Not purely authentic as a Turkish restaurant, but rather a Halal-food restaurant serves different varieties of Turkish dishes with their own twists. (So for anyone looking for something to embrace Turkish food culture, Istanbul Cafe in Beverly Hills might be a slightly better choice, and if you are just looking for well-cooked halal meats look for Iranian Haidar Baba in Pasadena.) Regarding the Arab population in Anaheim, it was not shocking that it shaped front-of-house staff choice and the menu, especially in baked goods, desserts, and other shared culinary items. For instance among the ones we tried simit, borek and pides were very delicious, whereas Kunafa and tea was nothing close to their Turkish versions, but similar to the ones we had eaten in Syrian restaurants in Turkey. The place was overcrowded and had a long wait time, and even though the staff did their best to prepare a table ASAP, served in great care, the business lacks some aspects of the "classic Turkish hospitality courtesy" such as offering small complimentary starters, visiting tables during the meal and complimentary after-meal tea. So, if you really crave a some good pides, go for it, but if you are looking for a wholesome authentic Turkish culinary experience, does not seem like the right address. But, if it was advertised as a "Turkish inspired-Middle Eastern restaurant" with a few more authentic Arab dishes (in addition to Zahtar and shawarma they are already serving), if they made it more close to Muslim fine-dining like bathroom renovations, music and better ambiance -if they are firm for keeping the prices as they are now- or lower the prices a bit if they are into keeping the business functioning as it is now, it may then have a four or five...
Read moreI had the pleasure of dining at Koftegi restaurant in Anaheim, and I must say it was a delightful experience that exceeded my expectations. Here are the key highlights of my visit:
Atmosphere: While Koftegi may not be considered a high-end restaurant, it certainly boasts a charming Middle Eastern decor that adds to the overall dining experience. The atmosphere is moderate but pleasant.
Outstanding Service: The service at Koftegi was not just good; it went above and beyond my expectations. The staff was incredibly friendly, creating a memorable and welcoming environment for all guests.
Exceptional Food Quality: The food quality at Koftegi was truly exceptional. We indulged in a variety of dishes, including Falafel, Hummus, Chicken Shish Kebab, Eskandar Kebab, Beyti, and Pastrami and Spinach Flatbreads. Every dish was delicious and bursting with flavor. It's worth noting that they use a generous amount of olive oil for decoration, so if you have preferences regarding this, don't hesitate to inform them when ordering.
Delightful Dessert: For dessert, we savored Black Tea and Baklava, both of which provided a perfect sweet finish to our meal.
Overall Recommendation: In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend visiting Koftegi restaurant. With its warm Middle Eastern ambiance, exceptional food quality, and friendly staff, it's an ideal destination to spend quality time with family or friends. Koftegi truly offers a memorable dining experience that I can't...
Read moreIt was a rare occasion for me to dine at a Turkish restaurant in the US. In fact, this was my first time experiencing Turkish cuisine outside of Istanbul. Owned by a friend of my friend's in-law-to-be, the restaurant offered a selection of traditional Turkish dishes that we thoroughly enjoyed. The meats were prepared in the Halal style, and the flavors were exceptional. While it's difficult to discern between Halal and non-Halal tastes, I understand that some people have religious preferences regarding their food. The black tea I ordered complemented the meal perfectly, although it's worth noting that the restaurant does not serve alcohol. The Mediterranean-inspired decor and ambiance, along with the predominantly Middle Eastern clientele, added to the authentic experience. Overall, I would highly recommend visiting this establishment to sample delicious Mediterranean cuisine.
The service definitely needs improvement. Our second order didn't arrive until after we had finished the first one completely. We were left wondering when the second order would be ready and had to remind the waitstaff about it. Their response seemed puzzled, and it wasn't clear if they understood our query. We even considered ordering something else, but luckily, the second order finally arrived about five minutes later. To better accommodate the diverse ethnicities of their patrons, the establishment may need to ensure that their waitstaff communicates clearly and with appropriate...
Read more