Business Details
10 Years
experience
Authentic Turkish Restaurant in Durham
Akarsu Turkish Restaurant Turkish Restaurant and Grill was established in 2016 by Joanne and Cengiz Akarsu Turkish Restaurant Turkish Restaurant, driven by a shared passion for Turkish cuisine and Durham City's historic charm. Our original location quickly gained recognition for authentic dishes and exceptional service, leading to our relocation in May 2023 to a riverside setting that complements our name 'Akarsu Turkish Restaurant Turkish Restaurant', meaning stream. As a family-run business, we prioritise traditional Turkish recipes using fresh ingredients, offering a menu featuring charcoal-grilled kebabs, mezes, and Turkish wines.Our venue combines scenic views of the River Wear with Durham Castle and Cathedral as a backdrop, creating a unique dining atmosphere. We maintain consistent quality across lunch, dinner, and special celebrations, with daily service from 11:30am to 9pm. Our commitment to authentic culinary experiences remains central to our operation, supported by our team's dedication to hospitality excellence.
Services
Charcoal-Grilled Kebabs
Turkish Mezes
Lunch Specials
Turkish Wine Selection
Alfresco Dining
Details
- Year established: 2016
Highlights and features
- We offer authentic Turkish cuisine prepared using traditional methods since 2016
- Our riverside location provides unique views of Durham's historic landmarks
- Family-run business maintaining consistent quality across all service periods
- Extensive menu featuring both classic and contemporary Turkish dishes
- Daily fresh preparation of kebabs and mezes using traditional recipes
Services
Charcoal-Grilled Kebabs
Our charcoal-grilled kebabs feature premium cuts of meat prepared using traditional Turkish techniques. Each serving includes house-made accompaniments and fresh bread. Ideal for diners seeking authentic Turkish flavors with a focus on quality ingredients.
Turkish Mezes
A selection of hot and cold mezes showcases Turkey's regional culinary diversity. Prepared daily using authentic recipes, these small plates include classic combinations and contemporary interpretations. Perfect for sharing or as a light meal.
Lunch Specials
Daily lunch specials available between 11:30am and 4pm offer curated Turkish dishes at special prices. Menus feature rotating options while maintaining core Turkish culinary elements. Designed for both quick business lunches and leisurely dining.
Turkish Wine Selection
Our wine list includes premium Turkish varieties alongside international selections. Expertly matched to complement Turkish cuisine's complex flavors. Also featuring Turkish beers and signature cocktails for diverse beverage preferences.
Alfresco Dining
Seasonal outdoor dining on Silver Street offers riverside views with Durham Castle and Cathedral vistas. Designed for optimal people-watching and summer enjoyment while maintaining proximity to indoor facilities. Available during daylight service hours.
People
Joanne Akarsu
Co-Owner
Co-founder with Cengiz Akarsu Turkish Restaurant Turkish Restaurant, bringing hospitality expertise to Durham's dining scene. Committed to maintaining authentic Turkish culinary standards while ensuring exceptional customer experiences since 2016.
Cengiz Akarsu
Co-Owner
Visionary co-founder who established Akarsu Turkish Restaurant Turkish Restaurant to share Turkish culinary heritage. Leveraged deep knowledge of Turkish cuisine to create Durham's premier Turkish dining destination, overseeing kitchen operations and menu development.
Questions
What are Akarsu Turkish Restaurant Turkish Restaurant's opening hours?
We operate daily from 11:30am to 9pm, serving lunch until 4pm and dinner thereafter.
Do you offer outdoor seating options?
Yes, our summer alfresco dining area provides riverside views of the River Wear.
Is advance booking required?
While walk-ins are welcome, we recommend reservations for evening and weekend visits.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept major credit/debit cards and cash payments at our Durham City Centre location.
Can I view your menu online?
Full menus including kebabs, mezes, and drinks are available on our website for preview.
Do you cater for special dietary requirements?
Our kitchen accommodates common dietary needs with advance notice during reservation.
Reviews (4)
Thomas Wardle
Jan 05, 2022
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Beautiful food good . Great Talble service manners lovely staff couldn't expect anything more.. Very helpful around the menu what was good what was nice.. Would recommend to anyone....
David Lynch
Dec 24, 2021
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Utterly fantastic. Dined here yesterday evening with my girlfriend. Went for the hot meze starter and mixed meat sharer type dish for our main. The food was unbelievable. I love Turkish food and often seek it out when in a new city but this was the best Ive had. Huge portion of perfectly spiced and expertly cooked food. Great Turkish house red to wash it down too. Friendly, attentive staff. Terrific value too. I cannot recommend this place highly enough.
Chia-Ling Peng
Dec 16, 2021
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My favourite Turkish restaurant in Newcastle and Durham! I came with friends, we ordered chicken, lamb and meatballs with cheese inside (or something similar). All very lovely. Nice service, good quality of foods. Highly recommended! Will come back soon.
*they offer 10% student discount, student card needed.
*they offer 10% student discount, student card needed.
Donna Reece
Nov 19, 2021
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2nd visit here and loved it again..staff are very good,very attentive and the food is amazing ...great value for money too ...will definitely be my go to place to eat in Durham
