The Cigar Porch - Cary

This place was packed good sign. 10/10 rec. Complimentary tea, pide and oil/spice mix. Falafel didn't look amazing but tasted amazing. Mixed grill platter just under $20 came with pilaf, salad, lamb and chicken pieces, gyro and the most amazing kababs ever. The chicken/pide/yogurt dish was one of the most unique things that I had tried and I'd highly recommend. It has some tomato base to it which I love, but you may not so be aware! Pilaf and chicken had a smokey aroma, everything was juicy. The pastrami pide was cooked to perfection with what tasted like halumi cheese. Also pictured is the caramel custard dessert which jiggles like nobody's business, in the best way possible.

I love mediterranean Turkish food. Each place is a little different, and this place was surely different. I got a table quickly. The waiter came right over and brought out some Nan bread and a special mix of seasoning and veggies in a dipping sauce. I thought I would get a Gyro platter or kabob. The waiter recommended the Lamb Kabob. I've never had it, but it sounded good. The dish came out with rice and salad. The first bite was awesome and tasty. What a great suggestion. I think there is a lunch size and a dinner size. I wish I had more. I recommended this place to a few people already. The service was good. The food was really good. The atmosphere was nice. Soft music. Colorful. If I lived here, this would be my go-to. I recommend highly.

If you haven't tried Bosphorus you are missing out. I have yet to try one item from here that didn't taste amazing. I highly recommend the Adana kebab and the stuffed grape leaves. Don't get me started on complimentary pre dinner bread and oil, nothing quite like it around. All of our servers have been kind and attentive, and they always oblige us in a cup of delicious Turkish tea. Atmosphere is chill and especially great for a family dinner or a lunch with friends. I have been quite a few times and will continue to return.

Some of the best Turkish/Mediterranean food I've ever had is at Bosphorus. After almost a year of passing you by, I decided to stop by. I was warmly welcomed by all of the staff members. It was lunchtime and busy, but I did not mind waiting and was given a table that was meant for four. I offered to move, but the waiter would not hear anything of it. I was able to chill, read, and enjoy my food without any problems. Now the food. I started with their hummus that came with this thick, crusted bread that was great for dipping. Also, a plate of oil and peppers was complimentary. The hummus had tons of flavor without being spicy or salty--just so darn good. My falafel plate was the same--full of flavor without being overpowering. It came with five pieces of falafel, salad, yogurt dip, and rice. The rice was super soft and fluffy, and the yogurt dip, wow, again, so good and authentic! I enjoyed every bite until my pants told me I could eat no more, but something tells me their food will make amazing leftovers. I love the vibe of this place with the owners and staff being so friendly and welcoming. Everyone smiled at me, and I appreciated their great customer service and care. I can't wait to come back.

As for the food, it was just mediocre. The meats in the mixed grill were dry, and overall, the flavors were underwhelming. We had also brought a cake for our celebration, which was stored in the kitchen. As soon as we finished our entrees, a server rushed over with the credit card machine, eager to take our payment. Clearly, there was a lack of coordination among the staff, as they were unaware that we intended to serve the cake. In summary, this was not a good experience. Given the many other Middle Eastern restaurants that offer similar, if not better, food, I won't be returning here.