Anatolian Kitchen — Restaurant in Bethlehem

A Mixed Bag of Turkish Delights at Anatolian Kitchen

Anatolian Kitchen offers a taste of Turkey, and our recent visit presented a spectrum of culinary experiences. While some dishes shone brightly, others left a bit to be desired. We started with the eggplant dish, which was served with toasted bread. This appetizer was a definite highlight. The eggplant was wonderfully prepared, offering a rich and savory flavor profile that truly stood out. The accompanying toasted bread was the perfect vessel to scoop up every last bit of this delicious dish. For our main courses, we sampled a variety of kebabs. The kuzu kebab (lamb kebab), Adana kebab, and chicken kebab all made their way to our table. Unfortunately, the kebabs themselves, while tender, were accompanied by plain white rice that lacked significant flavor. This was a noticeable drawback, as a more flavorful and seasoned rice could have greatly elevated the overall main course experience. The kebabs were decent, but without a compelling side, they didn't quite reach their full potential. However, the true stars of the show arrived with dessert. The baklava was, without a doubt, the best we've had. Each layer was perfectly crisp, saturated with just the right amount of sweet syrup, and adorned with finely chopped nuts. It was a truly exquisite end to the meal. Equally delightful was the rice pudding. Creamy, comforting, and perfectly sweetened, it provided a wonderful contrast to the richness of the baklava. These two desserts alone are worth the visit to Anatolian Kitchen. In conclusion, Anatolian Kitchen offers a glimpse into Turkish cuisine. While the main dishes could benefit from more flavorful accompaniments, the delicious eggplant appetizer and the truly exceptional desserts make it a worthwhile stop, especially for those with a sweet tooth. We hope that on future visits, the savory offerings will match the high standard set by their...

We’ve been loyal customers of Anatolian Kitchen for years, but our Father’s Day visit was so disappointing that we likely won’t return.

While my family received their meals all together which was a wait anyway given the holiday, but my dish—avocado toast with poached eggs and coffee—took nearly 25 minutes longer, arriving after everyone else had already finished. We were dining with our 3 young children who had already been very patient for their own food to arrive, and no one from the staff checked in or offered any explanation. When we finally asked, we were told the kitchen couldn’t find a ripe avocado?!? why not inform us sooner or offer an alternative? Zero communication.

Instead, the food was boxed up and handed to us as takeout, completely defeating the point of a sit-down meal on a special occasion. As expected, poached eggs and toast do not travel well, and the meal was inedible by the time we got home.

To top it off, the only “gesture” offered was removing a coffee from the bill—which was already supposed to be included in the menu price. The service was cold, inattentive, and dismissive. No acknowledgment of the long delay, no apology, and no real effort to make it right.

Sadly, this visit has made it hard to want to come back. There are many other Bethlehem restaurants to choose from that offer top notch...

Was in the area and was looking for Mediterranean food. Specifically a doner kebab sandwich. Had to stop in based on the good reviews. It was quite empty around 3pm on a Thursday. Atmosphere was spacious and clean.

Ordered a gyro and appetizer sampler. The gyro came with that processed lamb stuff which I was pretty disappointed about.. they had kebab on the menu and I should have specifically ordered. It was completely my mistake. The gyro was still quite delicious with great tzatziki and fresh pita.

The appetizer sampler was the best however, came with fresh bread and a little bit of everything I wanted to try. Only doubt was the plate was prepared in advance like the entire thing was just pulled out of the refrigerator. I questioned it's freshness it could have been days old. Still good, I couldn't tell the difference besides the unusually cold temperature of all the samples on the plate including the plate.

Also took some baklava and creme brulee to go which was just so fresh and delicious when I enjoyed later at home.

The prices were just right, not too high but not really low. There is lunch prices if you stop in before 3:00.

The staff and service was extremely fast and attentive, and somewhat friendly. Not the friendliest, but friendly enough.

I would definitely return and...