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The 10 Best Turkish Restaurants in Manchester That Will Make Your Mouth Water!
I’ll be honest, Turkish food wasn’t always my first choice. One time, though, I stumbled into a Turkish restaurant and it was like a culinary revelation; the flavours, the aromas, the sheer variety of dishes – I was hooked after that!
Now, I’m that friend who’s always dragging everyone to the newest Turkish spot in town.I’ve now become somewhat of a Turkish food enthusiast, sampling dishes from every nook and cranny of Manchester.
Here are the top Turkish restaurants in Manchester that will make your mouth water and your taste buds do a happy dance. From the city’s succulent kebabs to the sweetest baklava, I’ve done this belt-loosening legwork (happily so, if I may add) so you don’t have to!
Istanbul Restaurant Manchester
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Website: Istanbul Restaurant Manchester
Address: 25-27 Bridge St
Contact details: +44 161 832 9781
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-11PM
For a vibrant Turkish dining experience in Cheetham Hill, head to Istanbul Restaurant. This place is a visual delight with its floral decor, leafy greens, and eye-catching neon signs. The chefs here are masters of their craft, blending traditional flavours with a modern twist.
The menu is packed with delicious options like sucuklu pide (£13.55), topped with garlic sausage and mozzarella, and chicken kofte beyti (£16.95). Veggie lovers will also find plenty to enjoy, such as falafel and moussaka.
The restaurant also offers a selection of Turkish wines and raki to complement your meal. Istanbul Restaurant is known for its warm, welcoming atmosphere and excellent customer service; an ideal spot for both casual dining and special occasions.
| Pro tip: Order the house special lamb shank. It’s cooked to perfection and falls off the bone. |
Turkish Delight
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Website: Turkish Delight
Address: 15 Bury Old Rd
Contact details: +44 161 720 8858
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 11AM-11PM
Turkish Delight is a beloved, family-run gem in Chorlton, managed by Deniz and Tina Dikgoz. Open since 1985, it’s a favourite among locals for its cosy atmosphere and affordable, home-style Anatolian cuisine.
The menu features award-winning kebabs like lamb shish (£9.90) and garlic chicken (£9.90), served with nan bread and salad. Don’t miss out on their appetisers like sigara borek (£4.90) and yaprak dolma (£4.90).
They also offer a variety of vegetarian dishes, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Regulars also rave about the friendly and attentive service, which adds to the overall charm of this delightful spot.
| Pro tip: Try the mixed mezze platter for a taste of everything – it’s perfect for sharing. |
Cafe Istanbul
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Website: Cafe Istanbul
Address: 79 Bridge St
Contact details: +44 161 833 9942
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-11PM
Near Deansgate, Café Istanbul has been serving up authentic Turkish cuisine on Bridge Street for nearly 40 years. The restaurant’s warm, inviting atmosphere is accentuated by its red and orange patterned chairs.
Specialties include Turkish pizzas (from £11.90) with freshly baked pastry and minced lamb toppings. Don’t skip the dessert menu, which features traditional kunefe (£5.90), a sweet pastry with cheese and pistachios.
They also offer a variety of meze dishes, perfect for sharing; the lamb shish and chicken beyti are other popular choices among regulars. Café Istanbul’s wine list includes a selection of Turkish wines that pair wonderfully with their dishes.
| Pro tip: Save room for dessert – their baklava is some of the best in town. |
Saray Café And Bistro
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Website: Saray Café And Bistro
Address: 56 Wilmslow Rd
Contact details: +44 161 257 2572
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 11AM-10PM
Got a hankering for a breakfast with a Turkish twist? The award-winning Saray Café and Bistro have got you sorted. This neighbourhood spot on Wilmslow Road offers signature Turkish fry-ups (£11.95) featuring sucuk, jam, honey, and clotted cream.
For a morning boost, try their gozleme (£7.50), a tasty toasted tortilla filled with minced meat and cheese. The main menu is equally extensive, featuring traditional dishes like Turkish shepherd’s salad (£8), chicken princess (£15), and their homemade baklava (£5.50).
Their hearty lamb shank (£17.95) is a favourite for lunch or dinner; the cafe also offers a range of vegetarian options, including stuffed vine leaves and grilled halloumi. Saray Café’s welcoming atmosphere and friendly staff make it a popular spot for both locals and visitors.
| Pro tip: Try their kunefe for dessert – it’s a sweet, cheesy delight you won’t want to miss. |
Etci Mehmet Steakhouse
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Website: Etci Mehmet Steakhouse
Address: 17 Blackfriars St
Contact details: +44 161 832 6202
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-11PM
Etci Mehmet Steakhouse is not just another steakhouse – it’s an experience. With locations in Liverpool, Birmingham, and Manchester, this place has earned a reputation for prime cuts and live cooking shows.
The meat is slow-cooked for nine hours to perfection. You can enjoy juicy hanging kebabs (£21), a giant spicy meatball (£28), or splurge on the gold menu with a tomahawk steak for up to £200.
The sleek and modern interior, complete with velvet booths, makes it a perfect spot for a special night out. Don’t miss the fire shows and live cooking experiences that add to the buzz.
| Pro tip: Go for the mixed grill if you can’t decide – it’s a meat lover’s paradise. |
Topkapi Palace
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Website: Topkapi Palace
Address: 205 Deansgate
Contact details: +44 161 832 9803
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-10:30PM
Topkapi Palace, named after the famous Istanbul museum, is a family-run gem on Deansgate, serving Turkish cuisine for over 36 years. Led by head chef Seref Dursun, the restaurant boasts a welcoming atmosphere with mustard yellow leather seats and an open kitchen.
The menu features tempting starters like imam bayildi (£6.95), a national dish of baked aubergine with sautéed green peppers, tomatoes, garlic, and onions. Don’t miss out on their signature cocktails, like the Espresso Turk Martini (£8.50).
Their mains include delectable options such as lamb shish and mixed grills that showcase a variety of meats. They also offer vegetarian delights like stuffed bell peppers and lentil soup; the dessert menu is equally enticing, featuring classic Turkish sweets like baklava and sutlac.
| Pro tip: Try the house special mixed kebab – it’s a feast fit for a sultan. |
Anatolian Grill
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Website: Anatolian Grill
Address: 113-115 Lapwing Ln
Contact details: +44 161 445 4119
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-11PM
For some modern Turkish fare in the North West, hit up the first wine and mezze bar, Anatolian Grill. This place nails the essence of Turkish culture with dishes inspired by various regions, from the Aegean to the Black Sea.
Step inside, and you’re greeted by bejewelled light fixtures, olive green booths, and pretty foliage. It’s the kind of place where you can sip on Raki or a Turkish Delight Martini (£9.50) and feel like you’re miles away from Manchester.
The menu is a delight too, with lamb casserole (£17.95), swordfish steak (£20.95), and some creamy baba ganoush (£6.25). Perfect for a cosy date night or a catch-up with friends.
| Pro tip:Their mixed mezze platter is a fantastic way to sample a variety of flavours. |
Sultanahmet Grill
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Website: Sultanahmet Grill
Address: 27 Wilmslow Rd
Contact details: +44 161 257 3010
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 11AM-11PM
Sultanahmet Grill is the go-to spot on Wilmslow Road for scrumptious meatballs. Opened in 1920 by Mehmet Seracettin Tezçakın, this place has been perfecting its meatball recipe for generations.
Think chequered flooring, brick walls, and a canteen-like feel that makes you feel right at home. The signature meatballs (£12) are a must-try, but don’t stop there – the chicken sizzlers (£17) and koftes (£14.50) are just as good.
They also offer a range of other traditional Turkish dishes, including lamb chops and mixed grills. Vegetarian options are available too, like the stuffed aubergine and falafel.
| Pro tip: The mixed grill is a must try, as it’s a great way to enjoy a variety of meats in one meal. |
Tegtat
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Website: Tegtat
Address: 46 Barlow Moor Rd
Contact details: +44 161 446 2211
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 11AM-10PM
Tegtat is the place to be when you’re craving authentic Turkish baked goods; this gem on Barlow Moor Road is all about soft simit sandwiches made in-house. The cafe has branches popping up everywhere, but this one feels like a local favourite.
Their boreks stuffed with feta cheese (£3.99) are divine, especially when paired with a hot cup of Turkish tea. And for those with a sweet tooth, the trilece (£6.49) is a must – a light sponge cake soaked in pistachio, chocolate, or caramel.
They also offer a variety of other pastries and savoury snacks that are perfect for any time of day. The cosy, welcoming atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for a quick coffee break or a relaxed afternoon catch-up.
| Pro tip: Order the lamb moussaka – it’s hearty, delicious, and perfect for a chilly day. |
Istanblue Royton
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Website: Istanblue Royton
Address: 30 Middleton Rd, Royton, Oldham OL2 5PA
Contact details: +44 161 626 2929
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-10PM
Using the freshest ingredients and employing chefs who have honed their skills in top-tier restaurants, Istanblue Royton is a culinary gem in Oldham.
This place oozes charm with ropes laced across the ceiling, mounted photographs capturing intimate moments in Turkey, and plush orange seats that make you feel right at home.
The menu is a testament to their dedication to quality, featuring hand-crafted kebabs that will make your taste buds dance. It’s no wonder they snagged the title of best fine dining restaurant at the British Kebab Awards.
Whether you’re digging into their traditional meatballs (£8.95) or sharing a spit-roasted sirloin steak doner (£29.95) with friends, every dish is a delight.
| Pro tip: Try the Turkish Delight Martini – it’s a delightful twist on a classic drink and pairs perfectly with the rich flavours of the meal. |
Antalya Cafe
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Website: Antalya Cafe
Address: 123 Rusholme Rd
Contact details: +44 161 234 5678
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 11AM-11PM
Diners in Rusholme can get a taste of Turkish cuisine at Antalya Café, a bustling spot known for its relaxed atmosphere and diverse menu. This low-key cafe offers both indoor and outdoor seating, making it a great place to enjoy a meal or shisha with friends.
Antalya Café is popular for its juicy kebabs, but it also offers a range of fish dishes, mouth-watering desserts, and a variety of non-alcoholic drinks, including original mocktails. The menu includes options like grilled sea bass and calamari, catering to seafood lovers.
For dessert, try their baklava or rice pudding, which are crowd favourites. The café’s shisha selection is extensive, with various flavours to choose from. Their mocktails, such as the pomegranate cooler and mint lemonade, are refreshing and well-crafted.
| Pro tip: Try their special mocktails – they’re refreshingly unique and perfect for pairing with your meal. |
