Gurkan Şef Steakhouse — Restaurant in Makkah Al Mukarramah

Gürkan Şef Steakhouse – Where Cows Come to Chill, Not Grill

If you're in the mood for an expensive game of "Is It Steak or Is It Still Alive?" then look no further than Gürkan Şef Steakhouse.

We started off with some hope—hummus with meat, and I have to say, this dish was fantastic. Creamy, flavorful, a real winner. But then came the chicken and mushroom arancini, which had a delightful surprise inside… cold cheese. Nothing says "gourmet" like biting into a fried ball of disappointment.

Then, the main event: a Dallas steak (medium) and a T-bone (medium well). Or at least, that's what we ordered. What arrived looked like the chef whispered "fire" at it from a safe distance and sent it out. I’ve seen fresher meat at a petting zoo. The steaks were so undercooked that if I had brought a leash, I could’ve taken them for a walk.

The sides? A scoop of mashed potatoes that was colder than my enthusiasm by that point.

Highlight of the meal? A classic glass bottle of Coke. Perfectly cooked, great texture, and didn’t moo at me.

Final verdict: 737 SAR down the drain. If you enjoy playing Guess the Cooking Temperature and overpaying for the experience, this place is for you. Otherwise, save your money and go somewhere that believes in the magic of heat.

Would not recommend. But hey, at least I’ll have great photos to...

An Exceptional Feast at Gurkan Şef

Gurkan Şef isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a culinary journey that every food lover should experience. The ambiance is stunning, with an elegant seating area and a lively, welcoming atmosphere that sets the stage for a memorable evening.

The service was also top-notch, with Waiter Faisal standing out for his incredible attention to detail, friendliness, and expert recommendations. His professionalism made the entire experience seamless and enjoyable.

Now, let’s talk about the food! I tried a wide range of dishes, and here’s how they scored:

Goat Cheese Salad – Perfectly balanced and refreshing. 10/10

Gurkan Salad – A flavorful masterpiece. 10/10

Mushroom Soup – Not my favorite; it lacked depth. Didn’t like it much

Chicken Soup – Simple but enjoyable. Good

Passion Fruit Mojito – A refreshing standout! 10/10

Chicken and Mushroom Arancini – Crispy, flavorful, and irresistible. 10/10

All the Burgers – Juicy and perfectly cooked. 10/10

Mixed Grill – A delightful combination of grilled meats. 10/10

Asado – Cooked to perfection. 10/10

Chicken Lollipop – Packed with flavor. 10/10

Gurkan Şef Vay Vay Vay – 10/10

Lokum – Melt-in-your-mouth goodness. 10/10

Ice Cream Baklava – Unfortunately, a big miss. The baklava was dry...

5/5 Review

Food: 5/5 The food at Gurken Sef is exceptional! Every dish was full of rich flavor and prepared to perfection. From the starters to the mains, everything tasted fresh and authentic. The mixed grill and lentil soup were personal favorites!

Service: 5/5 The service was outstanding, thanks in large part to our waiter, Farzan. He was courteous, knowledgeable, and incredibly attentive throughout the meal. His professionalism and friendly demeanor made our dining experience truly special. Farzan is a real asset to the team.

Ambience: 5/5 A calm and welcoming atmosphere with tasteful décor. Whether you're here for a casual meal or a special gathering, the setting feels just right.

Cleanliness: 5/5 Immaculate. The restaurant is very well-maintained, including the restrooms, which were spotless.

Value: 5/5 Excellent value for the quality and experience. The portions are generous, and the prices are reasonable given the top-tier service and food.

If you're in Makkah and looking for a memorable meal, Gurken Sef is a must-visit. And if you’re lucky enough to have Farzan as your server, you’re in...