Efendi's Turkish Restaurant

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Anyone who lives in the Redlands knows that our dining options are, well, a touch on the boring side. A few noteworthy Asian takeaways and a couple of pubs and clubs but nothing too out of the ordinary. Every time we try to decide where to catch up for dinner with friends its always a bit of a case of which one haven't we been to for a while.

Last night a friend of mine came up with a suggestion to try at Victoria Point, and I have to say I'm pleased she did. I went to this restaurant years ago when it was Ahmet's and came away with a rather nasty case of food poisoning that I'd much rather forget. Needless to say I was a little hesitant to rush back again, name change or otherwise. I figured however that Efendi's has been there for a couple of years now and always seems quite popular so it was worth a shot!

The restaurant is decorated beautifully and has a great authenticity to its atmosphere.


The staff are all very friendly and my only criticism is that they do seem a little on the unorganised side. You don't get a set waiter for the evening and instead end up with a constant stream of different waiters asking you the same question over and over again. Of course I'd still much rather this to restaurants where you get ignored entirely so its a minor complaint.

On to the important part, which is of course the menu. Efendi's menu is extensive to say the least and if I hadn't just enjoyed a tasty lunch at the Tuscan Terrace I think I would have been all over one of their shared platters or feasts for two. Unfortunately my appetite wasn't quite up for it so instead I decided to opt for a vegetarian clay pot. For a cold wintery night I really don't think you can go past the warming flavours of the Turkish Clay Pot casseroles. They are delicious. Efendi's vegetarian version was no exception. The meal was full flavoured and the vegetables well cooked.


My partner however is wonderfully blessed with a fabulous metabolism so he was more than ready to back of for a plate of juicy lamb cutlets which my friend also decided on for dinner. I'd like to say I got the chance to try them too but obviously they were that good I didn't get the chance. What I did try however, was the yoghurt dipping sauce that they came with, and it was so amazingly packed full of flavour that I think I've definitely lined it up as my meal choice for next time.


Efendi's also boasts a reasonable wine list. I can thoroughly recommend the Haha Marlborough Pinot Noir. At $8 a glass it is excellent value.

Friday and Saturday nights the Turkish theme is further reinforced by live belly dancing. Its very entertaining but does go on for a good 30 minutes or so with fairly loud music which unfortunately makes conversation a little difficult. But all in all it was still a great night.

Nice to see a bit of multiculturalism in the Redlands as well, so next time you are looking for something a little different in the Redlands I would highly recommend Efendi's. Apparently they also have restaurants at Toowoomba and Robina which I can't vouch for because I haven't tried them. If they're as good as the Victoria Point venue then I would definitely give them a go.

Until next time

Pj

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#eastern_suburbs
#restaurants
#turkish_restaurants
#victoria_point
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