Ephesus Bistro & Grill — Restaurant in Rowlett

When you pull up, it is such a little unassuming restaurant in a strip mall with a grocery store as an anchor. Do not let that color your opinions or have any preconceived notions about the quality of your dining experience. Sitting outside the was 3 small high-top tables with stools and a white table clothes atop them. As my wife daughter and I entered, we were greeted with an enthusiastic hello and without a pause we were guided to our booth.

On the table set salt pepper, and a little flower vase with some silk flowers, the hostess placed our menus, silverware, appetizer plates, and water glasses all atop a while tablecloth. The service was top notch, I mean, fine dining level top notch. Not the stuffy type of service, they were still friendly, personable, and conversational when it called for it. When I say fine dining level, I mean their attention to detail was impeccable. My water never was empty, empty plates were ushered away once we set them aside showing we were done. We didn’t have to flag anyone down or work around dirty dishes. It was a fantastic visit. The service was perfect.

The menu is very broad with Turkish style dishes. Our server, he went by Ozzy, gave us some fantastic recommendations from the menu. Make sure to read to menu to see understand what we ordered. We started with Ezme, Lahmacun, and the feta cheese plate. Let me tell you, the Ezme was heaven and comes with this homemade bread. Not pita, not a tortilla but a hybrid and it is GOOD! We ended up eating two “loafs”. Lahmacun is like a “Turkish Pizza” for lack of better words, it comes with 4 pieces and my 14-year-old daughter loved it so much she snatched up the 4th piece and said she was not sharing!

For dinner we ordered two entrees to split, since we shared 3 appetizers. Plus, you know we had to save room for dessert! We ordered the Ali Nazik and Chicken Beyti. Let me take a moment to acknowledge the artistry on the plates. Vibrant colors, carefully decorated and plated. Sauces placed and not just slopped onto the plate. Everything that hit our table looked like an art piece. The attention to detail was refreshing, as so many places that are in this price range, do not care or take the time to make plating a priority. The flavors were so complete, nothing was lacking. The lamb was tender, juicy, flavorful with a slight char. My daughter and wife said the Chicken Beyti was so good, that they would both come back to JUST have that. I felt the same about Ali Nazik dish. Everything was amazing.

After diner I had a Turkish Coffee, and it was the best one I’ve ever had. Now, I have only had it at maybe 10 different restaurants so I can’t say I am an expert, but boy was it good. We finished the night off with a desert that just sounded so strange. The dessert is called Kunefe. It is 5” round 1” thick puck of shredded wheat baked till crisp, filled with sweet mozzarella, and pistachio drizzled with a honey lemon syrup and a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.

I was told that they are under new management with a new owner and new chef. That they had purchased from the previous owners a couple months ago. Well, this place is doing everything right. We will be back, and I am 100% looking forward to my next meal there. If you are in the area, and on the fence about trying this place do not hesitate to stop in and give them a try.

I am...

My goodness so much fun. It's not just lunch it's an experience! I had the Babaganoush, the Special salad with chicken, and the Kunefe (please forgive any misspellings). Everything was expertly prepared, the Babaganoush was creamy with eggplant you could see in it, and a perfect splash of olive oil. They brought out "a little bread" which looked obviously fresh made, with the oven brown spots on the bottom that we all love. The chicken was delicious in a fun salad tossed with raisins, spinach, cucumber, tomato, carrot and a sweet vinegar dressing. I polished it off with a dessert, kunefe, which I have had before at a food festival. This one was made with mozzarella, surrounded by a crunchy shredded wheat, topped with chopped walnuts, and swimming delightfully in a sweet but light syrup. Yum! When I was done with my coffee, the waitress showed me how to traditionally turn over my turkish coffee and wait until it was cold. Then lift up the cup, take a picture and send it to the oracles using an app (convenient) called Falaaddin. How cute, and fun! The atmosphere is very tastefully done, with table cloths and classy decore, although I felt comfortable wearing casual clothes for lunch. They have outside patio tables under a pretty flower overhang. Highly recommend!

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This is by far the best food anywhere in Rowlett or Rockwall. Go try this place as soon as you possibly can and thank me later.

Amazing food. Outstanding service. Large portions. Low prices.

Everything is made in house from scratch. The staff is warm and welcoming and treat you like family as soon as you walk in. The decor is cozy but sophisticated. The wine selection is decent. But the food. The FOOD yall. The food is made is with such love and perfection it's magic. The baba ganoush, hummus, tzatziki, and ezme are all bursting with flavor, fresh, luscious, and so well balanced. The pasta dishes here are mindblowing. The risotto is made to order, cooked perfectly, and bursting with fresh veggies. The tortellini is rich, creamy, and sumptuous. The falafel is spot on, perfectly crispy, and served with a delicious colorful salad. Even the fries are extra tasty. Everything is served with warm fluffy pita bread with just the right amount of crunch. You absolutely must save room for dessert because this place has a beautiful Turkish coffee creme bruleé that will rock your world, as well as the best baklava I have ever had.

This is honestly fine dining food at bistro prices, low key hiding in this strip center next to supercuts. They also offer ordering through the food delivery apps, and everything is still just as gorgeous and tasty in...