Unassuming, family-run place for Mediterranean food with an emphasis on traditional Turkish fare. Based on 479 reviews, the restaurant has received a rating of 4.5 stars. Price $$
Address:
1406 E Empire St, Bloomington, IL 61701
Phone: (309) 585-0514
Photo Gallery
Reviews
Brad Beggs
Pretty legit Mediterranean food. Great $9.95 deal until 3:00 includes appetizer or soup, entree, and dessert. Get the rice pudding for dessert, you’ll wonder why no one makes this anymore!
… more
Charlie Robison
I drove 45 minutes to get here and I’m not leaving disappointed. Incredible and authentic Mediterranean. The restaurant was a little crowded and you could hear everyone’s conversation. The food took a bit to come out, but it was fresh and you could tell, so it was well worth it. Hands down the best hummus and pita bread (pictured) I’ve had. The Köfte Wrap was delicious, but my wife got the Adana Kebab (pictured) and I was envious. The spice was fantastic and it was very filling. Leaving HIGHLY satisfied and wanting to come back.
… more
Vijay Bolisetti
Ambiance is good but not food. Chicken wrap is too dry, very tough to bite since it was hard. I think they used pita bread. Kabab is good. I love hummus but it was ok due to pita bread tough to tear. Rice pudding is yummy. Overall not satisfied with the amount of bill vs food.
… more
M Gbertsis
The owner was very friendly and insistent. She definitely had an opinion on what you should or should not order. So don’t get your heart set on anything on the menu. Had the Zucchini pancakes appetizer, the sour cream walnut dill dip, Gyro platter (Gyro meat without the pita) and Chicken kebab. Was very flavorful and good.
… more
Iman B Tabar
I like the family vibe and the cold appetizer (Dolmeh) was good, but I had gone in there for the Kebobs! Instead I got a pan fried stale tasting patty! When I asked why it’s fried and not grilled as a kebab should be was told the grill is down and not working!! How about telling your customer that instead of frying the meat! Taste was bad and I thought for the location and interior it was overpriced.
… more
Caitlin Clyne
My favorite restaurant in Bloomington! I’ve been coming here for nearly a year and ever since the first visit the owner has made me feel so welcome, like I’m visiting the Turkish mother I never knew I had. And she remembers all of her customers! The food is delicious. I love the Turkish tea and the red lentil soup is the best comfort food. Their donar kebab melts in your mouth. And the rice pudding that comes with the lunch special is perfect. Plus I really enjoy the ambiance and decor. Gulay and her family are very proud of Turkey and the beautiful pictures on the wall make me want to travel there. The restaurant is a hidden gem that more people need to discover!
… more
Tabbetha Jekyll Frankenstein
I always love when there is a small hiccup in an order. I feel like this is when a customer can see who the owners/employees truly are and how they run their buisness. There was a mix up with one dish we ordered, but the lady was very sweet and her boys were very accommodating. No troubles and all had GREAT ATTITUDES. We got Gyro Plate, Lamb Chops, Greek Salad, and Lahana Dolmasi. ALL the food was EXTRAORDINARILY DELICIOUS! Definitely a new favorite Gyro & Greek Salad spot for sure! 🙂
… more
Angie Funfar
Perfect taste of Turkey! The Turkish tea is delicious and served in a glass with the ubiquitous eye of God. The food is authentic and tasty. We did not leave hungry! The service is fantastic! The owner makes you feel right at home with just the right amount of attention. The dining room is filled with Turkish decor and a TV. If you’d like to visit Turkey without traveling far from home, then eat at Ephesus!
… more
Terrence istheman
Friendly place where apparently it’s all homemade. I’d say skip the hummus but make sure to try the yogurt/mint/walnut dish because it’s so refreshing. Bonus: pair it with the livers appetizer for a nice spicy & cooling combo
… more
Andrea
Authentic Turkish cuisine in a casual setting. Home-style plating, homemade feel, great service, great food.
… more
… View more