Bosphorus Turkish Cuisine - Winter Garden — Restaurant in Horizon West

It saddens me to have to write this review because I truly had high hopes for this restaurant, not to mention it's very close to my home. But....the food and service was the worst I've ever experienced. I asked the hostess of I could sit in a different table (there were nearly 15 tables open not seated) and she told me no because they're reserved. I politely asked again and she took me back through the restaurant to the front and asked the manager loudly in front of everyone, "they don't want to sit at table .. they want a different table and I already explained that they were all reserved". The manager replies back, well let me look. 3 minutes later I'm seated in the seat I asked for. Why not just let me set there from the beginning, did I really need to go through all of that for a different table? Then the waitress approaches and I asked about happy hour and their glasses and bottles of wine. She tells me that I can get a bottle that isn't on happy hour or a glad that's half off. I said, darn I wish the bottles were half off. She replied and said, you should get a bottle anyway because you will not get more than 1 glass of wine no matter what because happy hour ended at 7. It really bothered me that she's telling me what I can and can't do. And for the record it was only 6:08. I have no idea why she felt I couldn't drink 2, heck maybe 3 depending on how thirsty I am by 7pm. Ok, now for the food. I love Mediterranean food but the$11 app with tahbouli and hummus was smaller than the palm of my hand and not very good. For dinner I chose the lamb. This was terrible, pictures attached. It was cold gyro meat with curdled white yogurt and cheap pizza sauce dumped on top. They charged $30 for this meal and it wasn't worth $5. Next we ordered dessert (still starving because I didn't eat the main course). We ordered baklava and Turkish coffee. Before ordering I asked how the coffee was made and served. She said it's strong served sweet or not sweet. I said, that's all. Not a special carafe it anything to make it original. She said no. I then place the order but said I don't want it sweet (I'm diabetic and cannot have sugar but like equal sweetener). She brings me the coffee and I asked her for equal. She snaps and says, you cannot add anything to this after it's been made. Again, not sure why she felt the need to bark orders and tell me what I can and can't do? So I asked her to please bring me sweetener and she told her eyes and walks away. She comes back and drops the sweetener in the middle of the table and leaves without saying anything. I go to stir the sweetener and noticed it had a thick mud on the bottom of the coffee. I assume this is why she said it can't be added but she never once mentioned this to me, so rude and terrible way to service your customer. Anyway, I didn't drink the coffee either. So, this was my experience. Not a good one at all and I won't be...

I started out with the Bosphorous in Winter Park, and it was amazing. So I had a friend who lived out this way, and I wanted to show her how great this place was. The Winter Garden location did not disappoint. Equal quality food, great service, excellent experience.

I started out with old reliable: the Mixed Appetizer (Karisik Mese) (A combination of Humus, Babaganoush, Sautéed Eggplant, Muhammara, Ezme, Tarama, Haydari and Zetinyagli Yaprak Dolma). This is an amazing sampler platter that has a dip for everyone. My personal favorite is the red pepper-based one that's a little nutty. Don't remember the name, but you'll see it.

That sampler would be useless without the Lavas (Hollow Bread) (Our signature, baked to-order bread creation. Highly recommended for all soups & appetizers). This massive flatbread is hollow, but you get double the visual surface area to rip up and use to scoop up those amazing dips from above. Not only that, but you can use this on your entrée to make little wraps/taquitos.

Speaking of entrees, I got the Lamb Sis Kebap (Skewers of tender lamb marinated in our chef’s unique seasonings and chargrilled to perfection). Their lamb is perfect. The hunks of lamb are so big that they do not overcook. Super tender and juicy, perfect to cut up, put in a piece of lavas, and top with some of the pickled veg they give you for a nice little taco.

I also got to try the Turkish Style Pizza (Lahmacun) (A popular Turkish dish with freshly ground lamb blended with peppers, tomatoes, parsley and fresh herbs on thin crusted dough). This was truly excellent. We got warned when we ordered it, telling me that a bunch of unhappy, vanilla people probably were unpleasantly surprised by this dish, but I loved it. A crispy flatbread, splattered with veg and ground lamb. Very unique. Very good.

So finish things off, we got the Turkish Pineapple Delight (Layers of moist yellow sponge cake, pineapple and mousse topped with white chocolate shavings). This was nice. Moist cake, soft mouse, a lot of softness, not a ton of texture, but no complaints. It was delish. Not too sweet.

Overall, another five star location. I'm gonna check out Lake Nona later on this month. I'm sure it'll...

Going to this restaurant is an event! Having never tried Turkish food I wasn't sure what to expect & as a vegan I had very low expectations - boy was I wrong!

From the time you drive up this place makes a statement!

From seeing the huge eye-catching sign, to pulling in to the lot, the patio just takes your breath away - as this was early evening you can sip, dine & watch the sunset all while enjoying an a lite evening breeze and amazing meal with great company 🍷🍛😊

Not forgetting the interior which is tastefully decorated with Turkish accents everywhere the eye can see & did I mention what a great place to people watch this is?

You can come w/ friends, family or alone & have the best experience while the sounds of Turkish music can be heard lightly playing in the background.

The food you ask? Well let me start with the Lavash bread that is just as entertaining to see as it is to eat. If you have never seen Lavash bread it it served fresh from the oven and rises abt 6-8 inches high!!! It is hollow inside & serves as a great way to scoop food or dip into sauces.

There are quite a few things available for vegetarians & vegans as well. I happen to love "The house salad" which comes w/an assortment of leafy greens, flavored couscous, tomatoes, cumcumbers, mini pickles & olives, all served w/an deeply flavored vinaigrette. Perfect for the warm days of Fl.

Not to be forgotten, there are many items for meat lovers as well with chicken, lamb & seafood.

I would suggest one of the mixed plate appetizers to get a broad delightful taste of Turkey this is best when shared - although you can enjoy this all alone as well 😁

As for the entrees - there is a mixed grill for two perfect for date night. Or you may want to try any one of the sautee's which is mouth watering as I write this.

Not to be forgotten - the drinks speak for themselves & with Happy Hour everyday from 4-7pm they can speak to you too 🍹🍸

All in all this is a great way to spend the day with friends or family. You cant go wrong here☺😊😁

Two thumbs up for the winning recipe...