Salim Ali K.
Google
We visited Anatolian Kitchen in Palo Alto for a team dinner, and it turned out to be a great evening all around. A big plus right off the bat was that there’s a public parking lot less than a minute’s walk away, which makes visiting very convenient.Levant was an amazing host who took excellent care of our table throughout the night being attentive, friendly, and always on top of things. Everyone at the table had a wonderful time.
We started by ordering a mix of appetizers for the table, and they set the tone perfectly:
3-combo appetizer platter – an absolute standout; fresh, flavorful, and beautifully balanced. Everybody enjoyed the contents with the bread that was served.
Falafel – crisp on the outside, soft on the inside, and very satisfying
Pan-fried calamari – tender and well seasoned
Beet salad and Anatolian salad – fresh, vibrant, and refreshing
Every appetizer was excellent, but the combo platter clearly stole the show.
The main course spread was impressive, with something for everyone:
Iskender – rich, comforting, and full of flavor
Chicken Adana – bold, juicy, and well spiced
Vegetable moussaka – hearty and comforting
Grilled chicken shish – tender and flavorful
Grilled salmon – perfectly cooked and fresh
Grilled lamb shish – juicy and delicious
Whole Branzino – absolutely amazing; this was my order and I loved every bite.
Vegetarian turlu – (Stewed tomatoes, eggplant, potatoes, bell peppers, zucchini, and carrot served with rice pilaf) well-balanced and satisfying
We ended the evening with three orders of family-style desserts, and the desserts were truly standout, rounding off the meal on a high note.
I also placed a separate to-go order that included a mixed grilled platter and grilled lamb shish. While the food itself was excellent and tasted just as good at home, the only downside was being charged a large party fee, even though this was a separate personal to-go order. That aside, the quality and flavor were still top-notch, with clear 5-star food written all over it.
Overall, Anatolian Kitchen delivers exceptional Turkish cuisine, generous portions, and great service. Minor billing hiccup aside (for the to go order which ideally should have been separate from the table), this was a wonderful experience, and it’s a place I’d happily recommend and return to.