Mavi Mediterranean Turkish Grill Restaurant — Restaurant in Warwick

Having eagerly anticipated the opening of Mavi, the new Turkish restaurant that has taken over the former Indian Arc premises on Warwick Road, my wife and I were left deeply disappointed and questioning its authenticity. As frequent visitors to Turkish restaurants in the local area, we were hoping for a genuine taste of traditional cuisine and hospitality. Sadly, our experience at Mavi fell far short of these expectations. From the moment we stepped inside, the atmosphere felt distinctly underwhelming. Gone was the familiar warmth and vibrancy we associate with Turkish dining. Instead, we were met with a rather dull and cramped environment, lacking any real character or the inviting buzz one often finds. The absence of an open kitchen, a feature I believe is crucial for showcasing the culinary process and building trust, further contributed to the lacklustre ambiance – even the front of house staff were not Turkish which again caused question to the traditional approach to hospitality. Our initial surprise came with the menu, which listed "Bread and dips for £4 (serves 2)." This immediately struck a discordant note. In our extensive experience, complimentary bread and dips are a cornerstone of Turkish hospitality, a welcoming gesture offered without charge. To be presented with this as a paid starter felt jarring and uncharacteristic of the culture the restaurant purports to represent. The bread that arrived was unremarkable, certainly not the fluffy, authentic Turkish bread we were expecting. The cacik dip, traditionally made from yoghurt and cucumber, was a perplexing concoction that tasted of mayonnaise with not even a hint of cucumber. This deviation from a classic Turkish staple was concerning. The main courses further compounded our disappointment. We ordered a mixed grill and a mixed shish (chicken and lamb), and the portions that arrived felt remarkably meagre. The number of meat pieces on both plates could almost be counted on one hand. The mixed shish consisted of a mere three small pieces of chicken and three equally small pieces of lamb. The mixed grill offered two chicken wings, two small pieces of chicken, two small pieces of lamb, three tiny lamb chops, and something presented as Adana kebab. The quality of the meat also left much to be desired. The chicken wings felt suspiciously pre-cooked and reheated, their skin soft and lacking the delightful char and crispness achieved through direct grilling over coals, a method employed by virtually every other Turkish restaurant we've visited. The "Adana" kebab was particularly disappointing, bearing little resemblance to the flavourful, spiced minced lamb we know and love; it was simply unseasoned meat. Following our sparse meal, we were offered the dessert menu but were never extended the customary offer of Turkish tea, another integral part of the traditional dining experience. By this point, we couldn't shake the feeling that Mavi was an imposter, a restaurant trading on the name of Turkish cuisine without delivering an authentic experience. While I am a strong advocate for supporting local businesses, I cannot, in good conscience, recommend Mavi to anyone seeking a genuine and traditional Turkish dining experience. Our suspicions were sadly reinforced the day after our visit, as both my wife and I suffered from upset stomachs – an unwelcome and unexpected consequence of our meal. In conclusion, our visit to Mavi was a significant letdown. The uninviting atmosphere, the unexpected charges for basic hospitality, the subpar and unauthentic food, and the lack of traditional touches all point to a restaurant that falls far short of its Turkish branding. If you are looking for a true taste of Turkey in Kenilworth, I would strongly advise...

From the moment you step through the doors of this exquisite Turkish restaurant, it’s clear you’re entering a world where tradition meets elegance. The ambiance is a masterclass in understated luxury—warm lighting, refined textures, and a serene atmosphere that whispers sophistication without ever needing to shout.

The menu is a love letter to Turkish cuisine, elevated with grace and precision. Each dish is crafted with intention—layers of flavor, perfectly balanced spices, and ingredients so fresh they speak for themselves. The lamb was a revelation: tender, delicately seasoned, and served with a flourish that would impress even the most discerning palate. The meze selection is equally dazzling, showcasing both bold creativity and reverence for heritage.

Service here is another standout. Attentive without being intrusive, the staff are well-versed in both the menu and the art of hospitality. They anticipate needs before they’re spoken, a rare trait even in the most established fine dining circles.

To those who left less-than-glowing reviews: I urge you to return. This restaurant is not just a place to eat—it’s a place to experience. What’s being built here is bigger than a meal. It’s a quiet, confident defiance of mediocrity. And it’s winning.

This is Turkish cuisine reimagined for a modern audience without ever losing its soul. An unforgettable evening—and one I’ll be...

Completely agree with the review by Steve P, fur coat and no knickers. Firstly we were served white wine which wasn't chilled. A lamb pastry starter that wasn't pastry but bread, and then mains which were luke warm, Moussaka which wasn't authentic in the slightest and lamb shank which wasn't pleasant in flavour... We eat in Turkish restaurants VERY often, this one is not authentic, but rather an Indian restaurant cooking Turkish food, but not doing so very well I'm afraid...

In response to the owners reply: please don't assume negative comments in a short space of time of each other are false, perhaps take them on board?

We did raise the wine issue, and it was reintroduced to the fridge, meaning we could not pour our wine when we wanted.

Regards the mains, they were both sent back and were removed from the bill. The lamb pastry starter that was in fact a lamb pizza bread was also raised, so to say we should have raised our concerns is unfair. I give feedback based on our experience of an establishment, it was 2 stars, but based on your response I have dropped it to 1 star, and I do wonder as to the authenticity of some of the other reviews posted, some seem AI generated and the photos like a marketing shoot, so no we won't be returning but will stick to our usual two authentic Turkish restaurants in...