Efendy
Editorial
Sydney may be blessed with a myriad of cuisines from far-flung places but as far as Turkish food goes, the buck has pretty much stopped at the humble kebab and pide. Not so anymore. Accomplished restaurateur Somer Sivrioglu took over Balmain's Italian favourite, L'Unico, in late 2007. But within a matter of months Sivrioglu had decided to put it all on the line and follow his dream of establishing a modern Turkish restaurant in Sydney.
Head chef, Christien Darvall takes inspiration from traditional Turkish recipes and then puts a modern spin on the classic dishes using quality local produce. The flavours of pomegranate and cherry are perennial in Turkish cuisine, so you might like to start with a Vishenpolitan cocktail as you read through the menu and drink in the dimly lit, elegant room. Begin with a meze journey for two, a beautifully presented platter of small dishes designed to take you on a culinary tour of the flavours of Turkey. A main of Kuzu In Cik arrives as a shank of lamb with the meat falling from the bone, slow cooked in pomegranate and saffron, resting on a chickpea and barley pilaf. Duck breast in sour cherry glaze with baby fennel and brown fig salad is delightfully pink and the fresh figs are divine. The baklava is a must do for dessert no matter how full you are; or linger over another cocktail in the Mey Bar.
Amy Looker, March 2008
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Jane
February 03, 2008
The food was a disapointment for the price, but the service is wonderful - attentive and interested - and the restaurant and outdoor seating is excellent. Rugs, walls decorated with beautiful Turkish cloths and rugs are gorgeous. But, the wagyu beef main looked grey and was dry; the patlikan eggplant was cold in places (though replaced with a hot one). Excellent ingredients are used, but currently let down by being over-engineered.
Deep Sea
February 15, 2008
I was there last night on Valentines Day, and had a great experience with my husband, it was a 5 course degustation menu, salmon borek was and stuffed figs were to die for. Desert platter was a nice touch with heart shape water melon salad. Highly recommend it and I will certainly be back again.
Balboy
March 14, 2008
This was a very pleasant experience, best service we experienced in Balmain for a while, as a regular traveller to Turkey, I found the food and service comparative to top restaurants in Istanbul. If you never had real Turkish food ( not kebabs or pides) this is the place to go. Only criticism i have is they ran out of Turkish Delight the night we were there, i was looking forward to it.
Tim Creanston
March 29, 2011
Great place with comfy courtyard. Delicious food and sincere service, great find in Balmain
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