Craving authentic Mediterranean and Turkish flavors? Ephesus Restaurant might be the spot for you. With the rising popularity of Turkish dining experiences, it’s worth exploring what a restaurant like Ephesus has to offer.
This article aims to give you a detailed look at what you can expect when you visit restaurant Ephesus. We’ll dive into their menu offerings and customer reviews to help you decide if it’s the right place to satisfy your cravings.
Exploring the Ephesus Menu: A Culinary Journey
The menu at Ephesus is a delightful tour of Turkish cuisine, starting with lighter fare and moving into heartier entrees. Here’s a peek at what you can expect:
Soups and Salads: A Light Start
You can begin your meal with a comforting bowl of soup, such as their classic Lentil Soup (Mercimek corbasi) or Chicken Soup (Tavuk Corbasi), both around $7.50. Salad lovers will find plenty to enjoy, with options like Greek Salad, Shepherd Salad, Mixed Green Salad, and White Bean Salad, many of which are vegetarian-friendly, and priced in the $9 to $14 range.
Cold and Hot Appetizers: A Taste of Turkey
The appetizer selection provides a true taste of Turkey. Cold options include favorites like Hummus, Cacik (a yogurt-based dip), Eggplant Salad, and Stuffed Grape Leaves, many of which are vegetarian and priced from $8 to $12. For something warm, consider the Turkish Cigar (pastry filled with cheese), Fried Calamari, Zucchini Patties, Falafel, Spinach Pie, Manti (Turkish dumplings), or Liver, with prices ranging from $9 to $16.
Combination Appetizers
If you’re having trouble choosing, Ephesus offers combination plates so you can sample a bit of everything. The medium and large combination plates offer a generous assortment, perfect for sharing, with prices in the $20 to $30 range.
Main Courses: Chargrilled Delights and Traditional Dishes
At Ephesus, you’ll find a wide selection of main courses, from chargrilled kebabs to traditional Turkish dishes. Here’s a taste of what you can expect:
Chargrilled Dishes (Kebabs): The Heart of Turkish Cuisine
You can’t go wrong with a classic kebab! Ephesus offers all the favorites, including:
- Lamb Shish ($23.99)
- Chicken Shish ($21.99)
- Adana Kebab ($21.99)
- Mixed Grill Platter ($27.99)
All kebabs are served with rice and a fresh salad.
For a unique twist, try the Gyro Kebab (available Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) or the Beyti Kebab. You can also choose from several kebabs served with yogurt.
Sautés and Seafood: Alternative Entrees
If you’re looking for something other than a kebab, Ephesus has delicious sauté and seafood options, too.
Savor the flavors of:
- Lamb Sauté ($23.99)
- Chicken Sauté ($21.99)
The sautés are served with rice.
Seafood lovers can enjoy the Jumbo Shrimp Kebab ($27.99) or the Fish of the Day (Bronzino – $32.00).
Traditional Turkish Dishes: A Taste of Home
For an authentic Turkish experience, try one of Ephesus’s traditional dishes:
- Mausakka ($19.99)
- Mix Vegetable (Turlu) ($17.99) – vegetarian
- Stuffed Cabbage (Lahana Dolmasi) ($19.99)
- Hunkar Begendi ($23.99)
- Okra Stew (Bamya) ($19.99) – vegetarian
These dishes offer a comforting and flavorful taste of home-style Turkish cooking.
Turkish Pide, Sandwiches, and Kid’s Meals
Ephesus isn’t just about the entrees. Check out the restaurant’s tempting array of Turkish Pide (a kind of flatbread pizza), sandwiches, and scaled-down meals for kids.
Turkish Pide (Pizza): A Unique Flatbread
The Pide comes with a variety of toppings, including cheese, potatoes, Turkish sausage, chicken, lamb, or a mix of ingredients. There are several vegetarian options, and the prices are reasonable.
Sandwiches: Casual Turkish Fare
For a more casual meal, try one of Ephesus’s sandwiches, filled with lamb shish, chicken shish, Adana kebab, lamb patties, or falafel. All come with tomatoes, lettuce, onions, and a creamy yogurt sauce. Again, vegetarians will find something to love here. The prices are budget-friendly.
Kid’s Meals: Smaller Portions for Little Ones
Even the pickiest eaters will find something on the Kid’s Meal menu: lamb shish, chicken shish, Adana kebab, Kofte Izgara, gyro kebab, and even chicken nuggets. The kid’s meals are half-portions served with rice. The prices are very reasonable.
Authentic Turkish Desserts
Save room for dessert! Ephesus offers traditional sweets like baklava and baked rice pudding, typically priced around $7.00. And don’t skip the Turkish coffee! Many customers rave about its quality and authentic flavor. It’s the perfect ending to a delicious meal.
Customer Experience at Ephesus Restaurant
Ephesus Restaurant has been around for a while, and it seems like everyone has an opinion. Here’s a look at what diners are saying.
Ambiance and Service: Setting the Stage
Many customers describe the restaurant as cozy and quaint. Others say the decor could use an update.
Service gets mixed reviews. Some diners call the service friendly and attentive, while others have complained about slow service.
Food Quality and Quantity: A Matter of Taste
The spinach pie, kebabs, and hummus get high marks. Some diners have found the food to be a little too salty.
The portions are generally described as generous.
Addressing Potential Issues: Delivery and BYOB
If you’re ordering delivery, double-check your order when it arrives. Some customers have reported missing items.
Ephesus is a BYOB establishment, and they don’t serve alcohol. If you’d like wine or beer with your meal, you’ll need to bring it with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are Turkish restaurants called Efes?
Many Turkish restaurants are named “Efes” after the ancient city of Ephesus in Turkey. It’s a popular name that evokes a sense of Turkish history, culture, and tradition, aiming to create an authentic atmosphere and association with the country’s rich heritage. Plus, it’s a relatively easy-to-remember and pronounce name for a wide audience.
Who is the owner of Efes restaurant?
This depends on the specific “Efes” restaurant you’re referring to! Since many Turkish restaurants use the name “Efes,” there is no single owner. You’d need to look up the specific location you’re interested in to find information about its ownership.
Is there food in Ephesus?
While Ephesus is an ancient archaeological site, there aren’t restaurants within the ruins themselves to preserve the historical integrity. However, the nearby town of Selçuk, where Ephesus is located, offers a variety of restaurants serving traditional Turkish cuisine and international options to cater to tourists.
What is the name of the restaurant in The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy?
Ah, a bit of a curveball there! The restaurant you’re thinking of is called Milliways, or the Restaurant at the End of the Universe. You can only get there by time travel, and the main attraction is watching the universe end while enjoying your meal. Good luck getting a reservation!
Summary
Ephesus Restaurant offers a unique dining experience with its authentic Turkish cuisine. While some diners have suggested improvements in specific areas, the restaurant shines in its commitment to traditional flavors and dishes.
If you’re looking to explore Turkish cuisine, Ephesus Restaurant is worth a visit. Try the classics and discover the rich culinary heritage of Turkey for yourself.