Turkish Lazuri Cafe — Restaurant in Boston

They have easily become one of my favorite restaurants in and around Boston as they are the right combination of what is important to me - or to anyone else obsessed with food, culture, and execution. I had stumbled upon this establishment during my initial visit to Boston prior to the upcoming move and they immediately made it to my permanent-list of forever-patronage. I cannot say it was perfect BUT it was more than good enough to warrant several more (and eventually endless) visits since for both their delightful food and genuinely warm reception. The owners were still always around when this whole thing started and they exhibited great pride in making everyone feel at home - something I completely respect.

Unlike many places I have reviewed in the past, this review is part of the small group of restaurants that I'm only finally writing about after extensively dining here. I can't explain this particular pattern properly but think of it as one's denial that it is even possible to be so amazed to this extent. I started with their gargantuan special that provided leftovers for another day (and still tasted so good with a little nuke time). I slowly but surely went through most of their main menu and was absolutely pleased with each one. The great quality and taste remained constant. They were preparing and dishing each one right. How is this all possible? How can this place just be that good?

First proven observance, owners are great, know their food, and have standards. Second observance, owners not around for the latter part of my journey, certain slacks take place BUT nothing major. I just was able to notice it immediately. Another theory, just throwing it out there, they just hired really amazing kitchen staff - which is definitely going to be true in this case anyways with the food quality - but that also means there has been great management.

I blab.

I do so when I really have fallen in love with a restaurant that I patronage as often as my schedule allows me.

But I blab.

So here it is:

If you crave Mediterranean food and know it, you'll respect the Turkish aspect they provide. If you crave Mediterranean food and DON'T know it, you'll respect the flavors and touch provided here. If you crave DON'T crave Mediterranean food, know or don't know it, you may get influenced here by finding the right dish for you here. There is a great range of flavors and texture and I thought it crazy that one of their soups hits home like Mike Tyson at his prime.

I love this place. I seriously LOVE this place.

Thank you for doing it right and thank you always for your wonderful...

We drove over an hour and a half to visit this restaurant after being impressed by the variety on the online menu. Unfortunately, the reality did not match our expectations. From the moment we walked in, no one greeted us or offered assistance. After standing at the entrance without acknowledgment, we seated ourselves, yet still received no attention. This lack of hospitality created the impression that certain customers are simply not welcome, which is unacceptable.

The ambiance outside is well-designed, but the quality of the food and service was far below standard. After waiting for about 10 minutes, we had to call someone over just to receive menus. We ordered a kuşbaşı pide ($24) and a mixed grill combo ($34). The pide was inedible—the dough was poorly made, the bottom was burned, and the taste was overwhelmingly bitter. The mixed grill was average at best and certainly not worth the price; it was barely enough for one person and did not even come with lavash bread. Despite our attempts, staff showed no willingness to engage or assist.

For two meals, two ayrans, and two desserts, the total was $92.75. We paid $95 in cash. Instead of returning our change respectfully, the server dismissively dropped the money on the table and walked away without a word. This level of unprofessional behavior is astonishing. Tips are earned through service; they are not an entitlement.

This establishment urgently needs to reevaluate its service staff and management. Without significant changes, it is difficult to see how it can succeed in the long term. The only redeeming qualities were the atmosphere and the cold baklava, but these alone are not enough to justify a return visit. Unfortunately, I cannot recommend this restaurant to others and will not...

Visited this restaurant yesterday for Mother’s Day. My mom loves Turkish food, so we visited this place because it had good reviews. However, our experience here was not the best. Some of the food was great. We asked for their mango juice two times (to the same waiter) and he never brought it out to our table. We order the Kimyali Pide, that never came out with our main orders. The lamb chops were good and the lamb doner was good. We sat there and finished our meal with no one coming at our table to bring us the bill. We could clearly see all the staff just hanging out at the back. We had to call one of the waiters over and asked her to give us our bill.

When she brought out our bill, we informed her that we ordered drinks and a main course that never came out. She just said sorry and walked away. My mom loves Turkish food, and I thought she would have a great experience here because of the reviews. However, this wasn’t the case due to the poor customer service. We really wanted to try more dishes including the Kunefe, but we figured if they failed to give us the other dishes we ordered, there’s no way they were going to give us dessert if we ordered it. We thought maybe they forgot some of our food because they were busy and we were just not patient enough, but it was just two tables filled in the restaurant. Our table with three people and the second table with two people. And we saw the restaurant staff hangout plenty of times at the back.

From the reviews, I’ve seen some people say they had amazing customer service here. Maybe we visited the restaurant...