Anatolia

Tonight I will share two recent reviews that Lowell and I published. One is Anatolia, a fantastic Turkish restaurant in Eastern Cleveland. The other is Le Petit Triangle in Ohio City, a great French bistro.

Just What the Doctor(s) Ordered
By Lowell Chang, MD and James Tarbox, MD

Anatolia Café
2270 Lee Rd.
Cleveland Heights, OH 44118
216-321-4400
www.anatoliacafe.com

Here in Cleveland we’re fortunate to have many options for Middle Eastern food, but it’s difficult to distinguish one place to another. One restaurant that stands out in terms of flavor is Anatolia Café. Turkish cuisine differs from other Middle Eastern food with its use of tomatoes and paprika found in their stews and sautés.

The original Anatolia was located opposite Whole Foods off of Cedar Road in University Heights. Although the food was always good, the dining room was small, being problematic in getting a table on busy nights. Anatolia has been at the new location on Lee Road for about 7 months now and offers the same great cuisine with a larger dining room and a nicer décor.

I have been to this restaurant several times and cannot think of a time that I had a bad experience. Probably the best way to start out each meal is with the mixed appetizer plate. Out of the various dips, one of my favorites is the babbagannush which has a smooth, smoky flavor. Of the main entrees, the standout dishes include the mixed grill, the lamb okra, and the döner (seasoned lamb strips-equivalent to gyro meat). One thing that can improve is probably the desserts with a mediocre baklava.

Overall, Anatolia offers great tasting Middle Eastern food at a location with a nice atmosphere that can accommodate large parties.

Scale of 0 to 5 (0 equals “Cold turkey”, 5 equals “Turkish delight”)
Food and drink: 4.5 (Great appetizers and main entrées, but lacking in the dessert category)
Atmosphere: 4.5 (Comfortable)
Service: 5 (Always friendly)
Bang for the Buck: 3.5 (Costs a little more, but worth the cost)
TOTAL: 17.5/20

-Dr. Chang

Dr. Tarbox's two cents:
Overall, I could eat at this restaurant every week if budget and family/friends allowed. It’s tough to beat that doner when it’s fresh off the carving wheel. They have a nice variety of combination platters and most appetizers are excellent.

Scale of 0 to 5 (0 equals “Cold turkey”, 5 equals “Turkish delight”)
Food and drink- 4.5/5 (The adana with yogurt is one of the best Middle Eastern dishes I’ve had. It rocks my dunya…I hope that means something. Quality of the appetizers may vary, but most are great.)
Atmosphere: 5/5 (The new location has a great atmosphere, vibrant background, and not too loud that you can’t carry on a conversion. While it is always busy, there never seems to a long wait if any. The patio is great in warmer times. )
Service: 4/5 (Always friendly and usually prompt)
Bang for the Buck: 4/5 (You’ll pay a little more than a sidewalk kebab stand, but it’s well worth it)
TOTAL: 17.5/20

If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or ideas for restaurants to visit, please e-mail us at: tarboxj@ccf.org and changl@ccf.org. Thank you.