The first time my friend took me out to a Turkish restaurant, it was in this random strip mall. The Adana kebab was dry, and the rice tasted stale. The baklava? Soggy. It was a disgrace.
That bad experience is what led me to look into better Turkish restaurants with menus that don’t mislead. I was after authentic Turkish food, and that’s exactly what I found after plenty of tasting.
Here are the top Turkish restaurants in Calgary that you have to know about!
How much does it cost to eat at a Turkish restaurant in Calgary?
It costs at least $15 to eat at a Turkish restaurant in Calgary. This is just an estimate. The actual price will depend on what you order and which restaurant you decide to eat at.
Table of Contents
1. Turkish Kebab House
Address: 5016 17 Ave SE
Contact Details: +14034522488
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 11 AM to 10 PM
- Friday – 11 AM to 11 PM
- Saturday – 12 PM to 11 PM
- Sunday – 12 PM to 10 PM
Turkish Kebab House’s Beyti Kebab alone is worth the trip. Their juicy minced lamb is rolled in warm, buttery lavash. They smother the kebabs in this tangy tomato sauce that made me want to lick the plate.
I also enjoyed their lahmacun, a.k.a Turkey’s version of pizza. The crust was cracker-thin, loaded with spiced beef and herbs. It came with a lemon wedge to enhance the flavor.
Couples who dine here share that they enjoy the combo platter, which comes with enough food for two. It includes adana skewers (beef and chicken) that have that perfect smoky, char-grilled taste.
One couple shared with me that they enjoyed the tender lamb chops, though they wished Turkish Kebab House dialed back the salt a smidge.
That aside, it’s hard to complain because their staff stays on top of orders, and the portions are huge.
The food is fresh and tasty
“The place is very ambient. Nice simplistic design, photos of different parts of Turkey on walls, Turkish music creates very welcoming atmosphere. The menu amazes with variety of authentic dishes. The service is fast, the food is fresh and tasty. I was pleasantly surprised with huge portions and compliments from the establishment. Highly recommend to try it out. Real hidden gem.
Update three weeks later. Ordered a lot of food for my birthday celebration. And had a dinner there with a friend. The place does not disappoint every time. Dishes smell outstanding, taste fingerlicking. The lamb is so tender, it is hard to describe.”
– Denys Tsybka, Google Reviews
Delicious food and friendly
“Delicious food and friendly and helpful staff! Our waitress, Marwa, was so kind and attentive. Will definitely be going back!”
– Sarah Aljabban, Google Reviews
2. Anatolia Turkish Foods Restaurant
Address: 1440 52 St NE
Contact Details: +14034849022
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 10 AM to 10 PM
- Friday to Sunday – 10 AM to 10:30 PM
People who want to enjoy Istanbul bazaar vibes should dine at Anatolia. The atmosphere is low-lit with those iconic mosaic lamps casting kaleidoscope shadows.
Plus, their music shuffles through playlists of Turkish classics.
Foodwise, I loved the variety of dishes on their menu. Prices lean on the higher side, but after one bite of their rack of lamb, I nearly forgot all about my wallet.
Their lamb chops are incredible. The meat practically slid off the bone, and the minty tzatziki on the side? Genius move.
Other diners enjoy their Ali Nazik, a comforting dish of lamb or beef piled over smoky eggplant purée swirled with garlic yogurt. It’s rich, creamy, and one of the things you’ll want seconds of.
The family platters offer great value for those dining with family or friends. Each platter comes with a mountain of grilled meats—chicken, beef, and lamb—all perched over rice.
As far as desserts go, I’d say try their pistachio baklava. It was flaky, sticky, and nutty, with a drizzle of honey that’s just sweet enough to pair with their Turkish coffee.
Absolutely delicious and freshly prepared
“We stopped here for lunch during a road trip in late June and were pleasantly surprised! We ordered the ‘Stuffed Chicken’ and ‘Turkish Doner’ (beef), both were absolutely delicious and freshly prepared. The setup is self-service, but the staff at the counter were friendly and efficient. The location is great, with plenty of parking, and there’s even the bonus of a Turkish grocery store on-site. Highly recommend this spot for tasty food, convenience, and overall great value!”
– Tasnima Ferdous, Google Reviews
Delivers an authentic Turkish dining experience
“Anatolia Turkish Restaurant in Calgary, delivers an authentic Turkish dining experience. The food is fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented, with standout dishes like kebabs and baklava. The service is attentive and friendly, making you feel truly welcome. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, perfect for a relaxed meal or special occasion.”
– Kamal Khan, Google Reviews
3. Istanbul Lounge & Cafe
Address: Unit 104, 8408 Elbow Dr SW
Contact Details: +1 587-295-7977
Operating Hours: Wednesday to Monday – 8 AM to 9 PM
Istanbul Lounge is where I go for excellent Manti (Turkish dumplings). These delicate, hand-folded raviolis are stuffed with tender beef and float around in a garlicky yogurt pool. I loved how the coolness of the yogurt balanced out the spiciness of the beef.
Other diners I talked to swore by the Chicken Shish Platter. The skewers come off the grill juicy with a perfect char, paired with crispy fries and soft lavash bread that’s perfect for scooping up creamy hummus.
The Moussaka here is another favorite. The layers of eggplant, spiced lamb, and velvety béchamel evoke Turkish lasagna vibes.
Their all-day breakfast platter is another fun pick, though the name’s a bit misleading since it’s really meant for one. It’s still a feast: feta, fresh mozzarella, olives, and tahini drizzled with molasses. The buttery, flaky borek on the side is always served hot too.
Drink-wise, I’d say their Menengic Coffee is hands down one of the best drinks on their menu. Made from roasted pistachio tree seeds, it’s nothing like your average espresso.
I just wish that their service were better. It took them at least 30 minutes to get my food out to me.
True Turkish coffee and excellent Turkish baking
“Incredible!! The definition of a hidden gem. Tucked away in a strip mall off a feeder street, lies this awesome cafe. True Turkish coffee and excellent Turkish baking had me in awe. The Borek caught me completely off guard, it was so delicious, I’d recomend the Cheese Borek paired with the Dibek coffee. I’ll 100% be back for more. A new favorite!”
– Nicholas Theriault, Google Reviews
Reminded me of homemade food
“Worth every dollar. We ordered the Manti, smooth and spiced (not spicy); the lamb shank, subtle and smooth; butcher’s meatballs, rich and a melt-in-your-mouth-experience. If that isn’t convincing enough, the service from the limited staff here was beyond exceptional. A little bit of rice spilled on the table and they were on it with a cloth to clean the entire table prior to dessert.
The saleb (rich, sweet milky drink) was an experience in of itself. I would return here JUST for the Saleb.
12/10 experience and food. Reminded me of homemade food.”
– Mallaz Najmi, Google Reviews
4. The Turkish Rotisserie
Address: 2770 32 Ave NE #42
Contact Details: +14032910410
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 11 AM to 10 PM
Website
If it wasn’t obvious, the Turkish Rotisserie is known for its rotisserie chicken.
The ½ Chicken Dinner is what I get when I come here. The bird is juicy and has a crispy skin that’s perfectly seasoned.
The tomato sauce on the side is sweet, tangy, and borderline drinkable. Even the bread roll it comes with is worth the carbs.
The Super Platter is what I’d recommend for families. It includes two whole chickens, three lamb shanks, and a mountain of shaved beef. The beef is fatty, garlicky, and perfect for stuffing into those fluffy buns.
As far as sides go, diners can choose from fries, buttery rice, or salad. The fries are crispy enough to survive the ride home, and the buttery rice is delicious. The zesty Coban salad seems to be a popular choice among diners too.
The lamb, though, was really bland. One couple I talked to even said that even a heavy sprinkle of chili flakes couldn’t save it.
The food was amazing
“We were looking for a place to eat near our hotel by the Calgary Airport and had the good fortune to walk into The Turkish Rotisserie.
The staff are super friendly and extremely helpful. The food was amazing. We tried three different dish and loved all of it.
The sad part is we were visiting from southern Ontario so it might be a while before we are back.
If you live near or far you owe it to yourself to try this place. You’ll love it!!!!!!”
– Derek Konieczny, Google Reviews
Delicious, fresh food, with so much flavour
“We were welcomed immediately. Delicious, fresh food, with so much flavour. The restaurant is so clean! Try the ayran. It’s a yogurt drink and they make it there. The buns are soft and warm. The meat is succulent. The prices are reasonable for such generous portions.”
– Heather Campbell, Google Reviews
5. Turca Breakfast House
Address: 2604 4 St NW
Contact Details: +14036139707
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Friday – 8 AM to 4 PM
- Saturday & Sunday – 8 AM to 5 PM
Turca Breakfast House stands out for its Turkish VIP Breakfast. I ordered this, and I could hardly finish all the food I was served.
Their Turkish VIP Breakfast comes with creamy feta, tangy olives, and golden kaymak (clotted cream) drizzled with honey. I also loved the house-baked bread that was still warm from the oven.
But the real star for me was the menemen, a skillet of fluffy eggs simmered with spicy sujuk (Turkish sausage) and peppers. It’s rich, savory, and perfect for those who want to start their morning with something hearty and full of flavor.
Regulars who come weekly like the börek. Its flaky layers are stuffed with salty cheese that oozes with every bite.
For something sweet, I’d recommend the Pancake Breakfast option on the menu. Their fluffy stacks come with ripe banana slices and a dollop of Nutella, balanced by Turkish tea.
Those who prefer coffee, though, should try their Pistachio Turkish Coffee. Ground with pistachios, it’s nutty and rich, leaving a gritty sweetness at the bottom of the cup.
My biggest complaint is the service. Sometimes the waiters can be a bit slow at bringing the food to the table. I waited like 15 minutes for mine.
Food is authentic and delicious
“Had a great coffee and dessert at this lovely resting place. When the weather is great you can be on the front deck or around the side at casual picnic tables for a relaxing pause. If you’re from Turkey, you’ll feel at home (Merhaba!) and if you’re from Canada—you don’t have to shell out for a plane ticket to travel! Food is authentic and delicious. If you don’t know what to have, check out an interesting dessert with your coffee—kunyefe—my fav! Have a chat with the host, Erkan, and enjoy some Turkish hospitality!!”
– Dr. Wes, Google Reviews
A traditional Turkish restaurant with gorgeous food
“This is my first time trying Turkish food, and this restaurant looks a traditional Turkish restaurant with gorgeous food. I ordered a breakfast menu, Green Breakfast which has a spinach omelette, labneh cheese with a Turkish bread and Turkish coffee with pistachio (additional $2). The labneh cheese was so creamy and smooth and a great match with a bread. The spinach omelet went well with olives and the cheese. I thought it would be oily, but without any oil taste. It was great. The Turkish coffee was strong but smooth! Next time I’m gonna try a menemen with eggs. The service and serving were excellent and friendly.”
– PG Park, Google Reviews
