Best turkish restaurants in Edinburgh
# Best Turkish Restaurants in Edinburgh
**TL;DR:** Edinburgh’s Turkish dining scene offers authentic flavours and generous portions. Top spots include traditional kebab houses, family-run establishments, and modern venues serving mezze and grilled specialities. Most mains cost £8-15, with many offering late-night service and delivery options perfect for weekends.
## Introduction
Turkish cuisine brings warmth, flavour, and hospitality to Edinburgh’s food scene. From sizzling doner kebabs to slow-cooked stews, Turkish restaurants offer something special for everyone. Whether you’re craving comfort food after a night out or planning a proper sit-down meal, Edinburgh has brilliant Turkish options. The food is affordable, filling, and genuinely delicious. You’ll find family-run restaurants serving recipes passed down through generations. Many spots offer authentic Turkish hospitality that makes you feel welcome instantly. Let’s explore Edinburgh’s best Turkish restaurants and what makes them worth visiting.
## What Makes a Great Turkish Restaurant?
The best Turkish restaurants combine fresh ingredients, traditional cooking methods, and genuine hospitality. They should offer a proper range of mezze starters, grilled meats, and vegetarian options. Quality matters more than fancy decor. Authentic spots often have wood-fired grills, proper Turkish coffee, and desserts made in-house.
Look for restaurants that source quality lamb, use proper spices, and aren’t afraid of flavour. The staff should be friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. Cleanliness and food safety standards are absolutely essential. A good Turkish restaurant feels like visiting someone’s home, not just eating out.
## Where Should You Find Turkish Restaurants in Edinburgh?
Turkish restaurants cluster in several areas across Edinburgh. Leith Walk has several established spots with loyal followings. The city centre offers convenient options for lunch and dinner. Newington and Bruntsfield have family-friendly venues with decent parking.
You’ll find everything from quick kebab shops to proper sit-down restaurants. Late-night spots concentrate near Grassmarket and around Waverley. Many neighbourhoods now have Turkish takeaways serving delivery to your door. The best approach is searching by area on a UK business directory to find what’s closest to you.
## What’s the Typical Price Range for Turkish Food?
Most Turkish restaurants in Edinburgh price mains between £8 and £15. A decent doner kebab costs £5-7. Sharing mezze platters run £12-18 per person for a proper feast. Sit-down restaurants with table service charge slightly more, typically £10-18 for mains.
Lunch deals often offer better value than dinner. Many places do two-for-one offers or discounts for collection. A family meal for four easily costs £30-50 including soft drinks. Alcohol will add extra, though many Turkish restaurants have reasonable wine lists around £15-25 per bottle.
## Why Do Turkish Restaurants Deserve a Visit in Edinburgh?
Turkish food offers incredible value for money and genuine flavour. You get generous portions that actually fill you up. The hospitality is warm and personal, not corporate or rushed. Many restaurants have been run by the same families for decades.
Turkish cuisine is naturally healthy, relying on grilled meats, fresh vegetables, and olive oil. There are fantastic vegetarian options including halloumi, falafel, and stuffed aubergines. The mezze tradition means you can try loads of different flavours in one meal. Turkish hospitality makes you feel genuinely welcomed, not just another customer.
## Conclusion
Edinburgh’s Turkish restaurants deliver authentic food, great value, and genuine warmth. Whether you want quick kebab takeaway or a proper meal out, the city has excellent options. These restaurants represent the best of Turkish hospitality and cooking traditions. You’ll find friendly staff, fresh ingredients, and flavours that transport you straight to Istanbul. Don’t miss the chance to explore this vibrant food culture on your doorstep. Find a Turkish restaurant near you by searching our free UK directory today.
## FAQ
**What’s the difference between doner and shawarma?**
Doner is Turkish, cooked on a vertical spit with spiced lamb or chicken. Shawarma is Middle Eastern with similar cooking but different spices and marinades. Both are delicious, but doner has a distinctly Turkish flavour profile.
**Are Turkish restaurants good for vegetarians?**
Absolutely. Turkish cuisine has brilliant vegetarian mezze including hummus, baba ganoush, dolma, falafel, and cheese dishes. Most restaurants happily cater to vegetarian diets with generous plant-based options.
**Can I get Turkish food delivered in Edinburgh?**
Yes, most Turkish restaurants offer delivery through their own services or apps like Deliveroo and Just Eat. Check the specific restaurant’s website for delivery areas and minimum orders.
**What should I order as a first-timer?**
Start with a mixed mezze platter for starters. Try a lamb shish kebab or chicken adana for mains. Order Turkish bread, yoghurt sauce, and rice on the side. Finish with baklava or Turkish delight for dessert.
**What time do Turkish restaurants stay open until?**
Many stay open until 11pm or midnight on weekdays. Weekend hours extend to 1-2am in city centre locations. Phone ahead to confirm closing times, especially late night.