Cherylynn N.
Yelp
3.5 STARS
Inflation.
It makes your wallet cry but what can you do?
It is what it is.
But, when the food doesn't taste the same as before...
*Heart sinks*
Especially when food is your love language!
I was SO happy to see Anatolian Kitchen re-open in DTPA because their Alexander's Favorite (Iskender Kebab) was my fav in the Bay Area.
They took over The Port of Peri Peri space and are open for takeout, delivery, indoor dining, and dog-friendly outdoor dining.
M E N U
Turkish cuisine: Cold + Hot Apps ($14-$36), Soups + Salads ($12-$23), Entrees ($24.95-$34.95). Full bar!
F O O D
* Complimentary Pide w/ olive oil, balsamic, garlic dip: https://tinyurl.com/395p6yvf
When some restaurants are charging $5-$8 for bread, Anatolian Kitchen continues to provide free pide! The housemade pide was served hot - it's crunchy on the outside light + fluffy on the inside. The accompanying dip was punchy and flavorful.
* Pan-Fried Calf Liver w/ house salad ($16): https://tinyurl.com/2p9avua3
The liver was tasty with warming spices (reminds me of shaokao skewers) but overcooked so it was on the tough, grainy side. Served with spiced sliced red onions for refreshing sharp bite.
* Alexander's Favorite aka İskender kebab: Layered ground lamb+beef, pita bread cubes, tomato sauce, yogurt, sizzling butter ($28.95): https://tinyurl.com/49dz974e
Aside from the now steep pricing, I was disappointed that the recipe changed.
At the old location, the döner kebab was rich, juicy slices of ground lamb + beef that held its shape (like a gyro). Now, the slices have the texture of pot roast. Others may prefer the latter but I miss how it used to be.
The buttered hot tomato sauce over crunchy "croutons" with a side of cold tangy yogurt were on-point tho!
* Special of the Night: Lamb Chops w/ asparagus, salad, fries ($40): https://tinyurl.com/5dnbzvm6
Not what we expected; there were no Turkish (or Mediterranean) elements.
I thought the lamb chops would be marinated but they were just lightly seasoned with s&p and cooked to a medium (requested medium rare). Tender but prefer more char. Served with mixed greens + tomatoes with a vinaigrette and a basket of fries.
It was fine but had we known it would be served American style, we wouldn't have ordered it.
S E R V I C E
Friendly and prompt; one of two tables for early Sunday dinner.
A M B I A N C E
Cozy date night vibes with exposed brick walls and opulent chandeliers. Purple LED lightening at the bar (like at their previous location that's now Naschmarkt Restaurant, same owners).
Pleasant outdoor seating with heat lamps. California street is closed to traffic.
P A R K I N G
Street and lot parking. Rarely have issues.
Overall, the food was fine at Anatolian Kitchen's new location. Just bummed that the İskender kebab doesn't taste the same.