You’ll find everything from classic skewers and pide to Uzbek-Turkish fusion and late-night hookah lounges. Read on for what to order, what makes each spot unique, and where to find them.

All five restaurants here have earned rave reviews on sites like Hausion, and local guides, reflecting both consistent quality and genuine atmospheres. Whether you’re craving a generous mixed grill with all-you-can-eat sides or a cozy nook for baklava and Turkish coffee, Orlando’s Turkish scene has you covered.

Bosphorous Turkish Cuisine

Why It Stands Out

Bosphorous Turkish Cuisine has been serving authentic dishes since 2004, and its four Greater Orlando outposts—Winter Park, Dr. Phillips, Lake Nona, and Winter Garden—are consistently rated among the city’s top Turkish restaurants. Each location welcomes guests with an open kitchen where chefs grill everything over mesquite coals, infusing kebabs with a gentle smokiness.

Menu Highlights

Start with the stuffed grape leaves (dolma) or the creamy hummus, both house-made daily and garnished with just-pressed olive oil. For entrees, the mixed grill plate—featuring lamb, chicken shish, beef köfte, and spicy Turkish sausage—lets you taste Bosphorous’s signature marinades side by side. Don’t miss the pide (Turkish flatbread) topped with ground beef and melted kasar cheese, folded expertly into a boat shape.

Atmosphere & Service

Each Bosphorous feels both vibrant and family-friendly: expect tiled floors, rustic wood tables, and friendly servers who are happy to explain menus or pair wines from Turkey’s emerging vineyards. Prices hover in the moderate range ($$–$$$), making it a reliable choice for date nights, large gatherings, or solo meals.

Istanbul Grill

A Halal-Certified Favorite

Istanbul Grill has built a devoted following on South Orange Blossom Trail with its fully halal menu and generous portions. The restaurant recently expanded to a second location in Kissimmee, evidence of its popularity among both locals and visitors.

What to Order

The Iskender kebab—thin slices of lamb served over buttery pide pieces and drizzled with tomato sauce and yogurt—is both hearty and nuanced in flavor. For something lighter, the grilled lamb chops make a perfect plate, charred just right and accompanied by fragrant rice pilaf. Be sure to sample the lahmajoun (Turkish “pizza”)—a thin, spiced meat flatbread that’s crisp around the edges.

Sweet Endings & Drinks

Finish with house-made baklava, layered with pistachios and honey, or try kunafa, a cheese-based dessert soaked in sugary syrup. The Turkish coffee, served thick and aromatic, rounds out the experience.

Zeytin Turkish Cuisine

An Intimate, Authentic Spot

Zeytin Turkish Cuisine may be smaller than some of the chain-style eateries, but it packs big flavor into its cozy Winter Park space. Rated 5.0/5 on Hausion, it’s often called Orlando’s best hidden Turkish gem.

Signature Dishes

The chef’s special is the lamb shish, marinated in yogurt, garlic, and Mediterranean spices, then flame-grilled for perfect tenderness. Pair that with a side of buttery basmati rice studded with currants and almonds. Equally popular is the manti: tiny beef dumplings drizzled with melted butter, pepper, and garlic yogurt.

Ambiance & Value

With white-washed walls, hanging lanterns, and a few well-placed Turkish tiles, Zeytin’s décor evokes a breezy Aegean café. Prices are very reasonable ($$), and the friendly staff make every diner feel like part of the family.

Cafe 34 Istanbul

Late-Night Hookah & Turkish Fare

Cafe 34 Istanbul doubles as a hookah lounge and Turkish kitchen on International Drive, making it a go-to for late dinners and post-show hookah sessions. It’s open 24 hours, so it’s perfect when you need a midnight pide or dessert.

Must-Try Items

Their lahmacun is paper-thin and blistered, topped with minced lamb, parsley, and a squeeze of lemon. The combo platters—offering chicken shish, lamb köfte, and beef shawarma—come with rice, salad, and garlic sauce, ideal for sharing. And if you’re intrigued by the lounge vibe, the fruit shisha blends are both fragrant and smooth.

Vibe & Practicalities

Under neon signs and plush cushions, Cafe 34 feels more like a Turkish café in Istanbul’s Taksim Square than a theme-park strip mall. Expect a relaxed dress code, late-night happy hours, and plenty of seating for groups.

Caravan Uzbek & Turkish Cuisine

A Fusion of Two Traditions

Caravan blends Uzbek and Turkish dishes under one roof near South Orange Avenue, offering a unique fusion that you won’t find elsewhere in Orlando. Its menu draws on recipes passed down through generations, with hearty stews, kebabs, and pastries.

Standout Plates

Try the plov (Uzbek rice pilaf cooked with lamb and carrots) alongside Turkish manti—hand-rolled dumplings with garlic yogurt— for a taste of both cuisines. The lamb shashlik (skewers) are marinated in light spices and charred over coals, reminiscent of both regions’ barbecue traditions .

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Setting & Service

Caravan’s décor mixes Uzbek ikat textiles with Turkish decorative plates, creating a homey, lived-in feel. Service is warm and attentive; the owner often greets guests personally and shares stories of family recipes. Prices are in the moderate range ($$), with generous portions that make splitting entrees easy.

Orlando’s Turkish restaurants offer far more than kebab on a stick—they capture centuries of culinary heritage, community warmth, and the joy of sharing long, savory meals. From the established authenticity of Bosphorous and Istanbul Grill to the hidden gem Zeytin, the nocturnal allure of Cafe 34, and the cross-cultural flair of Caravan, these five spots deliver genuine tastes of Turkey (and beyond) right here in Central Florida. Pack your appetite—and an adventurous spirit—and discover why these restaurants keep diners returning for more.