Testimonials at Anatolia

Listen to what others are saying about Anatolia Mediterranean Cuisine in our video testimonials section.  We are always looking to add new faces to this section.  If you see the video camera crew and have something you'd like to share with our website viewers, just let us know.

Had a lovely lunch here recently.

A chef told me that the best way to sample a restaurant is to try a selection of appetizers, so we asked for recommendations and ordered two plus the mushroom-style bread that others are praising. Yum. The servings were generous so we finished less than half of each appetizer... All was delicious.

Happy note: Wine by the glass prices are reasonable and the glasses are generous, almost double the size of those at Brio, for example.

Service was attentive.  On the way out, the owner actually stopped us and asked how we enjoyed out lunch. The last time that happened to me was...let me think... never.

One more thing: The restaurant's ambiance surprised us. It's small and intimate, unexpected in a big shopping complex next to Starbuck's. Would be great for a date...

Can't wait to go back.  Next time for dinner!

Valerie C.

Orlando, FL

I was at a conference last week stuck in a Disney Hotel eating overpriced food when I saw an ad in the toursit magazine for Anatolia.  I love Turkish food and enlisted my group of 6 to venture off the site to eat a feast.  We were not disappointed!

The location was great, in a cute strip mall with trees.  There was outside seating so we opted to eat out.  the large fans blowing made things feel cool and breezy (we are all from colder climates so this was really important for us)

The owner came out when he heard that we we were travelors of Turkey.  He recommended a few dishes and we ordered the mixed appetizer plate, Hummos and fried calmari.  All were excellent!  We got several orders of the special bread which was yummy.  We shared entrees because we were all stuffed and really wanted desert.

Two of us got the chicken kebabs with veggies--reallly, really great!  Another pair ordered the beef kebabs and they too were delicious.

For dessert we each had a baklava. Turkish version being less sweet than the greek version and so much better.

Service was great, ambiance great, food excellent.  Try it!

Mimi

Boston, MA

I'm a tough critic of restaurants when it comes to PERFECT - but short of perfect, Neil, the owner of this restaurant has put his best foot forward into the category of truly great!

We stumbled upon Anatolia while looking for another restaurant and in a quest for food that genuinely qualifies as vegetarian in Orlando (not an easy task - have you looked around Orlando???).  Just having been turned away from Thai because we were a bit late (10pm) we were cruising on out of the shopping complex and slipping by the starbucks when the word Turkish stood out from the sign.  I thought there were some serious possibilities of meeting the vegetarian filter here, so we stopped.

What a surprise - on a thursday night, Anatolia at 10pm had not only food for us, but also a Turkish Guitar player, several groups of people in the outdoor seating and a relaxed and beautiful atmosphere.  Coming inside however is what really did it for me.  Anatolia is beautiful - slate floors, a tiled back wall, esthetically gorgeous colors and draping across the front windows, as well as comfortable chairs - can't underestimate the value of beautiful and comfortable seating as you sit down to a delicious feast of Turkish/Mediterranean food.

So to get started - Lavas - house made bread that rose almost 6 inches above the plate - stuffed grape leaves that left me wishing for more (and 4 in a serving only made me happier) - Lentil soup that was delicate and flavorful - then of course the main course - a delicious combination of beef and lamb kebabs while my partner in crime had zucchini squash pancakes as well.  It was all delicious - and then of course some wonderfully strong Turkish tea to top it all off.

Neil, the owner came by and spoke with us, all the wait staff were very attentive and came by frequently to see how we were while not being overbearing.  Wait, before I forget, out Turkish guitar playing friend - he was fantastic as well.  He has a great voice, has taught himself to play by ear and provided the perfect mood setting to our experience.

If there's anything missing to make this a five star experience it's simply that we didn't manage to have dessert and I can't throw that fifth star in there without it.  If I could give a 1/2 star addition I would.

To give you some concept though - we were so happy with Anatolia that we went back the next night - and were exactly as happy as the first night.  I'm posting some pictures as soon as I add this business so that everyone else can see what I enjoyed so much!

John-Michael

Arlington, VA

8/29/2010