What People Are Saying About Efes Turkish Cuisine
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
In Short – The aromas of garlic and mint draw hipsters and in-the-know locals to simple tables amid images of the Ottoman Empire. Across the bar, handcrafted cushions and rugs adorn the "sark" room, encouraging intimate chat and reflecting the rich colors of Turkish holy places. Whet your palate with Yaprak Sarma (stuffed grapeleaves) before devouring Iskender, a masterpiece of sinfully tender beef, gently spiced tomatoes and yogurt sauce. Finish with Chef Orhan's citrus rice pudding.
05/16/09
Only Efes about this place is the beer
by LuvTRfood
Having lived and worked in Turkey we went to Efes expecting authentic Turkish food and service. We did look up the menu online and without reading the deep details ( several items have tandouri) decided to make the trip to Tempe. Expecting real Turkish food we ordered Turkish beer, several appitizers and Iskender. Nothing other than the Efes beer was authentic. All the food had a an off taste of a spice we never tasted in Turkey. Reading the other reviews here ( which we did not do before we went) we now undestand why. We have eated at the place on Mill street where the original owner ( a Turk) has a small place that has real Turkish food.Please go there if you want a meal that is prepared in an authentic manner. Very disapointed.
- Pros: Real Turkish beer
- Cons: Food is not Turkish
02/08/09
Efes Turkish Cuisine
by 11diamonds
Took a friend there, she recommended based on a meal several years ago.
Now, we inquired about the owners, two Iraqi?s, Mexican cook, waitress chewed her nails as she took our order - food was inedible -
The decor was pleasant and inviting although the tables were too high to sit on the floor and too low for pillowed couches where you had to genuflect to get to your food.
I found that by lying down on the couch and eating left handed blocked the nausea and one hand clapping.
- Pros: decor was pleasant
- Cons: everything else
07/13/08
What they call "iskender" is not "the real Turkish iskender"
by FromTurkey
I went to this restaurant once. As a Turkish person living in USA for a while, I had great expectations. I ordered hummus and iskender. Hummus was not that bad, but it was not as thick as it supposed to be. I would not recommend eating hummus there.
I love eating iskender, but I cannot call the dish they are serving is "iskender". I guess due to their Mexican chiefs, the meat was full of different spices and it didn't taste as "iskender" at all. It was something else. I don't want other country's citizens to know "iskender" as they make it in Efes Turkish Cuisine. For Turkish people, sakin orada iskender yemeyin, buyuk bir hayal kirikligi...
I recommend the owners to change the name of the restaurant. Nothing there is "Turkish". Even not the music...
The Details on Efes Turkish Cuisine
What to Drink:
The wine selection, though limited, is worth a glance, especially if you've never had Turkish wine. Try the Yakut, a dry, medium-bodied red that compliments lamb dishes.
Know Before You Go:
The complimentary spicy red pepper sauce served pre-dinner with pita bread is hot, hot, hot--but very popular and tasty.
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Visa, Discover, MasterCard
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