Turkiye Kebab House Mediterranean Cuisine — Restaurant in Newark

Dining at Turkiye Kabob House Mediterranean Cuisine was a bit like opening a beautifully wrapped gift only to find that what’s inside didn’t quite match the packaging. My family and I came in excited and open minded, but unfortunately, the service and overall execution did not meet the experience we were hoping for.

To be very clear, initially, we were not demanding guests. We were polite, respectful, and genuinely curious about the menu and the food. We asked for a few things during the course of the meal, as any diners might, and found ourselves being treated like we were a burden rather than welcome customers.

When we first walked in, the host was kind, modest, and accommodating. We were allowed to choose our own seating, and he handed us menus that featured pictures of each dish. However, the photos were clearly AI generated. The pixelation and strange rendering gave it away immediately. It set a confusing and misleading tone, especially for first timers who rely on visuals to understand unfamiliar dishes.

Shortly after sitting, we were served warm sliced bread with a soft texture and two welcome appetizers: spicy crushed vegetables and a Turkish yogurt dip. Both were flavorful and well received, and they temporarily raised our expectations for what was to come.

I ordered Uludag Gazozu, a Turkish soda recommended by the server that compared it to a Sprite. It tasted like a bubbly Sprite and I really enjoyed it.

The appetizers arrived quickly. The falafel was crispy outside and soft inside with a flavorful tahini sauce. However, the falafel appeared to be the same prepackaged frozen kind that many Mediterranean spots use. The shape and texture were instantly recognizable, which was disappointing given the already misleading image on the menu.

The ground beef pide was a hit. The crust was perfectly baked and the meat was tender and savory. It was easily one of the best items of the night.

For my entree, I was recommended the lamb shish kabob and asked for it medium rare. It came with fluffy rice, a spicy pepper, a basic salad, and lukewarm French fries. The lamb was cooked more toward medium well but still somewhat tender. I could have used a steak knife, but no one was available to bring one. The restaurant was at about ten percent capacity, but it felt like we were completely forgotten. There were at least seven servers working, yet we had to flag people down just to clear plates, order additional food, or ask questions. No one checked in on us until we were finished eating.

When we ordered the lahmacun, it came out uncut. We asked the server if they could slice it so we could share it more easily, and they returned with a pizza cutter and handled it. Again, not a problem, but something they could have offered without being asked or at least mention beforehand.

We continued to request that the table be cleared between dishes, but each time it felt like an inconvenience to the staff. At one point, we were so frustrated that we actually called the restaurant from our table to ask for tea because no one was checking on us. The person who answered the phone seemed confused and unaware we were even still there. When our server came back, they asked if we wanted a teapot for thirty people. We only wanted three cups.

The tea was delicious at least.

When the bill arrived, it totaled $105. We tipped generously $30, despite the lackluster service. No one offered us takeout boxes, so we had to ask for those too before we left.

On a positive note, the space was clean and spacious. The restrooms were sanitary, the couches were comfortable, and Turkish music played softly in the background. The decor was patriotic and welcoming. The atmosphere has potential.

Unfortunately, until the service improves and the experience becomes more attentive and personalized, I will not be dining in again. I just hope the owner of this restaurant acknowledges these concerns and addresses them...

Although I was waiting at the door for a bit to be seated. This experience was truly worth the wait!

Greeted by a sharply dressed man who I found out was one of the three owners; who was on the phone as they approached, but hey duty calls. The rebound save was definitely how kind and friendly he was. We shared a few laughs as he gave me two choices of tables which I loved. I got to pick a table in the center of the dining area which gave me such a good over all feel of the atmosphere. I could take a good look at the beautiful art and feel comfortable like I was eating in my own home!

Our waiter Audra (gosh I hope I spelled that right, so sorry if I didn’t girl) she was 10/10. She answered all my questions with no judgement and carried such amazing conversations. She was able to recommend the perfect dish for our party of three. I believe it was the mixed grill. We also got a pida which I cannot speak to because the left overs are cooking as I write this 🤣 (and yes the food is delicious the next day too). In ordering a meal we all got complimentary Turkish tea! My friends got theirs first and I knew I needed to try it when they came out with sugar cubes in beautiful glass cups with a tiny metal spoon for stirring. It slapped. Every thing we ate was so tasty from the tapas we were given to start, to the main course, and right to the desserts.

Audra let us know that mostly all of the pastry desserts were made fresh in the kitchen (love) and the various cakes were done by a bakery that was owned by either a family or family friend of hers. Teamwork makes this dream work!

Even our buser was so incredible she saved my phone from the desolate crack of the booth 🤣. She took no hesitation to do what needed to be done to be my hero that night. Much gratitude sincerely!

I peeped that they had a Turkish Breakfast on the menu so I will certainly eat again full 10/10. Thank you Noah and team for taking such good care of us! Thank you back of the house team for making sure we went home with tummy’s full of good eats!

Until next time ! 😉

P.S. Even got a good...

BREAKFAST REVIEW

We had been here for dinner a couple of weeks ago... See my other review. We talked to Noah, the owner, and he mentioned that they were serving breakfast as well. The photos he showed us from his phone were all we needed to try it out. We went today and it was beyond our expectations. Everything was so fresh and delicious. Check out the photos and videos to see the lovely selection. We got breakfast for one but it was plenty for two. The protein included cheeses and scrambled eggs. We also got an additional egg dish which starts with an m. I forget what it's called. There's a picture in the review but it's eggs, tomato and pepper. It was recommended by our server. It was the perfect thing to dip our bread into. And it tasted amazing on the cucumber as well.

The one thing I wasn't sure about was what to put Nutella on. There was lots of it and I wasn't sure what to dip into it. The server said her sister eats it on her eggs but we did not think that was a match. My husband tried Nutella on a cucumber and he said the cucumber was overpowered by the Nutella so it worked. Bottom line experiment with every flavor combination you can because your mouth and taste buds will thank you. Honey butter, strawberry jam with real strawberries, Turkish cheeses, fresh peppers and cucumbers, a sesame-based sauce, delicious olives...Two kinds, walnuts, and of course don't forget the Nutella. The fresh baked bread was perfect to go along with it. We also tried the added items on the breakfast for two which included the best pizza I have ever had in my life. Prove me wrong! Plus a Turkish bread which was like a biscuit and french fries which were also amazing. If you thought dinner was good here, you've got to try their breakfast. And of course we got baklava to go. Because how could we not? And as they say, nobody doesn't like baklava!

I already reviewed the bathroom in my previous review and I didn't use it this time, but I would definitely...