Turkish restaurants are a South Florida dining alternative.
As people from the Middle East discover the sun, beach and outdoor lifestyle in South Florida, and area diners discover the health benefits of a Mediterranean diet, Turkish restaurants have become more frequented. The freshness of the cuisine, its adaptability to the growing popularity of vegetarian diets and the natural preparation of the dishes attract diners of all tastes and nationalities. South Florida covers three major counties, and each has Turkish restaurants for dining Turkish style.
Hollywood
A la Turca Restaurant in Hollywood, Florida, offers full menus for both lunch and dinner. Mezas (appetizers or starters) include traditional roasted eggplant, hummus or a pre-selected meza platter. Dinners include kabobs, lamb shank and a la Turca specialties, such as mezas, main platters and side dishes. Goat cheese, rocket, Mediterranean and octopus salads are also available. The restaurant features an extensive wine list. A Happy Hour 2-for-1 of drinks and appetizers is offered daily from 4 p.m to 7 p.m. Reservations are suggested, and the restaurant accepts Visa, Master Card and Discovery cards.
Boca Raton
Entertainment highlights at the Meze Turkish Restaurant and Taverna include Turkish music, belly dancers, disc jockey nights and even a hookah night. Cold and hot appetizers include the fried eggplant and tomato sauce Saksuka, Jajik (diced cucumbers, herbs and garlic over yogurt), white kidney beans with fresh herbs and rolled filo dough stuffed with feta cheese and herbs. Soups and salads, kebabs, lamb shank, shwarma (thin strips of seasoned lamb and beef cooked on a rotating skewer), char-grilled meat patties (koftie) and a special seafood dish are available. The restaurant is closed on Monday. All credit cards are accepted.
Fort Lauderdale
American Turkish Restaurant combines an American-style diner with Turkish menu items to create a wide selection of meals, from ham and eggs to traditional Turkish, modern Turkish and vegetarian meals. Eggplant stew, lamb saut , grilled baby lamb chops and gyros are on the menu. Turkish soups, salads and spinach and cigar pies are also served along with American selections. Open from breakfast through dinner, the American accepts all credit cards.
Miami Beach
The Hakan Turkish Grill uses only natural ingredients and is rated "halal" for those with dietary concerns. Skirt steak, beef tenderloin and a lamb-and-bean stew are included on the menu along with traditional Turkish kabobs and koftes. Chicken, fish and vegetarian selections are . The choco-raspberry cigar roll is a favorite dessert, and Turkish coffee is a specialty. Fans of Turkish soccer can watch the games on the restaurant's big screen television. The restaurant is open daily from noon to 11:45 p.m., and private catering, delivery and take-out are available. The restaurant accepts all major credit cards.
South Hollywood
Located on the beach in South Hollywood, Istanbul Restaurant, according to their website, was voted the "best ethnic restaurant" in the area for three years in a row. Turkish dishes and specialties include a grilled sirloin steak served Turkish style with Turkish seasonings, the chef's special sauce and vegetables. Koftes, mixed grills, kabobs and gyros are also available. Their spinach, chicken or feta cheese pies are favorite luncheon dishes. Tripe or lentil soup, an abundance of traditional appetizers and Turkish desserts and puddings are on the menu. Turkish coffee rounds out the meal, and the restaurant serves beer, wine and limited mixed drinks. Guests can watch Turkish soccer and European professional sports on the large-screen television. A children's menu is available.
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