Alacati Mediterranean Restaurant — Restaurant in Plantation

Last night, I went to Anthony's Coal Fired with my daughter and I mentioned how I forgot there was a new Mediterranean restaurant right there. And tonight, the husband and I wanted something different so I remembered this place. When I first walked in, I was absolutely taken by the lighting and decor; from the chandeliers, to the flooring, to the wall pieces, and even the chair cushions. We were seated at a 2-top, but it wasn't a tiny sort of 2-top. Our server, Tuch, was efficient with asking us about what we'd like to drink. I was happy to see when we walked in that they were a full bar because online, it's implied beer and wine only, although I did end up ordering a glass of Pinot Noir. It was a lovely one. For starters, we had our eye on the grilled octopus because it is one of our favorites. It is the char-grilled octopus with an arugula salad and beat sauce. We both like arugula, but I like red onions and he likes red peppers so we both picked out what we liked and mixed it with the arugula. The real show-stopper of that salad was the dressing. In fact, the husband ordered more bread to sop up the dressing...it was so clean and fresh tasting! For dinner, my husband had his eye on 2 things and since I liked his choices, we ordered them both...the Adana - seasoned ground lamb with chopped bell peppers, served with bulgar wheat, grilled tomato, and pepper (The pepper was a spicy jalapeño) and the Gyro Doner. This was served as a thinly sliced gyro meat and the rest of the meal was identical to the Adana minus the lamb meat. We were okay with that because we only touched the sides of the gyro plate and knew we'd be taking the other sides home. What I loved about the Gyro Doner is it isn't your typical "gyro". It was a nicely presented platter of a deconstructed gyro without the heavy pita bread. What I didn't like was the temperature of the meat. It wasn't hot enough to our liking. But the flavors were all there and the lamb of the Adana was delicious! I told our server, Tuch, about this because they've only been open 4 - 5 months and it's an easy fix. He was so gracious and grateful for my feedback and made up for the less-than-hot "gyro". Even before he made up for it, we told him we were definitely returning because the atmosphere and food is excellent. So if you're in the mood for Mediterranean, Alacati is the place to go. And I found out that their original location is in Hallandale and even bigger (but I do love a quaint, little restaurant with excellent service and food.) Overall, an excellent Mediterranean hidden gem in the heart...

Tucked away in a corner of the Publix shopping center off Pine Island Rd. The Alacati Mediterranean Restaurant is the kind of place you almost hesitate to write about, for fear of letting the secret out. The moment you step inside, you're greeted by a warm, inviting ambiance that instantly makes you feel at home. The soft lighting, cozy decor, and gentle hum of conversation create an atmosphere that’s equal parts intimate and lively.

The service here is nothing short of exceptional. The staff strikes that perfect balance between attentiveness and giving you space to savor the experience. Every recommendation comes with a genuine smile, and it's clear that the team takes pride in making your visit memorable.

Now, onto the food—a culinary journey that leaves you both satisfied and eager for more. Each dish is thoughtfully crafted, bursting with flavors that dance on your palate. From the delicate starters like the hummus and warm pita bread to the hearty mains, like the beyti, and finishing with homemade baklava that feels almost too indulgent to be true, the menu showcases a true mastery of flavors and ingredients.

So, why the hesitation to share this review? Because places like Alacati Mediterranean Restaurant are rare gems, and part of me selfishly wants to keep this treasure all to myself. But, in the spirit of fairness, consider this my good deed for the day—just promise me you’ll leave a table or two open for...

New gem for the area!!!

Opened four months ago as the second location for this restaurant, the first is located in Hallandale Beach, this place will become one of the top restaurants in the Plantation area.

Being new the place was not packed yet give it less than a year and you’ll be needing reservations.

To start with the manager was working the floor with the rest of the staff instead of sitting back watching. From southern Turkey himself he told us a bit of history about the restaurant and how everything is produced in-house fresh. From the roasted eggplant which makes an absolutely amazing Baba ghanoush (You need to order it!). We also had the stuffed grape leaves (Domas) which also were so fresh and amazingly good. My wife ordered the Lamb Kebab and I ordered the Adana. Both dishes were extremely flavorful, perfectly cooked and the accompanied by Bulgur Wheat, grilled tomatoes and a grilled Jalapeño. Careful of the Jalapeño as it was one of the hottest I’ve ever “tried-to-eat”!

For desert we took the recommendations and had Kunefe and Kazandibi. In many places the Kunefe simply put “a Sugar Bomb” but here the sweetness was a perfect balance with the pastry and cheese. The Kazandibi was also extremely well balanced and obviously made fresh.

My wife and I recently finished a trip to Turkey so we were wonderfully surprised to find such great authentic food here.

Don’t miss out on the new gem...