Inside: Anatolia Cafe

Photos:

Anatolia Café isn't much to look at from the outside, but inside there's a true oasis of culture, friendly people and amazing food. Like most family-owned restaurants, this one provides you with a personal, intimate dining experience that can't be paralleled by any chain.

This is absolutely the best Mediterranean food we've had in Columbus, and we'd like to see the place get the recognition it deserves.

Food: In addition to the lunch buffet, which offers soup, salad, a main course and a dessert all for under $8, Anatolia Café provides a full lunch and dinner menu with very fair prices. If you haven't tried Turkish fare before, it's somewhat similar to certain Greek dishes, although with its own unique spices and flavor. The gyro is very good and fresh here, and the stuffed grape leaves are so tasty you'll have a hard time sharing them.

We've also heard that the following dishes are pretty spectacular:  lamp chops, Mediterranean salad, cucumbers in yogurt, special Beyti kebab (rated one of the best top dishes of 2002 by the Columbus Dispatch) and stuffed eggplant. There are plenty of options for vegetarians, too.

Libations: Standard beverages are available, but we highly recommend the Turkish coffee for the most authentic experience. Do note that Turkish coffee is served very hot in a small espresso cup nearly one-third full of dregs. Yes, it's supposed to be this way. You'll be buzzing all day long, and you might just become addicted to this unusual and flavorful drink.

Décor: Despite working with limited space, the restaurant is decorated and designed very well. Colorful pictures and decorations adorn the walls, and a beautiful mural of a Turkish town gives some visual appeal to the dining area. The seats are comfortable and cozy, and the overall ambiance is one of relaxation, happiness and a splash of the exotic.

Crowd: Garnering rave reviews from young and old, American and Mediterranean alike, Anatolia Café plays host to a wide range of loyal customers who frequent the small dining area for lunch and dinner. Carryout is also available, and a menu can be viewed on the restaurant's Web site.

Service: This is one of friendliest and most relaxed establishments we've been to. Expect to spend some time eating and socializing; that's all part of the experience. You won't see any rushing or bustling here, and it's a really refreshing change from the norm. After our delicious meal, the chef brought us a fabulous custard dessert on the house. We can't rave enough about the wonderful staff here!

Insider tips: Although the restaurant doesn't serve alcohol, experienced diners told us you can bring your own, so feel free to take your favorite bottle of wine along for the meal.

Bottom line: Break out of the dinner rut you're in and try something new and exciting at Anatolia Cafe. We're sure you'll love it and will want to come back for more.

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