More Turkish taste in town
Can Orlando handle another Turkish restaurant? Of course it can, and Zeytin Turkish Cuisine is setting itself up as a hidden gem in the city’s College Park neighborhood.
What I’d try a second time
The lamb adana kebab ($18.95) was simple but tasty. A long length of the meat freshly pulled from the grill was presented to me along with a slightly mushy rice pilaf. Two mixes, one of red onion and cilantro and another of diced tomatoes and cucumber, cooled down the lamb, which was deliciously spiced with Turkish red pepper.
What I didn’t like
The prices, although cheaper than the more-established Bosphorous Turkish Cuisine, seem a bit steep for the portion sizes and the atmosphere, which was a bit more simple.
What I would put on Instagram
Poured into a pretty red, green and blue patterned porcelain cup, Zeytin’s Turkish coffee ($2.50) makes for a pretty picture — especially when paired with some warm, stickysweet baklava for dessert.
Other eats
Can you begin dinner at a Turkish restaurant without lavas bread? I’ve never tried, and I wasn’t about to start at Zeytin. It provided the perfect way to scoop our appetizer duo ($9.95): sauteed eggplant in a tomato sauce with bell pepper and onions as well as
Zeytin Turkish Cuisine
Where: 4439 Edgewater Drive, Orlando When: 4-10 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday and Sunday; and 4-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday Cost: $13-$25 Beverages: Turkish tea, coffee and juices; wine; beer Wine by the glass: Yes Attire: Casual Extras: Good for groups, vegetarian, Greek, Mediterranean
Noise level: Low Wheelchair access: Good Credit: Visa, American Express, Mastercard and Discover Call: 407-988-3330 Online: Facebook haydari, a yogurt dip with a slightly sharp taste from fresh dill.
My guest’s chicken saute or TavukSote ($18.95) covered chicken, onions, bell peppers and mushrooms in a velvety cream sauce that was made only better by tossing in the rice pilaf.
How I was treated
Our server braved a suggestion or two as we pored over the menu. She was friendly and helpful with her descriptions of the dishes.
My next visit
The restaurant’s hefty menu will keep me interested for some time. Falafel ($8.50) and moussaka ($16.95) are definitely tantalizing, but kunefe ($9.95) is on my shortlist.
This made-to-order dessert consists of shredded wheat and sweet cheese before being topped with a syrup and pistachios.
For bar-hoppers
Zeytin offers a basic selection of “adult” beverages. I’d opt for something a bit more different by going with a nonalcoholic beverage such as ayran, a yogurt drink ($3), or Turkish juice, tea or coffee ($2-$2.50).
For those with special diets
There are a number of meat-free appetizers and entrees on Zeytin’s menu.