Borrowing the name from one of Istanbul’s heritage museums — a vast cultural gem of porcelain, fabrics, weapons, manuscripts and more dating back hundreds of years, and then some — you would expect Topkapi Palace to be one of the most authentic Turkish restaurants in Manchester. Established on 1979 and occupying an enviable spot on Deansgate, our city’s most famous street, this place definitely lives up to its moniker and location. Which is thanks in no small part to the incredible work of renowned Chef Seref Dursun, who runs things with family, adding to the sense this eatery is something truly special.
“Some of our most popular dishes are our sharing dishes such as mix grill and mix mezzes, and we think that speaks volumes about our approach to Turkish sharing dining style. It encapsulates what Topkapi is about, everyone can try a little bit of everything and enjoy the experience of sharing food and time with others,” we’re told. Grilling kebabs for more than 40 years, standout choices include the Doner Kebab that could change anyone’s mind about doners, the Lamb Sizzler, and iconic Adana Kebab — tender minced lamb, skewered with onions, spiced herbs and homemade tomato sauce. Or the Pilic Kebab with chicken, fried peppercorns, and onions.
If you’ve ever been to Turkey the amazing vegetarian options won’t have passed by unnoticed, here these range from starters like Yaprak Sarma (vine leaves, stuffed with rice, pine kernels and onions), and Rus Salati (vegetables, egg, mayonnaise and lightly spiced pickle), to Falafel, Taze Fasulye (green beans cooked in olive oil and onion), Imam Bayildi (baked aubergine stuffed with sautéed peppers, onions and tomato) and the spinach-chickpea knockout, Ispana Nohutluv. Topkapi Palace also prides itself on excellent set menus, including a lunchtime two course offer at £15.95, and Pre-Theatre deal with starter, mains and dessert for £22.95, available between 4 and 7PM.