cuisine in a proper way—clean, authentic, and respectful—unlike some other Turkish eateries in Osaka that unfortunately don’t reflect the true quality of...