Whether you are a foodie or simply someone who needs a late-night snack in a hurry, it’s always good to know where to find a great Turkish restaurant. Brunswick is home to some of Melbourne’s most authentic and delicious Turkish cuisine. From traditional dishes like kebabs and dolma to lesser-known specialties like manti and borek, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
This list covers spots for a quick bite or a sit-down meal, so read on to learn about some of the top Turkish restaurants in Brunswick and what makes them so unique!
Halikarnas Turkish Restaurant
If you are looking for a Turkish restaurant, Lygon Street Brunswick has a plethora, and Halikarnas is one of the cosiest options available. The dishes are steeped in Mediterranean tradition and Middle Eastern flavours, most notably the Black Sea region of Turkey. You’ll notice the homely feel the moment you walk through the door.
All main courses are served with char-grilled vegetables and bulgur (cracked whole-grain parboiled to resemble rice). The Adana Kebab features charcoal-grilled seasoned lamb mince cooked on a wide skewer accompanied by grilled tomatoes and green peppers served on a bed of pita bread with onion and sumac salad. You can also find a range of appetizers, such as Dolma Biberi, which is capsicum stuffed with rice and traditional spice mix (served with garlic yogurt).
Some very happy customers have left the following reviews:
“Everything was delicious!! The saganaki had to be one of the best I’ve ever had! The bread with the dips was another highlight! The service was fantastic; they were all so friendly! We had a wonderful time, looking forward to going back!
More info: halikarnas.com.au
Directions: 2/71 Lygon Street, Brunswick East, VIC 3057
Rumi Brunswick
Rumi Brunswick serves a sharing menu of a la carte or banquet dishes with a focus on charcoal meats and plenty of vegetable and grain dishes. This is the spot for a casual weeknight meal, after-work drinks or a special occasion (they even do private events).
The vegetable-forward dishes like the Lebanese & Iranian pickled veg, Caramelised Eggplant Braised with Tomatoes & Green Peppers, and more prove that vegetarians and vegans are much more than an afterthought here. They also have a curated wine and drinks list inspired by a range of Middle Eastern options. We recommend checking out the fried cauliflower with caramelised onions, currants and pine nuts for a true Turkish flavour sensation!
You wouldn’t be the first fan of Rumi, as some of their positive reviews state:
“Had a wonderful evening here. We had the set menu with paired drinks. Loved the atmosphere, and the team where very helpful, cheery and attentive. I found the food to be very satisfying, simple but very tasty and exciting.”
More info: www.rumirestaurant.com.au
Directions: 116 Lygon Street, Brunswick East, VIC 3057
Adanali
Adanali is like popping over to your grandparent’s house for dinner. Cozy, inviting, and the smell of great food is everywhere. Don’t be deceived by the street view, it may look like a simple takeaway joint, but the food is top-notch. Known for its kebabs and extremely friendly service, Adanali is the perfect community space for everyone who feels like some flavour and a chat.
If you want to step outside of the realms of the kebab, try the Samsun (minced meat, herbs, and onions inside a delicious Turkish bread loaf), or anything else from the menu, as it is all good! If it feels like we are unrealistically talking it up, check out some of these stellar reviews:
“We drove 1 hour and a half to come here! Absolutely love the food; best Turkish food ever. The meats are tender and juicy, the owner is very nice, and we love his hospitality. We love the food so much.”
Directions: 835 Sydney Road, Brunswick, VIC 3056
Alasya Restaurant
‘Alasya’ is the old Ottoman word for Cyprus, the east Mediterranean island and the original home of restaurant owners Cihan and Cemal. In fact, they met and married in a quaint restaurant called Alasya before moving to Australia and opening their own Alasya Restaurant. What began as a tiny shopfront became a multi-dimensional business featuring a butcher, wholesale bakery, restaurant, and corporate catering service.
Everything in Alasya is made fresh, and even the dips are peeled, sliced and blended by hand in the kitchen. Speaking of the dips, the Babaganush, which mixes wood oven-roasted eggplant, tahini, lemon, olive oil, garlic and yoghurt is an absolute must. You’ll probably want to pair it with the Alasya Special Dolma, which has fresh capsicum filled with sultanas, rice, herbs and fresh tomato topped with the scrumptious Alasya special sauce.
Everyone loves this place, with one happy customer going as far as to say that the Iskender kebap was among one of the best they’ve had in Melbourne.
More info: alasya.com.au/
Directions: 555 Sydney Road, Brunswick VIC 3056
Semosh Mum’s Kitchen
As the name implies, the bright and inviting Semosh Mum’s Kitchen aims to bring the flavours of mum’s kitchen to you with daily prepared, fresh, and authentic Mediterranean food. From the freshly prepared Stuffed Eggplant (aka Karniyarik) to the Sweet Ricotta Balls, which are baked fresh, there is plenty to love about this spot.
Now, a hummus competition would be a great idea with all of the restaurants on this list. If we held one, however, Semosh may come out on top (we think they nail the oil-to-dip ratio). Also, with its cute blue-painted walls and Mediterranean island paintings, sitting inside Semosh is as enjoyable as eating their food.
More info: www.semoshmumskitchen.com.au
Directions: 451 Sydney Road, Brunswick VIC 3056
Mankoushe
Mankoushe has a wood-fired oven in the middle of the kitchen, which is responsible for its seasonal dishes made by hand, using locally-sourced produce. The menu spans the world of Middle Eastern cuisine from Iran to Morocco with every single element sourced within Australia from spices to plants. Even their fruits and vegetables are handpicked from the Coburg market if they are not grown in their own garden!
When you step inside, you may feel like you’ve been transported into a Wes Anderson film. A great way to start your meal at Mankoushe is with charcoaled bullhorn peppers, which are a bit spicy and sweet as they are marinated with a touch of pomegranate molasses, olive oil, pickled lemon, capers and parsley. You’ll also want to try the artichoke hearts, which are hand-peeled and baked, then stuffed with caramelised walnuts and spinach.
Once you’ve visited, you’ll be quick to fall in love. One happy customer contested that Mankoushe featured some of Melbourne’s best food.
More info: mankoushe.com.au/
Directions: 323 Lygon Street, Brunswick East VIC 3057
Mama Manoushe
Mama Manoush has a giant neon sign that lights the restaurant and garden area to let you know you are in one of the most stylish spots for an authentic and traditional Lebanese Mezza selection. In fact, they go so far as to say that if you were in Lebanon, their food is what would be on the menu (made the same way with the same ingredients).
If you want to ensure you get the full experience, go for the mega banquet, which at $65 per head, will guarantee that you are never hungry again. It includes all of the good stuff; dips, Fatoush, Zataar chips, options for the grill, and dessert. This is the perfect spot to head to with your crew, as the menu is designed for sharing and good times!
With a recently revamped menu, it would appear the masses approve based on these reviews:
“Delicious fresh Lebanese cuisine. Fantastic menu. Wonderful atmosphere/vibe. Clean. Friendly and accommodating staff. Highly recommended!”
More info: www.mamamanoush.com.au
Directions: 177/175 Lygon St, Brunswick East VIC 3057
Very Good Falafel
Have we saved the best for last? Possibly. Trust us when we say that the name of this place is a true understatement, as this may be the finest falafel we’ve ever had. Made in the store, find us a more deliciously crunchy, coated falafel than these giants.
There are plenty of salads, eggplant, Babaganoush and more on offer, but all you need to do is walk in, order the falafel in pita, and rejoice in the fact that you’ve likely found your new favourite spot on Sydney road.
Directions: 629 Sydney Road, Brunswick VIC 3056
Life at EBV means easy access to a world of food in Brunswick. However, these Turkish options are merely the tip of the iceberg! As the EBV location is a ‘20-minute neighbourhood’, which means everything you need is within a 20-minute walk from your front door, you’ll love discovering the local hotspots without having to venture too far!
There are plenty of local transport and cycling options, and if you pick the latter, you won’t have to feel guilty about ordering extra servings of hummus and Turkish bread! Find more about one of Melbourne’s most popular suburbs for foodies and make the move to Brunswick at East Brunswick village – register your interest today.