Words by Samantha Harman
MediTerra Turkish restaurant in West Hove is a hidden gem that offers an authentic taste of Turkey. From the moment you step inside, you are greeted with warm hospitality and a cozy ambiance that sets the stage for a delightful dining experience.
The restaurant’s interior is an Instagram dream, complete with a neon clad plant wall and luxurious, contemporary furnishings making the perfect backdrop to any social media post.Â
The menu is extensive and features a wide range of traditional Turkish dishes, from appetizers to main courses and desserts. As a lover of Turkish cuisine, I found it difficult to decide what to have, but eventually settled on a sharing starter, followed by lamb kebab. I was delighted to learn they have my favourite Turkish beer, Efes on tap too. This is quite a rarity.Â
The starter arrived and was beautifully presented on a large dish with its own compartments. There were eight different offerings including Halloumi, which is always a winner for me, deep fried calamari, hummus, tzatziki, filo and spinach parcels and Turkish meats. The portions are generous and I have to admit to feeling a bit full after finishing the entree. In the name of research my eating needed to continue, so slurping my trustee pint of Efes, I loosened my belt and waited for the main to arrive.Â
A short while later I was presented with four succulent lamb chops, sitting on a bed of bulgar wheat and rice combo and a flat bread with chargrilled peppers and tomato. This was accompanied by a fresh salad complete with pomegranate seeds and a sweet balsamic glaze. The meat fell off the bone and was cooked to perfection, slightly pink in the middle and charred and crispy on the outside. The salad was a delicious accompaniment.Â
To end my meal on a sweet note, I indulged (at the waiter’s suggestion) in the baklava, a traditional Turkish pastry made with layers of filo pastry, nuts, and honey syrup. The baklava was sweet, sticky, and incredibly delicious, and was honestly the best I’ve tasted outside of Turkey.Â
Overall, MediTerra Turkish restaurant in Portslade exceeded my expectations in every way. The food was authentic, flavorful, and beautifully presented. The service was attentive and friendly, and the atmosphere was warm and inviting. If you are looking for an authentic taste of Turkey in Brighton, I highly recommend paying a visit to MediTerra. Portslade station is just outside so if you fancy indulging in a few pints of Efes as I did, then you can leave your car at home.Â
