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Turkish Kitchen Meze and Grill

Authentic Turkish grilling and meze in Durham's vibrant city centre, where tradition meets modern hospitality.

4.7

Turkish Kitchen Meze and Grill is an authentic Turkish restaurant located in the heart of Durham's historic city centre, offering a modern interpretation of traditional Turkish cuisine. Situated on the ground floor of a characterful building on Saddler Street, the restaurant specializes in expertly grilled kebabs, meze platters, and seasonal dishes prepared with fresh, authentic ingredients. The warm, inviting atmosphere and attentive service create an ideal setting for romantic dinners, family meals, or gatherings with friends. The menu caters to diverse dietary requirements, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, complemented by a selection of Turkish wines and traditional beverages.

A brief summary to Turkish Kitchen Meze and grill

  • ground floor, 66 Saddler St, Durham, DH1 3NP, GB
  • +441913727001
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Indoor
  • Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
  • Monday 12 pm-10 pm
  • Tuesday 12 pm-10 pm
  • Wednesday 12 pm-10 pm
  • Thursday 12 pm-10 pm
  • Friday 12 pm-10 pm
  • Saturday 12 pm-10 pm
  • Sunday 12 pm-9 pm

Local tips

  • Reserve in advance, especially for weekends and evenings, as this popular restaurant fills quickly. Reservations can be made by phone or through OpenTable.
  • Try the mixed grill for two if dining as a couple—it offers an excellent introduction to the restaurant's signature grilled meats and represents outstanding value.
  • Begin with meze platters to experience the breadth of Turkish flavors before moving to main courses. The halloumi and muska boregi are particularly noteworthy starters.
  • Inform staff of any dietary requirements when ordering; the kitchen is experienced in accommodating vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free needs without compromising flavor.
  • Pair your meal with Turkish wine or traditional Turkish tea and coffee rather than standard beverages to enhance the authentic dining experience.
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A Gateway to Turkish Culinary Traditions

Turkish Kitchen Meze and Grill transports diners to the vibrant culinary landscape of Turkey through carefully curated dishes that honor traditional recipes while embracing modern presentation. Located on the ground floor of a historic building on Saddler Street, the restaurant captures the essence of Turkish hospitality and gastronomic excellence. The menu reflects the diverse regions of Turkey, showcasing seasonal ingredients sourced for their quality and authenticity. From the moment guests enter, the warm ambiance and aromatic spices create an immersive experience that celebrates the depth and complexity of Turkish cuisine.

Signature Grilled Specialties and Meze Selection

The restaurant's reputation rests on its exceptional grilled offerings, where marinated meats are cooked to perfection over traditional methods. The lamb shish, chicken shish, and mixed grill selections arrive tender and flavorful, accompanied by fragrant rice and fresh salads. The kofte—spiced ground meat patties—are prepared with skill and precision, whether served as standalone dishes or as part of the restaurant's celebrated iskender preparations, where meat is layered on bread and finished with yogurt and fried butter. The meze selection provides an excellent introduction to Turkish flavors, featuring crispy halloumi cheese, muska boregi with feta and spinach, and kiymali borek with herbs. These starters showcase the restaurant's commitment to authentic preparation and quality ingredients.

Inclusive Dining and Dietary Accommodation

Turkish Kitchen demonstrates genuine commitment to accommodating diverse dietary needs without compromising on flavor or authenticity. The vegetarian and vegan selections include moussaka with layered vegetables and béchamel sauce, mucver fritters made with courgette and feta, and an array of vegetable-based dishes that prove plant-based Turkish cuisine is equally satisfying. Gluten-free diners receive careful attention, with staff trained to navigate menu modifications and cross-contamination concerns. This inclusive approach extends to the beverage program, where traditional Turkish tea and coffee are offered alongside wines and spirits, ensuring every guest finds something suited to their preferences.

Atmosphere and Service Philosophy

The restaurant's interior reflects a balance between contemporary comfort and Turkish warmth. The ground-floor location on Saddler Street places diners in Durham's vibrant city centre, yet the interior creates an intimate retreat from the bustle outside. Staff members are trained to provide attentive, personalized service that makes guests feel genuinely welcomed. Whether accommodating families with children, couples seeking a romantic evening, or groups of friends celebrating together, the team adjusts its approach to suit each party's needs. The availability of highchairs and reservations system demonstrates thoughtful planning for various guest types.

Seasonal Menus and Fresh Ingredient Focus

The restaurant's philosophy emphasizes seasonal ingredients, meaning the menu evolves throughout the year to reflect what is freshest and most flavorful. This approach ensures that dishes maintain their authenticity while supporting local and regional suppliers where possible. The commitment to fresh ingredients is evident in every component, from the crisp vegetables in salads to the tender meats in grilled dishes. This dedication to quality over consistency with a static menu demonstrates a restaurant that prioritizes culinary integrity and guest satisfaction.

Gift Vouchers and Community Connection

Turkish Kitchen extends its hospitality beyond individual dining experiences through the availability of gift vouchers, obtainable via email, telephone, post, or in-person visits. This offering reflects the restaurant's integration into the Durham community and its desire to share its culinary experience with a broader audience. The restaurant actively engages with patrons through social media and maintains an online presence that keeps the community informed about seasonal offerings and special occasions.

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