Experience Turkey at its best at Lalezar, Dubai’s first Anatolian restaurant. Decorated with beautiful paintings, tiles, and curtains, you’ll be transported out of the country, being made to feel like Ottoman royalty throughout your meal. Found in the Jumeirah hotel, with the sound of trickling water thanks to the decorative fountain, it’s a restaurant you can truly relax in.
Start your meal with Ezogelin Corbasi, a traditional lentil soup spiced with chilli flakes and zesty lemon. Or instead, cool yourself down with Pìyaz, a bean salad sprinkled with spring onion, peppers, tomato, and parsley and dressed with an olive oil-vinegar sauce. The Turkish are of course known for their incredible mezze, and Lalezar is a great place to experience this, with a delicious spread of hot and cold options. Enjoy the Patlican Ezme, a char-grilled aubergine with strained yoghurt and olive oil, or treat yourself to the Içli Köfte “Haslama”, a steamed bulgur patty with minced lamb, and a selection of moreish sauces. To experience Turkish delicacies is a delight that’s hard to turn down, so be sure to order their speciality Kuzu Incik which consists of braised lamb shank with barley “Keskek” topped off with a lamb jus.
Sweet tooths shall be satisfied here with an extensive dessert menu. Go for the classic Katmer and enjoy the pistachio and clotted cream stuffed pan-seared dough. Although, just know that the Turkish delight chocolate lava cake might turn your head in another direction. Wash it all down with a glass of Turkish coffee or tea to perfect your experience at Lalezar. To truly experience all that Turkey offers, maybe order their Peynir Tabagi and get a tour of the best Turkish cheeses partnered with apricot and dried fig. Whatever you end up going for, Lalezar is a must-visit spot on the Dubai restaurant scene.