10 best Turkish restaurants in Dubai

You won’t have to travel too far if you’re looking for a Turkish restaurant in Dubai, with this nuanced and eclectic cuisine being as popular with local Emiratis as international expats. The results are a whole host of hospitality spots popping up across the city showcasing the very best of Turkish food. In fact, from east to west, there are seven regions of Turkey, all of which boast their own speciality dishes. It's this variety that makes dining out at some of Dubai's best Turkish restaurants such fun. Whether you're after Köfte, Börek, sis Kebap, or Mezze, it really is hard to go wrong. Due to the geographical location of Turkey, there are influences from the Mediterranean, Balkan, Middle Eastern, Armenian, and Georgian cuisines in Turkish food which combine in rich, heavily spiced and colourful plates.

The breadth of classic Turkish dishes means there there’s something for everyone. We’re pretty confident in saying this is certainly is a cuisine that’ll leave everyone in your party impressed, as whilst Turks are famous for their meat and kebab, there are also fish options to impress the harshest critics, and veggie food to rave about too.

It’s not all savoury highlights here either. Baklava is often the sweet treat that we crave after a Turkish meal thanks to its layers of flaky filo pastry, with the buttery sticky syrup and moreish nuts. All this washed down with a warming cup of tea makes the perfect end to any meal.

On that note, a meal can be completely delicious, but poor service can leave a sour taste in anyone’s mouth. Something that the Turkish are known for, almost as much as their food, is their homely hospitality. The outlook that their home is your home is certainly something that you can expect in any of these restaurants who offer warm a warm welcome. Fancy a bit of drama? Choose between skylines and views to die for, smoke and sparklers or a tableside BBQ. There’s entertainment galore in our pick of places below.

If you’re here we expect Turkish food is the go-to cuisine for your next meal out, and the question of which restaurant to go for becomes decidedly easier with this list. So, cancel your flights to Istanbul and check out our favourite Turkish food in Dubai instead. There’s a restaurant here for whatever mood you’re feeling, from breath-taking buffets to thrilling theatrics, go and check them out.

Turquoise Restaurant

Why: A buffet is never a bad idea, and this one is the best in Dubai. Experience premium service in a beautifully decorated restaurant with a comfortable and intimate ambience. The food really is the star of the show here, with grilled seafood and meats on offer and you must check out the kebabs too. Whatever you choose, be sure to save space for dessert as you really can’t miss out on the baklava.
Where: Rixos Premium Dubai, The Walk, Jumeirah Beach Residence, Dubai
Book now: Turquoise Restaurant

Asil

Why: There’s no doubt that eating in a beautiful setting is one of the most refined pleasures in life, and this is certainly something that you get to indulge in at Asil. You could choose to sit in the dining room, dressed in rich fabrics and antique décor inspired by ancient arabesque, or choose to unwind on the terrace with a view overlooking the Jumeirah Beach and the Dubai Eye. Whicever space you wind up in you’re sure to enjoy an ambience that's so warm you'll be keen to make a return visit before long. The signature Sour Cherry lamb Kebap or maybe a vegetable tagine are stunning examples of the fusion dishes here that come with a Turkish twist, Lebanese flavours and a Moroccan edge. And, of course, the restaurant provides a wide selection of beverages and cocktails to wash all that food down with.
Where: Asil Restaurant, Rixos Premium Dubai, Jumeirah Beach Residence, The Walk, Dubai

Turkish Village

Why: Catering to all with vegetarian and vegan options, as well as catering to gluten-free and halal eating customers, it's no wonder Turkish Village Gourmet is so famous. It blends authentic Turkish ingredients and flavours with the beautiful experience of Turkish hospitality. Dine like a Sultan with their new live barbeque dining experience. You can show off your cooking skills and cook your meat and veggies to perfection on the mangal right next to your table. Don't feel like doing the work yourself? Watch an experienced chef cook for you at the comfort of your table. It's a memorable evening for the whole family.
Where: Jumeirah 1, Next to Spinneys & The Jumeirah Grand Mosque, Dubai 
Book now: Turkish Village

Berkan

Why: What’s better than dinner and a show? Both at once of course. Tableside theatrics entertain you throughout your meal under the proud eyes of attentive waiters at Berkan. Order the steak tartar, and the waiter will cut it up in front of you with a sword. Perhaps the lamb rack will tickle your fancy for your main, and maybe Katmer for desert will end your night on a sweet note.  
Where: City Walk 2, Dubai 

Besh

Why: By adding a modern spin on Turkish traditions, Besh stands out in the Turkish restaurant scene in Dubai. Careful consideration has been taken to sourcing olive oil, spices and flour from Turkey, and meats are prepared with recipes dating back 150 years. Modern doesn’t have to mean unauthentic, and this is something that Besh characterises. Check out the hype, try their Manti, or tuck into their speciality Alt Ezmeli Kebab.
Where: Sheraton Mall of the Emirates Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Barsha 1, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai

Bosporus Turkish Cuisine

Why: “Your Bridge to Turkey” is their slogan, and Bosporus Turkan Cuisine certainly lives up to that expectation. The food is bursting with aromas and flavours; it’s a true celebration of Turkish heritage as all plates are inspired by centuries of Ottoman cuisine. A view of the Dubai Eye can be seen as you enjoy your meal from the restaurant's location on Jumeirah Beach Residence, as you soak in the casual modern ambience. Delve into mezze, soup and salads followed by doner wraps, steaks and a bosburger for main. 
Where: The Walk, Opposite to Roxy Cinema, Jumeirah Beach Residence, Dubai
Book now: Bosporus Turkish Cuisine

Kaftan

Why: As they boast that their stuffed vine leaves are the best in the business, the team at Kaftan are confident in their cookery. It’s the comforting and chic ambience that keeps the dining room here packed, and is sure to make this a popular spot to choose for the whole family. Turkish music fills the air as you admire the handmade Turkish ceramic plates on the walls and stuff yourselves on their famous desert: Pasa Kadayif. Be entertained by the waiters as they carry flaming, salt-baked fish and feast on charcoal-grilled meats. It’s a meal not to be forgotten in a hurry.
Where: Villa #861 Jumeirah Street, Dubai

Lalezar

Why: Indulge in plates of succulent meats and fresh salads at Dubai’s first Anatolian restaurant. Delightfully Turkish, you can explore a menu rich in ottoman extravagance at Lelezar. Expand your knowledge and appreciation of Turkish dishes by trying their speciality ‘Sandal Sefasi’, which consists of grilled lamb cubes in an aubergine boat surrounded by char-grilled aubergine ‘begendi’.
Where: Ground level, right-wing, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, Dubai
Book now: Lalezar

Gunaydin

Why: This restaurant started out as a butcher’s shop, yso ou know the reason to come here is for the meat. High-quality steak is what this restaurant is known for. Having over 40 successful restaurants in Turkey, Gunaydin has an outstanding reputation that’s bound to provide a delicious meal.
Where: Gunaydin, Waterfront Promenade, Soul Al Bahar, Dubai
Book now: Gunaydin

Fish Beach Taverna

Why: Know your Greek from your Turkish? Fish Beach Tavern demonstrates how delicious both cuisines are when combined through their speciality fish dishes. Octopus in an orange vinaigrette or mussels stuffed with spiced brown rice awaits you at their sea view terrace. Choosing between mezze and grilled halloumi will be the most challenging choice here at this seaside treat.
Where: Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, Dubai
Book now: Fish Beach Taverna

Want to find the perfect place to visit for a drink with a view after your meal? Check out our guide for Best rooftop bars Dubai: 15 incredible spots for a drink with a view