Choosy & Picky
Date of Visit: Sunday, December 7, 2025 Time of Visit: 11:30 AM (Restaurant Empty) ⭐ Ambiance & Seating (3/5) We arrived right at opening on a cold Sunday morning. While the restaurant was empty, we were initially seated at a side table near the window. Given the winter temperatures, the chill became noticeable within five minutes. We requested to move and were promptly relocated to the warmer center of the dining room. Suggestion: Since cold temperatures near the windows have been noted by other diners, it might be more efficient for staff to automatically seat early customers in the center of the restaurant during the winter months. A notable issue was the noise level once the second table arrived (seated approximately two meters away). Their conversation was extremely loud, making it difficult for us to hear each other and enjoy our meal. Food & Flavor Profile 1) Pide with meat and egg - $11.99 before tax - Unexpectedly really tasty eventhough I’m used to Pide with cheese. Every pide I have ever had, both inside and outside of Istanbul/Turkiye, included cheese. Despite this omission, the flavor was way better than anticipated. 2) Kebab Filet Mignon 2 sticks - $27.99 before tax - The meat was tender, but the marinade was heavily spiced, particularly with cumin. This strong spice profile, which wafted noticeably when the server approached, extended to the accompanying fries Authenticity & Overall Impression A note on Authenticity: I must respectfully disagree with other reviews that label this as "authentic Turkish" cuisine. • The flavor profile, especially the heavy spice use in the kebab, leans very strongly towards a Middle Eastern style rather than the typical, more subtle seasoning found in classic Turkish cooking. • My Turkish husband agrees that while the food is good, it is not authentically Turkish. We both felt that if the restaurant were named something other than a Turkish descriptor, it would be a more accurate representation of the food served. • For Context: I did confirm with the waitress that the chef is Turkish. Service & Logistics Service was prompt and attentive, which is understandable as we were the only customers. Our server was efficient, juggling our needs while preparing the restaurant for the day. Payment is handled at the cashier station near the entrance. Overall Rating: Good food, but the strong Middle Eastern flavor profile and the initial seating/noise issues prevent a perfect score. If you are seeking genuine Turkish flavors, you may be disappointed; if you enjoy Middle Eastern-style kebabs, you will likely be satisfied.
