Selda Mediterranean Kitchen & Bar - San Antonio, TX — Restaurant in San Antonio

Stumbled on this restaurant as a googled "vegetarian restaurant" since I don't eat land animals anymore. Either fish or other protein sources. They have all the normal protein sources so fear not. Side note: sure wish Google Maps would give more "Cuisine" choices to narrow down food types (i.e. vegetarian/vegan, breakfast, etc). GRRREAT STUMBLE. Turkish Mediterranean. BEST FALAFEL I've ever had. I came at early dinner hour but wasn't real hungry so I ordered 2 appetizers and a Turkish coffee. He served me tea instead but I decided not to say anything. Food was great. Ditto on service. AND I LUVd THE AMBIANCE. Every Mediterranean restaurant I've been in has that "old" look to it and poor lighting. This restaurant was modern design. I sat indoors wanting a reprieve from the South Central Texas July heat. They had very nice shaded table settings outdoors, as well ..... with HOOKAHS at a couple tables. Cool!!! I've never smoked one but it would be fun to give 'er a try!!!

If you've never had Turkish hospitality .... you really need to go here. Several years ago when moving to San Antonio, I was BLESSED to meet a few Turkish families during San Antonio's DREAMWEEK.org events. All I can say is that Turkish food and hospitality are SECOND TO NONE. You are missing an amazing culture and peoples, if you don't step into their world. SELDA's is a perfect place to begin that journey.

A heads up for some .... Turkish culture is very family/ community oriented. When it comes to eating a meal, family/ community meals are waaaaay more common than us go-go-go Americans. That said, menus are typically more family-style. Surely you can eat there by yourself. I DID while doing my go-go-go 'merican errands, but I did text my husband that we need to come back here and invite some new folks that recently moved to SA.

One more thing for culture newbies .... Turks have very different breakfasts HOWEVER THEY ARE DELIGHTFUL!!! When I attended my first Women's Coffee Night at SA's Turkish House, I was asking (respectful) questions about their culture of the Turkish women sitting at my table. At some point, one of them responded with a breakfast invitation at her house. I accepted but again being an American, I just assumed the invite was for ME. As the date got closer, I was feeling awkward, on a Sunday no less, leaving my husband at home. I called her and said that. She laughed because in their culture, inviting you means INVITING THE WHOLE FAMILY .... AND CAN EASILY INCLUDE AN INVITE TO STAY OVERNIGHT!!! I declined the overnight part several times until she one time she said, "It is very common to stay overnight when invited for dinner."

I digressed .... as I left Selda's, I noticed the back side of their sidewalk sign advertised Turkish breakfast. IF YOU HAVE NEVER .... YOU MUST TRY TURKISH BREAKFAST. BRING THE FAMILY AND/OR FRIENDS. MAKE IT...

A Culinary Gem with a Heartwarming Touch!

I recently had the pleasure of dining at this delightful Turkish restaurant, and I must say it was an exceptional experience that left a lasting impression on both my taste buds and my heart. Nestled in the heart of San Antonio (IH-10 & Wurzbach Rd.), this family-owned gem is a true testament to the warmth and richness of Turkish culture.

From the moment I stepped through the door, the inviting aroma of authentic Turkish spices embraced me, creating an immediate sense of comfort and anticipation. The cozy ambiance and tasteful decor set the stage for what turned out to be a culinary journey that surpassed all expectations.

The stars of the show are undoubtedly husband Taner (Turkish) and wife Amira (Bosnian), the passionate and welcoming owners who pour their hearts into every aspect of this establishment. Taner's expertise in the kitchen is nothing short of extraordinary, as each dish is a masterpiece that showcases the depth and variety of Turkish cuisine. The flavors are not only authentic but also a delightful surprise to the palate.

Amira, with her warm smile and genuine hospitality, adds a personal touch to the dining experience. She effortlessly creates an atmosphere that makes you feel like you're dining with family. It's evident that this restaurant is not just a business for them; it's a labor of love that they generously share with their patrons. The menu boasts a tantalizing array of dishes, each reflecting the culinary heritage of Turkey. From the succulent kebabs to the flavorful mezes and amazing desserts, every bite tells a story of tradition and meticulous attention to detail. The ingredients are fresh, and the recipes are undoubtedly passed down through generations, resulting in an authentic and memorable dining adventure. They have one of the best Kunefes (almost as authentic as the originating Hatay region), a dessert served hot with unsalted melted stringy cheese between layers of shredded dough baked to perfection topped with pistachios and sweet syrup; definitely worth the wait as they prepare and bake to order!

Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast of Turkish cuisine or a newcomer eager to explore new flavors, this restaurant is a must-visit. The portions are generous, and the prices are reasonable, making it an excellent value for the exceptional quality of food and service you receive.

In conclusion, if you're in search of a place that not only serves delicious Turkish cuisine but also provides a heartfelt experience, look no further. Taner and Amira's restaurant is a hidden treasure that deserves to be celebrated for its culinary prowess, warm hospitality, and the genuine love they pour into every dish. My visit was nothing short of magical, and I can't wait to return for another enchanting...

My wife and I recently visited Selda Mediterranean Kitchen for dinner and had a delightful experience. We ordered the Turkish gyro and meat spide, both of which were flavorful and well-prepared. The gyro was tender, juicy, and seasoned to perfection, with just the right amount of spices that transported us straight to the Mediterranean. The meat spide, equally impressive, had a rich, smoky flavor, showcasing the kitchen’s attention to authentic cooking techniques. It’s clear that the chefs take pride in using quality ingredients and traditional recipes.

The service was truly exceptional. From the moment we stepped in, we were greeted warmly by the staff, who were attentive and professional throughout our meal. They ensured our orders were accurate and even checked in occasionally to ensure we enjoyed everything. It’s rare to find such genuine hospitality these days, and it definitely enhanced our overall dining experience.

That being said, there were some issues that needed to be addressed. During our visit, we noticed the floor was wet and slippery, which posed a significant safety hazard. Even seated, we couldn’t help but feel concerned for customers and staff navigating the area. While accidents may happen, the restaurant’s management must address such hazards promptly to ensure everyone’s safety. Regular checks and swift cleanup would go a long way in maintaining a safe environment.

In terms of pricing, we found it to be slightly on the expensive side. However, given the food quality and the service level, we left feeling that it was worth the cost. It’s clear that this is not a budget-friendly spot, but it’s a great choice for those looking for a more refined Mediterranean dining experience.

Despite the minor concerns, we truly enjoyed our visit and plan to return in the future. Selda Mediterranean Kitchen offers an inviting atmosphere with a menu highlighting the best Turkish and Mediterranean flavors. It’s a great place to celebrate special occasions or enjoy a relaxed evening with loved ones. We look forward to exploring more dishes from their menu and hope to see improvements in maintaining a safer dining environment on our next visit.

Overall, we highly recommend this restaurant for its delicious food, excellent service, and authentic Mediterranean experience—but with a note of caution...