Fire up your appetite

If you want a true taste of superior Turkish and Mediterranean cooking right on your doorstep then head to Zorba Meze & Gril. You – and your tastebuds – will not be disappointed says Eileen Leahy

The aromatic scent of the mangal grill drifting out of Zorba’s kitchen chimney is enough to get your taste buds salivating but once you’re inside the restaurant, perusing its extensive menu and catching the odd glimpse of colourful and fragrant dishes being served to hungry diners you know you’re in for a real treat.

Ever since it opened its doors in 2017 as Zorba’s Meze Grill, serving Turkish and Mediterranean food, it has established itself as one of Tunbridge Wells’ most successful restaurants. Owned by Sedat Zorba, it has occupied its Upper Grosvenor Road premises since 2009 – it started out as a café. 

And whatever time of the day you visit – whether it’s a Monday evening or a Thursday lunchtime – it’s usually busy. People clearly love its selection of perfectly grilled meats, delicious platters of tempting Mediterranean mezze treats and welcoming atmosphere. 

I’m dining there one early summer’s evening with my son and niece who have come along with hearty appetites.

The restaurant is stylishly decorated. It boasts a mix of smart mango wood tables, leather banquettes, exposed brick walls, statement lighting and an open kitchen where diners can witness Zorba’s coterie of chefs grilling up a storm on the aforementioned mangal grill.

So far then ten out of ten for ambience – and the service is pretty good to. We are swiftly shown to our seats, presented with menus and asked what we’d like to drink. And despite clearly being very busy the waiters are attentive and friendly.

The menu is epic in terms of its offerings. Diners can choose from an array of traditional cold and hot mezze starters – think stuffed vine leaves, taramasalata, garlic buttered king prawns and Turkish sausage – as well as kofte, ribs, shish done on the mangal grill and other tempting delights such as seafood mezze, grilled halloumi or sea bass salads, vegetarian moussaka and a meat-free tagine. There is also a very well-priced set menu available from Monday to Thursday lunchtimes. No one goes hungry here…

To kick things off, the three of us decide on a trio of appetisers which include the Turkish spiced sausage but also golden nuggets of deep fried calamari and a super generous portion of the freshest tzatziki I have tasted outside of Greece. Served on gorgeous glazed crockery of all different sizes, the debut of dishes presents as a colourful smorgasbord of authentic Mediterranean fare – and tastes like it too. We have to stop ourselves from devouring all the warm flat breads as they are so deliciously moreish.  

For the main event my niece Lila opts for one of Zorba’s classic mangal dishes: grilled chicken pieces beautifully presented on a bed of yoghurt with tomato sauce and a drizzle of butter. She declares it a taste triumph but the generous size of it defeats her – luckily the staff offer take-out boxes.

Meanwhile my son Alex and I share a platter of chicken and lamb – both cooked on the mangal. The chunks of quality meat are smoky, melt-in-the-mouth tender and perfectly chargrilled and accompanied by garlic sauce, bowls of tasty bulgur rice and fresh salads.

After dining so well, both Lila and I are full to the brim but Alex can’t resist the tempting mango sorbet that’s on the dessert menu. Other choices include a decadent chocolate brownie, a crème brulee and a classic Baklava – an indulgent dessert made with sheets of flaky pastry, soaked in honey and layered with nuts.

With such a variety of dishes to savour here, for all types of tastebuds, and boasting great value and service, it’s no wonder that Zorba has become such a staple on our local hospitality scene. 

And now the restaurant has introduced a Turkish and Greek night every last Friday of the month, offering traditional dishes, authentic music, belly dancers and even plate smashing, it’s bound to become even more popular. See you there?

To book a table, or for more information on the Turkish and Greek night, held on the final Friday of every month, (booking is advisable as there is limited availability) visit www.zorbamezegrill.com or follow on social media @zorba_mezegrill