Where to go for Turkish food in Glasgow

Roya Restaurant takes Middle Eastern dining to another level. Influenced by Iranian, Arabic and Turkish cooking, the menus (vegan, gluten-free, a la carte and pre-theatre) are all halal and exquisitely presented. Dishes are paired with creative cocktail options such as the pomegranate and Persian hogweed mojito, the watermelon spritz and theatrical presentations involving dry ice. The decor is on-trend and sophisticated, while reflecting the theme and serves as the perfect backdrop for a special night to remember. As Roya is across from the Kings Theatre its also handy for a chic bite before a show.

This establishment has been in business since August 2019 and it’s the place to come for some authentic Turkish tukka, notably the marinated meats which are char-grilled in the open kitchen. The menus is made up of traditional recipes, like şakşuka (sautéed aubergine with potato and diced tomato mixed with tomato sauce and garlic), taze yesil fasulye (green beans cooked in the pan with carrots and peppers), sebze güveç (casserole of aubergine, courgette, tomato, peas, mushrooms, peppers and onions, topped with cheese) and hellim kebab (grilled halloumi on a bed of mixed veggies). There’s also a kids’ menu with a selection of Turkish and British faves, all served with chips and a glass of fruit juice. You’ll find Eda between Merchant City and the Barras.

This was another new arrival in 2019, brought to us by the owner and former Istanbul hotelier Serkan Aydin, who missed his home food and decided to bring it to this site on Candelriggs. Since then it’s scooped the International Dining Award for Best Turkish Restaurant. The team of Turkish chefs cook up over 70 specialities from across the country on the charcoal grill and you can select a number of cold mezes too. In addition to the a la carte selection, there’s a kids menu, packed with crowd pleasers, such as hummus, chicken shish and nuggets. And Sundays sees a Turkish brunch served each week — you can also see a belly dancer perform on Saturday nights.

Situated in Finnieston, Meze Meze offers an authentic and immersive dining experience that showcases the best of Turkish and Persian cuisine. It specialises in small plates that are perfect for sharing (think date night) and exploring a variety of ingredients from across the Mediterranean, with Turkish decor to match the menu. The restaurant also offers a range of main courses; whether you’re craving a succulent lamb shish kebab, a moussaka, or healthy grilled fish, their main dishes are crafted with care and attention to detail. To accompany your meal, Meze Meze boasts a carefully curated wine, or you can enjoy a traditional Turkish tea to round off your dining experience. Who needs a holiday when you have food like this in your neighbourhood – Meze Meze is your gateway to a culinary journey through the rich and enticing taste of Turkey.

Wrap your teeth around the king of Turkish dishes, the classic kebab. They’re made using sustainable Scottish ingredients and overflowing with juice meats, veggies, halloumi, sauces and slaw. Or opt for a charcoal-grilled burger, or a fancy starter of chilli butter prawns and main of line-caught Scottish seabass. And be sure to order a side of ravasaki (crispy deep fried filo pastry stuffed with feta cheese and coated with sesame seeds). ‘Babs serves Turkish, Levantine and Greek dishes and comes from the uber-successful guys behind Bread Meets Bread. Pop by for a great value lunch deal, available Monday to Friday between 11.30 am and 4 pm.