Efendy Meze Bar
Image: Don’t let the fancy building and courtyard deter you; head upstairs where a hot Istanbul night is never out of reach! Meze is the Turkish equivalent of tapas, so sit back with a sour-cherry infused Vishnepolitan ($12) and select from well-priced options like the Duck Gözleme ($8/ 2 pieces).
Don’t let the fancy building and courtyard deter you; head upstairs where a hot Istanbul night is never out of reach! Meze is the Turkish equivalent of tapas, so sit back with a sour-cherry infused Vishnepolitan ($12) and select from well-priced options like the Duck Gözleme ($8/ 2 pieces). The duck stuffed yufka pastry topped with fresh pomegranate certainly rewrote gözleme for me. A similar reformation was launched by the Fried Duck and Rice Kofte ($8/2 pieces); while the Efendy Salata ($6) showcased excellent produce like springy rocket, superb Turkish figs and Komili Extra Virgin Olive Oil from Ayvalik. The menu is loaded with vegetarian dishes, but even carnivores should include the Zucchini Fritters ($6/2 pieces). The restaurant goes through fifty kilos of beef cheeks a week; when you order a Sicak (larger dish) of Braised Beef Cheek with Eggplant Puree ($15) you’ll see why. They’re four hour braised and melt in the mouth. Wine consumption here is also going to please your accountant – the stunning 2004 Domain Day Riesling ($9/glass, $25/carafe, $36/bottle) was the highest priced wine on their clever list. For dessert, share a Daily Foursome ($10) of desserts, like a not-too sweet log of fıstık sarma (pistachio) and a small glass of excellent Turkish Coffee flavoured Keşkül (milk pudding).
Efendy Meze Bar
Upstairs, 79 Elliott Street, Balmain
Ph: (02) 9810 5466 www.efendy.com.au
Modern Turkish $-$$
