Ala Turka Turkish Restaurant Ramsgate. Where East meets West and pride and passion come together ooo lala!

In the middle east it is said that the heart of a home is the kitchen. I'm sure that it is this sentiment that has driven the creator of Ala TURKA to achieve the tasty wonders you will find on your plate.

The name ALA TURKA. The ala bit is possibly a play to recognise French cuisine as being good or a bit posh, (or posh and naughty but that's another story) or a suggestion that your gastronomic juices are going to be treated to a bit of ooo lala whilst Turka promises a Turkish delight, together as one it promises a great time and deliciously morish modern Turkish food.

Well that is the idea I am sure, but whether that is true or not is another matter, but as names for restaurants go it projects a positive mental image ooo lala.. But like Ronseal it had better do what it says on the tin, but what was Ron anyway and why does he need sealing? Bah whatever..

The visionary creator of Ala Turka is its owner Mehmet Dari who is Kurdish refugee who fled Iran as a boy across to Turkey but Turkish society was not welcoming to Kurds, the bigotry he received was brutal. Apparently quite the entrepreneur even then, at the age of 18 he made the gamble to travel across Europe to England in 1998 where he claimed asylum.

The complicated UK legal system eventually permitted him to work and he did so in a kebab shop for some time until he had an opportunity to buy a pizza take away which most people would settle for, but this only set him on a path to creating his dream restaurant, and the first Ala TURKA was born. It now enjoys 5 sites, all producing some of the most magnificently inspired middle eastern food you will find this side of Istanbul.

ALA TURKA is situated on Ramsgates seafront parade opposite the Wetherspoons Royal Pavilion super pub and now rubbing shoulders with the new Royal Sands development which is worth mentioning because it's fantastic location is supported by places which have seen huge investment, the likes of which Ramsgate has not seen for 100 years, and with more plans for investment afoot Ramsgate really is re-emerging from its economic coma. You really couldn't of wished for a better spot.

My first visit here was 2018 when Ala Turka first opened, and like many new places it created quite a sensation. It wasn't just the food which could be admired, it was also a quality referbishment with a sophistication and style which was in a different league for the area. 

It is able to operate all year round with its ample internal seating and in sunnier months they can extend out to the pavement forecourt, ideal for that Al fresco dining experience. Unlike many sea facing eateries who could be pointed at as being eager to make a quick buck from an unsuspecting tourist, when your food arrives here you will be licking your lips with anticipation. Sticking to solid traditional cookery and avoiding the temptation to dob a bit of sauce and swirl it around like a kaleidoscope to put you in a zombie like trance, or arrogantly casting the food to one side of the plate, when your food arrives here you might well be forgiven for saying ooo lala. 

I don't recall seeing any advertising for them either, they stick to their guns, and of course the best advert for a restaurant is how busy it is, and this place is. I advise booking in advance because it does get extremely busy. 

The service is excellent and unstuffy. It's text book stuff and it provides the glue that brings the whole thing together. The team are well drilled, attentive, efficient, knowledgeable, friendly. 

The setting and décor is outstanding, the fixtures and fittings are top quality, the bar servery feels like it's from a 5 star hotel, it is palacial.

My visit today is an out of season Saturday when there is welcome sunshine but there is still the chilly bite of the sea breeze. This is the signal for Ramsgateonions (Ramsgations, Ramsgatonions or even Ramsgate onions make up your own mind) to make their ritual pilgrimage towards the magnificent harbour and promenades. We walked in about midday to see if we could make a reservation for 5pm. There was an agonizing wait while the waitress reviewed the bookings and thankfully confirmed that she could fit us in. Later we arrived on time to find the place almost full, a fact I am impressed with as it's the middle bit between lunch and dinner where you would expect it to be quieter. I can guarantee that none of the other restaurants along this stretch would be busy at all.  

There is an electric atmosphere created by the music and jovial chatter. We are seated alongside the open grill.

I watch mesmerized as the chefs review their orders with assured calm and expidite with professionalism. The dishes just keep flowing out, the servers and kitchen work in perfect harmony.

Our table has fresh flowers and a flickering candle, despite the noise and amount of people it still feels intimate. I order the mixed kebab priced at £23 it comes with Lamb and Chicken shish and Adana kofte with a traditional grilled chillies and tomatos, and choice of bulgar or rice. Served on some beautifully rustic earthenware the trio of skewers adorned with juicy, lightly spiced and devilishly charcoaled meats. I am in my element. It sounds too simple, but it's just wonderful. 

The menu is a delightful read and covers every pallet and dietary requirement. If you are uninitiated or open to surprise then I highly recommend the Mezes which are a wonderful way of getting a bit of everything. 

Finally I must mention the cocktails. Drinks in restaurant don't normally get a mention in my reviews, as normally they are just a bottle of this or a glass of that but I wanted to share this with you as well as it provides a measure of Ala Turkas intentions. We would have been happy with a Mojito with crushed ice but what we got was a celebration of a Mojito, the skill and attention to detail in its spiralled lime zest, frest mint and a delicious strawberry are crowned on this beautiful glass of liquid sex. 

And so there you are. No pictures of my actual food, but one of my wife's actual drink, and that's all you should need to know about Ala Turka. 

C'est bloody manifique.

HOW DOES IT SCORE

1) Is it to the expected standard?

Oh yeah, it delivers alright, it doesn't disappoint and worthy of a return visit (many times) ONE STAR AND THE BONUS STAR 

2) Does it do something that you have always wanted to try?  

The menu is well balanced, but also crowd pleasing. I'm willing to bet that once you have tried a dish you will order the same again for fear it might not be quite as good ONE STAR AND A BONUS STAR

3) Is it fairly priced? 

Hmmm fair yes, but is it a place you might want to save for a special occasion, probably ONE STAR

4) Cleanliness, including customer toilets 

As it should be and also for attention to detail I can give it ONE STAR AND A BONUS STAR.

5) Service 

You know what I have to admire the professionalism, they really do set a great example of how to run the dance floor ONE STAR AND A BONUS STAR

CONTRIBUTING EVIDENCE  

A) Does it have a clear and relevant identity?

Aside from my cheap shot at the name it certainly does deliver on what it does. It also holds regular belly dancing entertainment, aside from sitting on the floor I'm not too sure how much you can really add to its theme.

B) Does it stand out for quality and standards?

This is where it shines, take the cocktail for a great example. The little touches of passion are given without reservation.

C) Is there areas of the business that someone else does better?

I am sure there will be many other restaurants of middle eastern cuisine which ramp up the theming, but when it's this good, you don't have to.

D) Does it diversify?

Not one to rest on their laurels, they provide a take away option using the major providers, and indeed they cater for events. All bases covered.

E) Will customers return without hesitation?

100% yes well maybe 99% as some may find the pricing a little too rich for their liking, but you get what you pay for, that is something I will stand on.

ALA TURKA 

110-114 Harbour Parade, Ramsgate CT11 8LP