Efsane Mediterranean Cuisine — Restaurant in Mount Olive

My first Turkish food experience and it was amazing in all aspects for me. While I didn’t get the name of the servers, they were all very kind and attentive. My partner had been wanting to take me here and also go back for himself for a while and I’m so glad he introduced me to Turkish cuisine because it is delicious.

We got the stuffed grape leaves, Lebni dip, lamb casserole, and the Künefe for dessert. Our server was very kind and also offered some complimentary tea in the cutest cup!

They do also give complimentary Turkish bread called balloon bread and I was immediately “blown” away by it. What a fun and new way to start a meal! It was quite literally blown up like a balloon and where it inflated was nice and soft and down on the bottom was a nice crispy crunchier texture. If I had more room in my stomach I would’ve asked for more. If you like toast and butter, this will be the next level.

Their lebni dip was delicious as well and honestly I just really loved their breads here. While I was stuffing myself with bread, our main entree - the lamb casserole - finally came out. Things took a little longer to come out but it seems like it’s all made to order , so it’s fresh, even the bread! I really appreciated that about this place. The server mentioned that today there was no casserole which honestly I didn’t mind as the dish was delicious still. I loved the bits of lamb and diced up veggies and we ate this plate clean.

Finally, one of the things my partner was most excited for - the Künefe. We loved it so much we started searching for Turkish food around our areas and even recipes! This was such an interesting dessert I wish I could eat again!! It’s made of fried shredded phyllo dough and it was topped with some pistachios I believe.

Honestly what made this whole meal so lovely besides the food was our server. He was so kind and patient and full of pride for the chef and food. I loved the way he talked about the dishes and how he had came from another state to come work here. This place is seriously delicious and I hope more people stop by! It’s really pretty inside as well, the art I thought was really unique as I’ve never seen much of it before. All in all, thank you to Efsane’s staff and chefs for such a lovely experience. I hope to...

We had a truly memorable dining experience here. From the moment we stepped in, the warmth of the staff and the ambiance set the tone for a wonderful evening. We were welcomed with their house special bread and hummus. The bread was warm and fluffy with a nice chew, and the hummus was smooth, flavorful, and clearly made fresh. It set the bar high for what was to come.

For our main course, we ordered the Shepherd Casserole and the Meat Platter Tray. Both dishes were absolutely outstanding. The casserole was bubbling hot, packed with rich flavors, tender meat, and perfectly cooked vegetables—it tasted like home-cooked comfort with a refined touch. The meat platter came out looking like a feast: juicy lamb, tender chicken, and perfectly grilled kebabs, all seasoned beautifully. Every bite was hot, fresh, and simply delish. The presentation was also impressive—everything looked as good as it tasted.

For dessert, we decided to try their Sultan’s Delight, a soft, creamy treat made with milk and coconut. I’m usually the dessert lover in the family, but even my husband, who rarely enjoys sweets, couldn’t stop raving about it. It was just the right amount of sweet, with a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

To end our meal, we were offered Turkish tea on the house, which felt like the perfect final touch. Served in traditional Turkish tea glasses, it was warm, aromatic, and symbolic of the hospitality that defines this restaurant.

The service throughout the night was outstanding, friendly, attentive, and genuinely caring. You could feel the pride they take in their food and in making guests feel welcome. It’s definitely a hidden gem that we’re so glad we found. We’re already planning...

We used to come here often when it was "Istanbul". We were heartbroken when we thought they'd closed. It is now " Efsane" & I can't say enough great things about this place! The food is similar to Istanbul's & the service is just as fantastic, if not more. Kamal & the staff are attentive, pleasant, & generous. I usually come for the lunch special & it never disappoints. For $22, you get an appetizer, a soup, a main entree, & the most uh-mazing fresh baked bread you've ever had! It's warm & pillowy soft. Pure Heaven. The portions are generous and every dish feels like homecooking. I personally am stuffed by the time I've had the soup & half way through the appetizer. I am always excited to take leftovers home. Kamal & the sweet lady (OMG I forgot her name! I'm so sorry!) always treat us to tea, or something just as delicious, on the house. Oh. & there's also a little shop with all sorts of treats-so take a peek! If you love Mediterranean/Turkish food, or are looking to try a new spot, Efsane is it! Whether you're with family, hanging with friends, or on a date, this is it! They offer outdoor dining as well. The decor is stunning; simple, yet elegant. It's in a prime location on 206. In this strip mall, my day usually entails grabbing DD, getting a mani/pedi, having lunch here, then walking over to the new Indian market to buy snacks to try. Then I'll swing over to the liquor store for a bottle of wine. Or you can stop for wine before heading here. Efsane is a...