San Diego's culinary map just got a bit more flavorful with the opening of Bosforo, a wood-fired Turkish kebaps restaurant in Normal Heights. Helmed by chef Seckin Sage Anlasbay, a seasoned restaurateur with a significant history in the industry, Bosforo aims to bring a slice of Adana, Turkey, to Southern California. With an extensive background in notable establishments like Bottega Americana and 3rd Cousin, followed by his success with a pizza catering company, Anlasbay has finally realized his long-time dream, as Eater San Diego reported.
Setting the stage for an authentic Turkish dining experience, the all-white dining room is wrapped in traditional meyhane decor, courtesy of interior designer Ilkem Naz Dinç. As noted by Eater San Diego, elements like leather upholstery, a literature-lined wall, and Turkish lamps infuse the space with a homely yet sophisticated atmosphere. The presence of a Mugnaini wood-fired pizza oven at the heart of Bosforo's kitchen, which is perfect not just for their pizzas but also for traditional dishes such as lahmacun and various kebaps, is another standout feature of the restaurant.
Bosforo's menu showcases an array of cold and hot mezze, with options like herbed hummus with beetroot and the Mersin-style crispy potato fries that diners can dip in a herbal green yogurt. A deep dive into Turkish culinary traditions is promised with the Adana içli köfte and the wood-fired kebaps. On the sweeter side, desserts such as the sütlaç, a baked rice pudding, and pistachio ice cream offer a fitting conclusion. "This is a one and only Turkish experience in southern California," Anlasbay told Eater San Diego.
Aside from the food, Bosforo also brings a lively social scene. According to a post on San Diego Eats, the restaurant features a summer DJ on Saturday nights and extends its bar service well into the late hours alongside their proud wood-fired pizza oven. The restaurant's beverage offerings include Turkish-inspired cocktails, Turkish coffee mixes, and wine. With a modern twist, the Antalya Spritz, which showcases gin and raki, the national drink of Turkey, kicks the traditional beverage experience up a notch.
