ODÖNER DUBAI HILLS MALL — Restaurant in Dubai

I was on the verge of writing a 1 star review while still in-store, but fortunately one exceptional employee salvaged the situation with a masterclass in service recovery.

The evening began on a positive note, with a warm welcome and the food which was served with breathtaking efficiency despite the restaurant being at almost full capacity. Then whilst mid bite into my delicious Moussaka, one of the Filipino waitresses decided to unleash her fury on a fellow colleague as a result of what I assumed to be a mistake he made. Besides hurling a barrage of insults in both English and Arabic, she spent 10 minutes staring him down with hands on her hips, while occasionally yelling indiscriminately. I was hoping it would subside, but it did not. Once I reached the limits of my patience, I finally called her over and told her that she was ruining me and my wife's Friday date night and that her behavior is unprofessional and disruptive. Then Atef, whom I presumed to be the manager (the same warm gentleman who welcomed me) swiftly came to the rescue and calmed me down with his pleasant demeanor. His smile alone was enough to dissipate my anger and frustration. It also helped that the angry waitress decided to take off for the rest of the evening. He visited a few more times throughout the remainder of our meal, and bid us an enthusiastic farewell. As incredible as the food was, it is because of him we will return. Being a 23 year hospitality veteran myself, I can particularly appreciate the effort he made transforming a negative situation into a positive one.

As for the food, the Hummus with caramelized dates was divine. Rich and creamy, virtually melting in our mouth. I'm not normally fond of eggplant unless it is cooked to perfection which their Moussaka certainly was. Fortunately that was only a prelude to the main event which for us was a serving of their "Adana Kebab", a wonderfully succulent grilled lamb meat served with bulghur pilaf and salad and a generous platter of "Bodrum Çokertme Kebab", a tantalizing dish of deep fried julienne potatoes with traditional döner meat served with yoghurt and homemade tomato sauce. Previously, Kosebasi was our favorite Turkish eatery. No longer. This is our new restaurant de rigeur.

The unruly behavior of the waitress aside, the atmosphere was vibrant, the food was unforgettable, and Atef's warmth and hospitality was the icing on the sundae. One of the most memorable dining experiences we've had in...

I am sorry O'Doner but Turkish cuisine is my favourite and I was unable to find the real taste in any of your dishes I had the other day.

Firstly, I understand it is in the mall but tables are extremely close and we felt a little uncomfortable sitting next to some men who were using not so nice language (I know, not your fault but we were too close to feel comfortable).

Food is decent but not amazing, Lahmachun was nit any where close to how it should be or how I have it at other places and it is not something you can get wrong easily. Bread of it was extremely chewy and hard to eat, and there was no traditional taste in it. And may I say the price, 42 Dirham for that small little thing was Too Much. Most of the top Turkish restaurants sell it for kess than 30 dirhams and it is usually a huge round bread and not so tiny.

Chicken wings were cooked well but not to perfection, they were quite soggy from inside, though salad was quite nice that came with it.

Pan fried homemade pastry with cheese was okay because cheese didn't have traditional taste or at least I felt that way but it was decent enough and we are most of it not all, though again 62 Dirhams, too steep.

A simple Cheese Pide at 66 Dirhams was too over priced and again cheese had no flavour and my daughter didn't have any if it but just one bite.

I am giving it a benefit if doubt as it is a new place so I will visit once again and try a couple of the same and a couple of different dishes to see how it is and if decent enough I may change my review.

Home style Aryan, a small cup at 28 Dirhams is too high too where as most of the places it is less than 20 Dirhams or some places it is free.

Please remember that you are in a food court, or next to it but prices arr are like a top restaurant on Jumeirah Road. I know you have a huge rent to pay but if you wanna keep going, please fix the food and people will not mind paying the high prices, though I would still say to reduce the prices a little.

Service and decor, including plates on the tables were quite decent...

O'Donor at Dubai Hills Estate offers a delightful culinary experience, blending authentic Turkish flavors with a cozy dining atmosphere. Here’s a rundown of our experience:

The Dishes

Chicken Pilav The chicken pilav was simple yet flavorful, with tender, juicy chicken pieces atop perfectly cooked, aromatic rice. The seasoning was subtle, letting the natural flavors shine.

Meat Pilav Rich and hearty, the meat pilav was a standout. The succulent, well-seasoned meat paired beautifully with the buttery rice, creating a dish that was both comforting and satisfying.

Bursa Iskender The highlight of the meal! The Bursa Iskender was a masterpiece, featuring tender, thinly-sliced meat layered over bread soaked in tangy tomato sauce and topped with creamy yogurt. The melted butter drizzled on top added a luxurious touch, making this dish a must-try.

Keşkek with Meat This traditional dish was a pleasant surprise. The creamy wheat base was rich and comforting, while the slow-cooked meat added depth and texture. It’s a perfect example of Turkish comfort food done right.

Lentil Soup The lentil soup was warm, earthy, and seasoned to perfection. It came with a squeeze of lemon that added a refreshing tang. A great starter that set the tone for the rest of the meal.

Turkish Tea Served piping hot, the Turkish tea was the perfect way to end the meal. It was strong, fragrant, and served in traditional tulip-shaped glasses, adding to the authentic experience.

Service and Ambiance

The staff at O'Donor were friendly, attentive, and eager to explain the menu. The ambiance was warm and inviting, with subtle Turkish decor creating a comfortable dining environment.

Overall

O'Doner offers an authentic taste of Turkey in the heart of Dubai Hills Estate. From the rich flavors of the Iskender to the comforting simplicity of the pilavs, each dish was crafted with care and authenticity. Whether you're a fan of Turkish cuisine or new to it, O'Donor is...