Efendi Review – Bucharest’s best Turkish restaurant
If you’re looking for authentic Turkish cuisine in Bucharest, Efendi Turkish Restaurant is an absolute must-try. Located in a cosy nook of the city, this place has built quite a reputation for serving flavour-packed dishes that transport you straight to the vibrant streets of Istanbul. My fiancé, Chris, and I recently spent an evening there, and I have to say—Efendi is worth every bit of the hype!
From the warm ambiance to the rich aromas wafting from the kitchen, everything at Efendi invites you to relax, savour, and experience Turkish food done right. So, here’s my Efendi Review to give you a taste of what you can expect on your visit.
The Ambiance
Walking into Efendi, you instantly feel the Turkish influence in the decor. The interiors are filled with colourful mosaics, traditional lamps, and warm lighting that make it feel homely yet vibrant. The music playing softly in the background enhances the overall experience, lending a sense of calm that’s perfect after a busy day in Bucharest. The seating is a mix of comfortable booths and tables, ideal for both couples and larger groups. Chris and I took a cosy table by the window, which gave us a lovely view of the restaurant’s hustle and bustle.
Warm and Welcoming Service
One thing that makes Efendi stand out is the warmth of the staff. They greeted us with smiles, gave us some time to settle in, and quickly brought over the menus. Our waiter was friendly, knowledgeable about the dishes, and even offered some great recommendations. If you’re new to Turkish food, don’t hesitate to ask for suggestions; the staff here genuinely seems passionate about making sure you enjoy your meal.
The Menu: A Feast for the Senses
Efendi’s menu is a well-curated blend of Turkish classics and modern twists, from mezze plates to hearty mains and decadent desserts. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the choices, but believe me, you’ll be spoiled for options no matter what you pick. As we browsed, we noticed that each dish was crafted to celebrate authentic Turkish flavours, and you could see why Efendi has such a loyal following.
After much deliberation (and a few nudges from Chris to hurry up!), I settled on the Chicken Bowl, while Chris went for the Charcoal Doner Kebab. We also ordered a couple of mezze plates to start, including the classic hummus and a serving of baba ganoush.
The Starters: Mezze Magic
Efendi doesn’t skimp on the details, even with their starters. The hummus was velvety, seasoned perfectly, and topped with a swirl of olive oil that added a rich, earthy touch. The baba ganoush had a delightful smokiness, balanced with just the right amount of garlic and lemon, and paired beautifully with the warm, fluffy pita bread they served on the side. I have to say, it was the perfect way to begin our meal. Each bite felt fresh, full of flavour, and set the stage for the main event.
The Main Event: Chicken Bowl and Charcoal Doner Kebab
When our mains arrived, they looked as amazing as they tasted. Let me start with the Chicken Bowl. As a fan of chicken dishes, I was absolutely delighted by the mix of flavours in this bowl. The chicken was tender, marinated in spices that brought out its juiciness, and complemented by a bed of fragrant rice. The subtle hint of herbs and spices made each bite exciting, and there was a delightful freshness to the ingredients. I loved every bit of it, and while I was savouring it, Chris, who’s usually a bit reserved with praise, was in raptures over his Charcoal Doner Kebab.
Chris is serious about his kebabs, so it’s high praise when he says it was the best kebab he’s ever had! The charcoal-grilled flavour was prominent, giving the meat an irresistible smoky taste. The kebab was succulent and tender, with a hint of spice that wasn’t overpowering but added a nice kick. Even now, weeks after our visit, he’s still craving that kebab and insists that we go back just for it. Honestly, after tasting a bit of his dish myself, I can’t blame him. It was every bit as delicious as he claimed.
Drinks and Dessert
No Efendi Review would be complete without mentioning their drinks and dessert offerings. Chris and I opted for a couple of classic Turkish beverages—Ayran for me and Turkish tea for him. Ayran, a tangy yoghurt-based drink, was refreshing and served as a great palate cleanser between bites. Chris enjoyed the tea’s smooth, full-bodied flavour, which he said brought back memories of our trip to Turkey.
For dessert, we shared a plate of Baklava. Each piece was generously layered, with a perfect balance of crispness and sweet, syrupy richness. The nuts added a lovely crunch, making this the perfect sweet note to end our meal. If you’re a fan of Baklava or simply have a sweet tooth, don’t leave Efendi without trying it.
Final Thoughts
Overall, Efendi Turkish Restaurant in Bucharest is a gem that serves up some of the best Turkish food I’ve had outside of Turkey. From the rich and authentic flavours to the friendly service and warm ambiance, Efendi ticks all the boxes for a memorable dining experience. This restaurant has so much to offer, whether you’re there for a quick lunch, a leisurely dinner, or even a celebratory meal with friends or family.
In this Efendi Review, I have to give a special shout-out to the Chicken Bowl and the Charcoal Doner Kebab—these are dishes that I’ll definitely come back for. Chris still raves about his kebab, and honestly, I can’t wait to try more of what their menu has to offer. So, if you’re in Bucharest and craving a taste of Turkey, make Efendi your next stop. You won’t regret it!
You can find more information about Efendi Doner on the restaurant’s website.
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