If you've driven down Edgewater Drive in College Park lately, it's turning into a restaurant ghost town. More restaurants in the past two years have closed up shop whether to move or shut down entirely than in the nine years I lived in the neighborhood. With such great walkability and access, it's odd why so much turnover keeps happening. Driving down the main drag on a Saturday evening feels more like an abandoned neighborhood than a popular Main Street District.

Holding steady for the past six or so years, however, is Zeytin Turkish Cuisine. A place that many may only be familiar with if they live in the area or have gotten it as a recommendation. It's not a glitzy spot that the local social media foodies flock to showcase, which is a shame because it's delicious and has been since it opened. With a five-star Yelp rating and a 4.8 Google rating, you don't have to take my word for it.

The Vibe

No frills, but a comfortable and colorful atmosphere awaits you when you walk in. More than likely, you'll be instantly greeted by Michele, who is part owner and perhaps the most excellent, personable front-of-house persona you may ever come in contact with. She remembers everyone, even if you've only dined there once, and immediately takes care of you as though you were a guest in her home.

Cushioned banquettes line the walls, with tables still spaced out so patrons aren't on top of each other. Because of that, the restaurant feels intimate, and even if you entered it at total capacity, you still wouldn't be dining with too many other patrons. That also helps with the strain on the kitchen since it's a one-man show, Michele’s husband, back there.

THE FOOD

Rule #1 of dining at Zeytin is always start with the Lavas bread. I called it the Kirby bread because of it’s shape. You are going to want to attack it the moment it hits the table, but it is hot and fresh so beware ripping into it, you will absolutely burn yourself. We ordered hummus to go with our bread, but Michele was kind enough to bring us two other dips to try, a spicy Ezme and a sauteed eggplant. While their hummus is more than enough, it was lovely to have other textures and flavors to accompany the bread, and it made me want to try the full platter of dips with the lavas bread next time, as that could easily be a meal on it own.

For entrees my husband ordered the Lamb Adana Kebab, and I got the Lamb Pide. Everything is so fresh and flavorful.

The Pide is an oval-shaped Turkish flat bread that we would all be quick to liken to pizza. The toppings are securely in the Pide dough and cut into pieces for ease of eating. Whether you choose a meat filling, or perhaps spinach, or just cheese it’s a flavorful meal that comes in a generous portion. I never finish mine and always have leftovers. The mixed salad that comes with it helps keep things light. The Lamb Adana Kebab is another favorite, made complete with a simple butter buttery rice pilaf.

While the entrees are not cheap ranging from $20-30, they are quite filling and worth the money in my personal opinion.

SHOULD YOU GO?

YES! If you are a fan of Turkish food or perhaps have never had it and want to experience it, I can’t think of a better spot to visit in Orlando. Michele will answer all your questions and help you make your dining selections.

It’s best to make a reservation if you plan to go at a peak dining time due to the small dining room. We took a gamble and went right when it opened on a Friday night and got away with not having one, but if we had gone later, we would have been in trouble.

You can be confident in their to-go process if you don’t wish to dine in. They package and label things well, and the food holds up fine in transit. Of course, your lavas bread won’t be large and puffy, but it will still be just as delicious.

Zeytin Turkish Cuisine - 4439 Edgewater Dr, Orlando, FL 32804

As always, all food was paid for personally, this is not a sponsored or hosted post.