Efendy in Balmain has to be one of the nicest Turkish restaurants in Sydney, and its longevity is an accreditation to the delicious food served up in this gem.
Now I know most people think gozleme, stuffed vine leaves or pide when you think Turkish. This place is more than that! It’s fresh, authentic and flavoursome contemporary Turkish cuisine that’s huge on flavour. There is a selection of delicacies on the menu and all are designed for sharing (although you’re not going to want to share).
For starters we had the freshly made lavash bread with butter and zahter that melted in your mouth, followed by the Efendy salad that was made of string haloumi, figs and rocket. The flavours of the saltiness from the haloumi and sweetness of the fig were amazing and perfect for a summer nights feast.
Kadayif Prawns
Top: Efendy Salad. Bottom Left: Kayseri Style mini manti dumplings Bottom right: Octopus with white bean plyaz
Adana
We then were tantalised with Kadayif prawns, octopus, Kayseri style mini manti dumplings with pulled beef cheek (mouth watering is the understatement of the century). Their Adana lamb kebap was certainly not done the usual way and just served on a plate with a bit of salad, it comes in pieces with each piece wrapped in thin bread and the sauce is drizzled on top- it was divine and certainly the best I’ve had. And the Tandir lamb neck fillet? Well, it was soft, cooked to perfection and flavoursome.
Efendy Mess
If you have room for desert after all of the food (and trust me you want desert) try the Efendy mess. I’m not a sweets person but this was beautiful, not too sugary and the textures in the ingredients made it an enjoyable way to finish off a great dinning experience.
The restaurant isn’t cheap, you’re looking at spending a bit per head, but it’s sure worth the money and you’ll definitely be recommending it to your family and friends.
The details:
Address: 79 Elliot ST (Corner of Darling St) Balmain NSW 2041 Australia
Phone: +61 2 9810 5466
Email: INFO@EFENDY.COM.AU
Hours: Closed Mondays & Tuesdays
Wednesday-Friday: 5pm-10pm
Saturday & Sunday: 9am-3pm, 5pm-10pm
Enjoy!
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