Belfast's best Turkish spots

When you think of Turkish food, the first thing that may come to mind is a heavy, indulgent doner kebab filled with layers of sliced meat, mixed salad, and lashings of sauce. And while you can’t go wrong with a delicious kebab after a night out or when the craving just hits, don’t be fooled into thinking that’s all that Turkish dining has to offer. What you’ll actually find when dining at an authentic Turkish restaurant is a creative fusion of Mediterranean, Balkan, Middle Eastern, Central Asian, and Eastern European cuisines that relies heavily on ingredients such as olive oil, rice, vegetables, and bread.

So, if you’re in the mood for something fresh and wholesome, you can expect a vast array of delicious flavours and influences in every dish. While Turkish cuisine isn’t massively widespread across Belfast just yet, there are a few spots where you can enjoy a taste of these epic dishes. Read on to discover the best places for tasty Turkish dining in Belfast…

Located on King Street just on the outskirts of the city centre, ADA Restaurant is one of the most incredible spots in the city for authentic Turkish dining. Offering a Mediterranean-inspired menu filled with fresh and healthy food with plenty of vegetarian and gluten free options, there really is something for everyone here. You can expect everything from classic lentil soup to grilled chicken skewers, roasted lamb shank to succulent izgara köfta (Turkish meatballs).

They offer a varied selection of chicken, lamb, and seafood-focused dishes, as well as many tasty vegetarian options. For starters, you can choose from a massive selection of both warm and cold Turkish small plates with everything from stuffed vine leaves to deep fried filo pastry stuffed with feta cheese. Our mouths are watering just at the thought of it! To finish, you’ll have a choice of classic Turkish desserts such as baklava and sütlaç, a classic Turkish rice pudding.

Located just east of the city in the affluent and leafy suburb of Ballyhackamore, Cyprus Avenue has established itself as a firm local favourite. Offering a creative, internationally-inspired menu that celebrates fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, you can expect a huge variety of flavours here to suit all tastes. With a relaxed atmosphere and friendly Irish hospitality, this is the perfect place to dine for all occasions, whether it’s a chilled out lunch with the family on a sunny day or a celebratory dinner for a special occasion.

They are known for their ever-changing menu that focuses on the availability of produce and seasonality. However, they have a few classics that prove so popular that they remain on the menu permanently, one of which is their tasty lamb kofta flatbread. Offering a taste of Turkish dining, this dish comes complete with a sticky lamb shoulder, pomegranate seeds, Cyprus Avenue kebab sauce, and local favourite, Corey’s fries.

calendar
arrow-up-down
Loading...

A relatively new addition to Belfast’s dining scene, Gnostic can be found hidden away in Corporation Square. However, this hidden gem is one not to be missed with a varied and creative menu, a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and friendly Irish hospitality! Known for their fantastic selection of small plates, they offer tasty seasonal and themed menus with past offerings including a fully Greek spread.

If you’re in the mood for a taste of Turkey, we highly recommend their fantastic roast lamb breast served with Moroccan hummus, flat bread, pomegranate, and mint. If you want something lighter, their chickpea salad served with halloumi, sweet potato, and tomato is a must-try. Their menu features a wide variety of international influences with everything from Irish to Italian, French to Indian, and more. So, no matter what you prefer, Gnostic is the perfect place to enjoy an unforgettable dining experience.

calendar
arrow-up-down
Loading...
Home Restaurant
cuisinesTurkish

A Belfast favourite, you can expect a huge variety of flavours at the Michelin Bib Gourmand Home Restaurant. An all-day joint known for great tasting food inspired by local homegrown sustainable ingredients combined with heartfelt Irish hospitality, you really can’t go wrong with a meal out at Home. With plenty of options to suit all tastes and dietary requirements and separate menus to cater for vegans, vegetarians, and those on a gluten-free diet, this is a popular spot for group dining as you can rest-assured there’s something for everyone.

When it comes to Turkish flavours, we highly recommend starting with their tasty Mediterranean platter filled with hummus, pomegranate, harissa spices, flaked almonds, mixed seeds, and pitta bread. For mains, you can indulge in their flavourful super salad, which comes with tahini, beets, quinoa, seasonal veg, dukka, and your choice of chicken or spiced falafel.

calendar
arrow-up-down
Loading...
Turkey Street Food
cuisinesTurkish

Last but most certainly not least, Turkey Street Food is an absolute must-visit when it comes to tasty Turkish dining in Belfast. A popular restaurant and takeaway located on Ventry Street at the heart of the city, you can expect nothing short of a truly authentic Turkish dining experience. Owned and operated by chef and TikTok star Alper Çildir, this spot is a firm favourite among fans of Turkish dining in the city.

Specialising in healthy Turkish cuisine, you can choose from a wide selection of grilled meats, durum, and mezze. If you fancy something hearty, we highly recommend their filled chicken doner, which are served in a variety of styles such a the Berliner style, the classic durum wrap, the mitraillette baguette, or on chips!

Stay Updated
Get the latest updates on new restaurants, food guides, local events and more.
mobile app promotional banner