Brisbane’s best Turkish restaurants

Ahmet’s has plenty of ‘traditional’ Turkish offerings but what we love is the little twists on the menu – so if you’re a little bored, Ahmet’s just might be able to tingle your jaded palate.

We highly recommend the hummus and Turkish chorizo dip. Order two so there’s no fighting over the last mouthful. And might as well order two of the manti lamb dumplings…is there anything better than mini lamb dumplings with garlic yoghurt and paprika butter sauce?

If you’re in the mood for grilled meat you can choose between the lamb or rump beef, or the chicken or the kofte – oh go the mixed ones – it’s easier on the brain!

If you’ve any room left try the Lamb Iskender: slices of lamb steak served on Turkish bread with Ahmet’s special tomato sauce and garlic yoghurt.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Our famous mixed grill ($38)

Book it here

Istanbul 1923 attracts much praise from fussy Turkish eaters, and there’s so much to choose from.

If you’re with a bunch of friends, we suggest grabbing loads of share dishes starting with the dips platter which includes all the faves: hummus, baba ganoush, patlican (eggplant and tomato) and celery dip served with a mound of Turkish bread.

Then cover the table with grilled haloumi, kebabs, add a couple of pides – especially the sucuk (Turkish salami with mozzarella cheese), the chicken and mushroom, and the spinach and feta. Truly a feast that caters to all tastes and for all diets. And so delicious.

We also suggest you finish with the famed Turkish coffee and chef’s special kunefe, a sweet cheese pastry.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Mixed Grill Platter ($33.90)

Olive Thyme takes Turkish dining to a whole new level. The meals are so elegantly presented, it’s almost tempting to look and not eat. We said almost!

Where to start? How’s about the kuzu: lamb backstrap with smoky eggplant, soft onion cups and pilav? Or maybe the karides: prawns and zucchini strips with radish and potato tartar is more your style? The ahtapot with octopus, tahini beans puree, daikon, green olives and activated walnuts is a must-try too.

The plates here are so beautiful, it also works to just point at what other people are eating and order that way. Sometimes words are over-rated!

Dish Cult’s top pick: Chef’s menu ($65 pp)

Caravanserai is THE place if you’re looking for a Turkish restaurant for a big group.

A philosophy of conversation and catchup underpins the menu here so they’ve developed two banquets for four or more: the full banquet has three courses and the deluxe sultan has four.

Both banquets open with the Caravanserai meze: hummus, baba ganoush, tzatziki, romescue, carrot and onion pickle, marinated olives, feta, capsicum with warm Turkish pide. Then there is a ‘selection of mains” – and what a choice – Turkish meatballs, chicken skewers plus plenty more.Finally it’s time for tea and coffee with baklava and Turkish delight.

If the friendly staff, great ambience and fab food doesn’t keep you chatting into the wee hours, then nothing will.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Sublime Platter for two ($69)

Downtown Istanbul is all about street food vibes, good times and late nights.

If you’re working late and thinking about how hangry you are, then it’s off to Downtown Istanbul for you. Get into hearty but not heavy mezze options like the mujver which will give you your daily veggie intake: zucchini and carrot fritter, and besan flour served with dill and garlic yoghurt. And why not try the oven baked eggplant filled with sauteed tomato, onion and peppers with yoghurt sauce? You can afford to be a bit naughty and share haloumi fries sprinkled with baharat salt and served with red pepper mayo – squeeze lemon on top to add extra zing to the dish.

Downtown is open till late and might just have that special cocktail to help you unwind.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Vegetarian feast ($39 pp)