In the Turkish language there is a saying 'Büyük lokma ye büyük söz söyleme' this means to Eat a mouthful but don’t make big promises. However, ETCI KITCHEN not only feeds you big portions of their delicious food but keeps their promises on service and ambience as well.
This was my first time visiting this Turkish restaurant and as soon as you enter, the open plan kitchen where the fresh meats, salads and bread is being prepared invites you followed by the kind and ever smiling wait staff. I felt valued as a guest and appreciated the honesty and respect which was given to me and my colleagues by everyone who worked there.
In terms of seating, there is ample amount of space whether you prefer near the window or a more comfortable and cozy space on the sofa upstairs, it's all good. The way this restaurant has been designed caught my attention as the paint on the wall has a beautiful shimmer to it and the silver panels behind the light makes the light seem brighter yet gives a cozy vibe. I went during lunch hour but I would recommend it for an evening meal to enjoy the ambience thoroughly.
In terms of the food - We ordered the following: Vegetarian Pide which was a freshly baked Turkish pizza with cheese, mushrooms, onion, tomatoes and peppers, Beyaz Peynirli Pide which is a freshly baked Turkish pizza with feta cheese, peppers, tomatoes, onion, parsley and egg, Chicken Shish, Chicken Beyti, Tavuk Sarma Beyti and Vegetable Kebab. It was a mid work day hence apart from sparkling water we didn't order any drinks, but their drinks menu is extensive so do check it out. The food was fresh, big portions and the bursting with flavor.
My top favorite had to be the Tavuk Sarma Beyti - It's a house special which is Marinated minced chicken seasoned with garlic and herbs, grilled over charcoal, wrapped in bread with cheese, drizzled with butter and topped with tomato sauce, served with yoghurt. Followed by the spinach pide. I have had experiences in the past where minced chicken can be bland and dry but this was flavorful and juicy. I ended up taking some home. The pides were baked to perfection and were similar to the ones I have eaten in Oman and Dubai.
For dessert we tried their Künefe and Turkish coffee, as you can see from my extensive review about the mains that dessert was a mere after thought, but I would say definitely keep space as it was the perfect end to the meal. I was extremely satisfied and would recommend this place to anyone who is craving authentic Turkish food.
It's located in a walking distance of around 1.1 km from the Brighton station making it a central spot to meet in the city.
Ambience: 4.5/5 Service: 5/5 Location: 4/5 Value for Money: £ £ Would I eat here again? YES, FOR SURE.
I do apologize for not getting more photos as my battery died so got a few before that. Hope you enjoyed reading this review and if you do try this place let me...
Read moreWaiter Name: Ercan
Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Ercan is a true gem in the world of hospitality. His service during our visit to the restaurant was nothing short of exceptional, and he truly elevated our dining experience to a level that was beyond our expectations.
From the moment we stepped into the restaurant, Ercan greeted us with a warm and genuine smile, making us feel welcomed and at ease. His professionalism was evident in his immaculate attire and his polite and respectful demeanor.
What sets Ercan apart is his exceptional knowledge of the menu and his ability to make excellent recommendations. He was able to describe each dish in detail, including the ingredients and preparation methods, which made our selection process much easier. His wine pairing suggestions were spot on, enhancing the flavors of our meals.
Ercan's attention to detail was impeccable. He was attentive without being intrusive, always ensuring our glasses were filled and our table was clean. He checked on us just the right amount, making sure we were satisfied with our meals without interrupting our conversation.
Despite the restaurant being busy, Ercan never seemed rushed or stressed. He handled every table with the same level of care and attention, showcasing his excellent time management skills and his ability to work under pressure.
But what truly made our experience memorable was Ercan's warm and friendly personality. He was engaging and personable, making us feel like valued guests rather than just customers. His genuine passion for his job and his commitment to providing excellent service was evident in every interaction.
In conclusion, Ercan is a remarkable waiter who goes above and beyond to ensure a memorable dining experience. His professionalism, knowledge, attention to detail, and warm personality truly set him apart. He is a credit to the restaurant and a key reason why we will be returning...
Read moreEtci Kitchen
Service was beyond perfect until they took my main dish from my table as I have been sat here for 15 minutes and had no service. I have noticed four staff members looking lost… It seems like a sense of direction or skills are needed in this establishment.
I write this while sat down and I am still waiting for the option to get a desert menu, or the bill!!
If you wish to come here for the food then this excels in that area BUT the service is questionable and leaves me wondering how can an establishment be so busy, yet present them selves like they have nothing to do?
Eventually, I had to approach a waiter for the bill as they never seem to come to you after they have taken your main plate OR could it be because you are a single person on the table… This begs me the question does this establishment support a one person table? Or is it because they are not paying as much as everyone else?
They do complimentary bread at the beginning with two options of dippings which is a wonderful gesture.
Food I ordered was the Greek salad.
Summary - Etci have proven to be a great establishment for their food, including their service when you walk through the door but sadly they ruin all of that experience by not caring enough by the end of your main. As a customer I have never had to approach a waiter for my bill, nor have I had to wait nearly 25 minutes to be served after my main, I was hoping for a desert, but lost my appetite because of the lack of service.
Thank you to the chefs for the wonderful foodx sadly for the other staff including management I personally recommend a retraining course of...
Read more