Though it was featured on You Gotta Eat Here!, Sofra still hides in plain sight near MacEwan University. But folks who seek it out will find familiar Mediterranean flavours, but with a Turkish twist.
Start with one of the authentic dips like humus, loaded with garlic and served on pita bread fresh from the stone oven. The signature dish is the spicy beef adana kebab but, for something milder, the tavuk sis kebab features juicy pieces of chicken with just enough char. The pasa kebab is lamb loin grilled to perfection and topped with two giant prawns. And you can’t go wrong with baklava – layers of honey, pistachios, walnuts and phyllo – for dessert.
For a more intimate setting, check out Sofra’s new cellar. Inspired by the old stone cellars of Istanbul, it features soft seating and a menu of small plates.
The name of the show says it best: indeed, you gotta eat here. –Glenn Cook
10345 106 St., 780-423-3044, facebook.com/Sofra.Authentic.Turkish.Cuisine
It’s a feather in the cap of Koutouki to be considered one of the small-plate Greek mainstays in Edmonton. Despite the longevity of the 124th Street institution, the restaurant hasn’t grown stale. The food is delectable and authentic, and the decor is timeless in that it reflects the culture and the atmosphere of a true Greek tavern.
But what has really kept Koutouki fresh in the minds of diners is the way the menu has evolved since the restaurant’s humble beginnings. Instead of deliberating between large souvlaki, lamb or moussaka entres, diners can fully explore of the best of what Greece has to offer with the meze option, including the warm, crisp pita and dips, Greek salad and grilled calamari dressed in a lemon and olive oil sauce. –Cory Haller
10719 124 St., 780-452-5383, koutouki.ca
Sunbake Pita Bakery is a bit of a hidden secret, tucked away in a strip mall in north Edmonton. It’s known for baking all the pitas on site, but be forewarned – once you sample Sunbake’s freshly baked pitas, there’s no going back to the store-bought variety. While Sunbake has an extensive menu including fatayers and shawarma, it’s often the simplest dishes that are the most memorable. Take the cheese pie, for example: a fresh pita topped with a blend of cheeses and baked until bubbly, it’s the perfect light meal. Pick up some roasted nuts on your way out, and you’re set for the whole afternoon. –Adrianna Szenthe
10728 134 Ave., 780-472-8405
