If you’re on holiday in Dubai, sometimes only a delicious Turkish meal will do. If you’re on the hunt for some much-needed home comforts, you can rely on this article to help you explore the latest and best Turkish food trends in the City of Gold.
Dubai is fast becoming one of the most international destinations on the planet and their rich variety of flavours has expanded considerably in recent years, including a growing clutch of Turkish restaurants that range from high-end formal establishments to old-favourite laid-back classics that rival Lebanese sharing mezzes and other Middle Eastern cuisines.
Let’s take a look at the full spectrum of Turkish restaurants available in Dubai today, with four restaurant recommendations including hip and trendy establishments and restaurants with spectacular views to more down-to-earth and honest eateries.
An all-day favourite on Jumeirah Beach Road
Turkish Village has become one of the most popular haunts for Turkish cuisine in Dubai, thanks largely to its excellent location for residents and holidaymakers and the fact that it’s open all day for breakfast, lunch and dinner! You might be reticent to visit anywhere in Dubai for an ‘authentic’ Turkish breakfast, but we guarantee that these guys know what they’re doing, all washed down with classic Turkish tea. This place also works brilliantly as an evening location too thanks to its magnificent rooftop dining space.
Indulgent Ottoman and Turkish décor and cuisine
If you want to dine in typically Turkish and Ottoman surroundings whilst enjoying a homely meal, look no further than the Kaftan Restaurant. It overlooks the Jumeirah Beach Hotel and Burj Al Arab, making for a truly decadent dining experience. The décor makes the restaurant feel more like an art gallery, but it offers exceptionally comfortable surroundings and succulent kebabs and lahmacun, as well as more lavish Dana Eti Lokmasi and Izgara Jumbo Karides. The tight menu is particularly helpful for those who struggle to make decisions.
Enjoy the culinary ride at Ruya in Grosvenor House
Located within the majestic Grosvenor House is Ruya, a restaurant with an Anatolian kitchen serving rich and varied food that’s rooted within Turkey’s heritage, whilst providing a refreshing contemporary twist. The a la carte menu is particularly impressive, while their three-course lunchtime offers provide ample opportunity to feast on everything from spiced chicken livers and pan-fried seabream to authentic Yogurtlu Kebaps. After you’ve finished dining, you’d be mad not to enjoy an after-dinner drink on the spectacular terrace, overlooking the Marina – so romantic!
Visit the restaurant that’s recently been named ‘Best Turkish Restaurant’ in Dubai
Finally, it would be remiss of us not to mention the Istanbul Flower Restaurant, which has previously been awarded the prestigious title of ‘Best Turkish Restaurant’ in the entire city. Their traditional Turkish breakfasts are particularly popular and at night time the restaurant attracts diners who visit not just from across the City of Gold but outside of Dubai’s walls. Their traditional Iskender Kebab is magnificently meaty, as is the Shawarma. You’ll never tire of visiting this place, which is authentic, flavourful and, most importantly, affordable dining near Burj Khalifa.
Rest assured, if you visit any of the four restaurants featured above you can guarantee a meal cooked in the finest Turkish and Anatolian traditions and the most vibrant of Dubai’s dining environments.
