Koza Cafe — Restaurant in Kirkland

My boss is Turkish, originally from Turkey, and suggested this place as representative of authentic Turkish cuisine and high quality, so I went there for flavors new to me.

Koza Cafe definitely did not disappoint. Im a vegetarian, and went for dinner, so my options were limited to their appetizers. Got every vegetarian appetizer on their menu by combining the mese plate, cig kofte, and dolmas, to tour the entirety.

The food is incredible. If you havent had it specifically, cig kofte will be unlike anythibg you had before. The dolmas are firmer, tighter, more flavorful than at other Mediterranean restaurants. All of the spreads in the meze are unique, even familiar ones like hummus. Everything was truly delicious.

Their menu is much much smaller than Cafe Turkp in Fremont, but I'd say the flavors are more unique and punchier.

The guy working the front was charming and kind, and he prepped much of the food himself.

100% will make the trip out to Kirkland specifically for this place. Would highly suggest it to you if you want something different in the Seattle area.

You can stop in at the Turkish grocery next door and pick up some items to replicate the flavors...

What a gem! The restaurant is super clean and you can feel the love that you can only feel in a family-run restaurant. I had the lentil soup (they have this all year long, it’s no longer soup of the day) and the Turkish Breakfast Plate. Lentil soup was delicious and light. Simit (Turkish bagel-sorta) was warm and nicely toasted. The honey that came with it tasted the same as what I had in Europe…. Brought me back to my vacation in Turkey. I’m definitely coming back to try their other items. They even have Kelle Paca soup (I had to look this up). Not sure if I have the courage to try this yet, but seeing this on the menu and other patrons being Turkish, one can see how authentic and good this restaurant is. One practical tip: they bring the food to you, but you have to get your own utensils and napkins by...

Walking into Koza Cafe in Kirkland felt like stepping into a little corner of Turkey. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and the hospitality is unmatched. Cook Ramazan works magic in the kitchen—the food was absolutely incredible, full of authentic flavor and made with so much heart. It genuinely reminded me of meals back home.

A special shout-out to Hamit, the front-of-house staff member who made me feel so welcome from the moment I walked in. His kindness and attention to detail truly stood out.

The most touching moment? After my meal, they brought me a glass of Turkish tea—just like we do in Turkey. That simple, thoughtful gesture meant so much, especially in a city like Seattle. I’ll absolutely be coming back and recommending Koza Cafe to anyone craving real Turkish hospitality and food that...