Efendy Restaurant Balmain
Bringing a slice of Istanbul to the Inner West, this modern Turkish restaurant sits in a beautifully restored Victorian mansion. In old Turkish, the word "efendy" described people with a traditional upbringing who took on a modern view.
The mixture of new and classic flavours is highlighted in dishes such as the four-hour slow-cooked beef cheek with smoked eggplant and kasar puree; or the lemon-marinated grilled swordfish skewer with raki-infused herb creme and bulgur pilaf. The list of mains is short yet perfectly adequate, with lamb, beef, seafood and vegetarian options. The braised lamb neck in chickpea and ox tongue wedding stew is ideal for winter dining, while the herb-marinated chicken skewer with cauliflower puree and rocket salad bursts with autumn flavours. Night owls can graze on tapas at the upstairs mezze bar, and drink rakis for less than $25 a pop.
The traditional weekend Turkish brekkies include dishes like the plenteous breakfast mezze, featuring homemade jams, butter, cucumber, tomato, Aegean olives, fetta and Turkish bread. It's not a splurge without a champagne cocktail, or perhaps a Turkish coffee paired with Turkish delight.
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