The best places for Turkish food in Edinburgh

This Turkish Mangal (charcoal BBQ) and Meze Bar serves dishes like Tavuc Guvec (chicken and vegetable casserole), Sucuk, Sigara Boregi, Mucver and baklava. Flags and coloured fairy lights dangle from above, in the narrow whitewashed restaurant, Turkish artwork and prints adorn the walls, along with wood shutter effect mirrors and glowing traditional lanterns, all creating an authentic far-from-home, cosy feel. Everything is freshly made to order. And it’s BYOB, so what you save by bringing your own drinking, you can spend on food. Pera is open every day except Monday and is found on Elm Row.

Based on the principles of joy, happiness and good moments, Ada Restaurant has brought diners a slice of Turkish sunshine since 2015. Tender meats are marinated before being chargrilled in traditional methods for an authentic taste. There are also cold and hot mezze, casseroles, kebabs, wraps and a kids’ menu with both Turkish and British options. Do try the Künefe (Kataifi thin pastry, filled with sweet Turkish cream cheese, nuts and syrup), or the Firin Sütlaç (oven-baked rice pudding, with lemon and cinnamon) for pud. Ada is a former British Kebab Awards Winner and Scottish Asian Food Awards Winner.

From the shores of the Med to the shores of Leith, and Kezban  Mediterranean Restaurant. The family-run venue’s Turkish chef brings his two decades of experience to the kitchen, where he prepares handmade mezes, such as the house speciality spreads; The Kezban Special and The Kezban Special Feast. Individual signature dishes include the patlicanli kebab and cacik. The meat is all halal and much of it is cooked on the BBQ charcoal grill. Its banquets are ideal for a family gathering or dinner with friends and come with the divine hot house bread. And it’s all excellent value for money.

From the shores of the Med to the shores of Leith, and Kezban  Mediterranean Restaurant. The family-run venue’s Turkish chef brings his two decades of experience to the kitchen, where he prepares handmade mezes, such as the house speciality spreads; The Kezban Special and The Kezban Special Feast. Individual signature dishes include the patlicanli kebab and cacik. The meat is all halal and much of it is cooked on the BBQ charcoal grill. Its banquets are ideal for a family gathering or dinner with friends and come with the divine hot house bread. And it’s all excellent value for money.

This restaurant’s mission is to bring the true flavours of Turkey to Scotland’s capital. It’s a great option if you’re tee-total, with an entire “dry bar” menu of zero-alcohol cocktails and high-end alcohol-free fizz. Opt for an Istanbul Mango Mule, Life’s Shish, or Bloody Mehmet, all beautifully and elaborately presented.

The sophisticated venue is designed in dark blue with accents of gold and serves an express lunch, as well as an a la carte menu of tempting delicacies. Sample their Somon Florantine (grilled salmon fillet served with mushroom, spinach and creamy sesame sauce); Yaprak Sarma (grape leaves stuffed with rice, onions, pimento, cinnamon and raisins); or a selection of Patlican Sogurme, Kuru Cacik and Humus cold mezze plates. Shish Edinburgh was the Open Table Diner’s Choice Winner for 2023.

In need of some scran into the wee small hours? Tucked beneath South Bridge on Cowgate, this late-night grill bar (serving food till 2 am) takes many of its menu cues from across the Middle East and Turkey. Find dishes like Za’atar (a spice mix indigenous to Turkey) infused padron pepper skewers with halloumi and padron pepper skewers; and salad packed with cheese red onion, pomegranate, cherry tomatoes, salad greens, garlic mayo and herby croutons, on the menu. With a buzzy atmosphere, Ox184 is great for a post-pub crawl bite or a pre-club feed.