
In the vibrant culinary landscape of Melbourne, where tastes from around the world converge, Turkish cuisine stands out for its bold and tantalising flavours. The intoxicating aroma of freshly baked pide, the sizzle of hot grills – there’s something special about the city’s Turkish restaurants that ensnares all of our senses. From prestigious venues to family businesses, you’re in for a great meal at these Turkish restaurants around Melbourne. Let’s dive in!
1. Tulum
Tulum is a One Hatted restaurant that has received a number of awards and accolades. It’s run by Chef Coskun Oysal, who is reinterpreting Turkish dishes in pursuit of New Anatolian cooking. Embark on a culinary odyssey with one of their set menu options. The 7-course degustation will take you on a journey across the regions of Turkey, with mezzes like Turkish beef dumplings, spiced lamb kibbeh, calamari pasta and more. You can also journey through the à la carte menu for delightful dishes like roasted half spatchcock or swordfish. Pair your meal with something from the extensive drinks menu, including cocktails, mocktails, Turkish wine and raki.
📍217 Carlisle St, Balaclava VIC 3183
2. Köy Gözleme
Köy has served gözleme to hungry Melburnians for 12 years. This bustling stall in South Melbourne Market churns out a steady stream of gözlemes that are hand-rolled and cooked fresh by Turkish mamas. There’s four flavours to choose from. Will you try the Cheese & Spinach, Minced Meat, Herbed Chicken or Mushroom & Veg?
📍116-136 Cecil St, South Melbourne VIC 3205
3. Göz City
Göz City began as an idea at Köy in South Melbourne Market over ten years ago. It has since grown into the great gözleme store that we know and love today. Indulge in crispy, hand-rolled pastry, with oozy flavours on the inside like minced meat or cheese & spinach. Perfect for when you’re on the go, you’ll also find other tasty treats, like börek fingers and pide.
📍502 Little Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000 & 210 Ingles St, Port Melbourne VIC 3207
4. Marmara Restaurant
Marmara Restaurant is a family business that was established in 1980. Bringing the incredible flavours of Turkey to Chapel Street, this vibrant spot has a vast range of dishes for you to choose from. Start with some homemade dip, served with fresh Turkish bread. Then, indulge in their standout Ìskender, lamb and beef mince soaked in rich tomato salcha sauce and yoghurt and served in a sizzling claypot. Try an assortment of their finest meats with the Mixed Grill option, or try one of their banquets for a bit of everything. If you have any room to spare, don’t forget to try one of their delicious desserts, like boza, semolina halva or kadaif.
📍68 Chapel St, Windsor VIC 3181
5. ILoveIstanbul
Formerly known as Kebab Factory, ILoveIstanbul is serving up generously portioned Turkish dishes. After opening in Melbourne in 1997, this family business has been run by three generations. Treat yourself to a Halal Snack Pack, try one of their kebab platters, enjoy a selection of irresistible gozleme and sweeten things up with citrus semolina cake. They also have some Turkish grocery items if you need to stock up your pantry. Find it on the ever-popular Lygon Street.
📍95 Lygon St, Carlton VIC 3053, Australia
6. Lezzet Anatolian Kitchen
Find aromatic Turkish dishes and Anatolian flavours at Lezzet Anatolian Kitchen in Elwood. Created by Chef Kemal Barut, you’ll feel captivated by the ambiance, with moody lighting, curved sandstone walls and a back lit marble bar. Let the team take you on a gastronomic journey through the Feed Me Menu, or check out their vast range of mezzes and mains. Enjoy dreamy Turkish desserts, like kazandibi, and pair it with Turkish dessert wine.
📍81 Brighton Rd, Elwood VIC 3184
7. Arda Restaurant
Owner and Chef of Arda Restaurant, Serkan Sen, has been in the hospitality business with his family for 30 years. Visit this welcoming venue for a diverse range of generous and flavoursome Turkish dishes. Enjoy a range of delicious chargrilled meats, served with home-style pilav rice and garden salad. Or, tuck into one of their tasty Turkish pizzas, with options like ground lamb or spinach & feta cheese. There’s plenty of vegetarian and gluten-free options, and there’s also a banquet in case you have trouble deciding. End with dreamy desserts, like baklava, hazelnut kadayif and künefe.
📍619 Glen Huntly Rd, Caulfield VIC 3162
8. Kebabs On Clarendon
Craving kebabs? Look no further than Kebabs on Clarendon. This comforting Turkish spot in South Melbourne has a huge ranges of options to cater to every preference. There’s lamb, chicken and more to choose from, as well as vegetarian options like falafel and gozlemeh. If you don’t feel like holding a wrap, there’s also meal options so that you can enjoy your meat with a side of dip, pide bread and salad. Don’t forget to try their iconic halal snack pack!
📍286 Clarendon St, South Melbourne VIC 3205
9. Aysel Australia
The team at Aysel Australia have come to Melbourne after years of restaurant experience in Alaçatı, Turkey. The perfect place to meet with family and share a meal, you’ll find an array of traditional Turkish dishes. The stand-out item is the uniquely presented Fish & Salt dish, which needs to be booked in advance. There’s also live music, which is sure to create an unforgettable dining experience.
📍357 Smith St, Fitzroy VIC 3065
10. Taksim Square
Find a taste of Istanbul at Taksim Square in Moonee Ponds. If you’re not sure where to start at this Turkish restaurant and meze bar, opt for one of their banquet options for a little taste of everything. Feast on an assortment of meat and seafood, or try one of their vegetarian or vegan set menus. Otherwise, choose your own adventure with something from the à la carte menu. Their traditional Turkish Adana, or lamb cooked on a skewer, is a must-try. Pop over to the venue on Saturday nights for live music after 8pm.
📍561 Mt Alexander Rd, Moonee Ponds VIC 3039
11. House of Fides
You don’t need to be in Melbourne CBD to find some incredible Turkish restaurants. Head up to the northwest for a divine culinary experience at House of Fides. Discover a mouth-watering selection of Turkish delights, including dolma, gözleme, grilled meats, mini Turkish dumplings and more. Don’t forget to try their house-made bazlama bread, and pop by on the weekends for breakfast.
📍338A Keilor Rd, Niddrie VIC 3042