When it comes to busy main roads, there are few places you’d deliberately stop for. Let alone return to again and again. Lezzet, the Turkish restaurant on bustling Brighton Road, is most certainly one of them.
The Arrival – From Street Noise to Subtle Glamour
Despite the high-speed traffic, ambulance sirens and zooming cars outside, all the noise fades the moment we step inside. Walking into Lezzet feels like entering a glamorous cave. Low ceilings, traditionally shaped arches and polished table settings create an atmosphere that’s both casual yet divinely charming.
It’s a super chic interior, with colourful Persian rugs that would impress even Aladdin and his magic carpet, balanced against clean white walls. The result is a space that feels traditional yet intimate, suited to couples, family gatherings or larger groups settling in for a massive and delicious feast.
Sweet Starts and Mezze Moments
A posh pomegranate cocktail arrives in a martini glass. It’s overflowing with a cloud of plush pink foam, and I’d have to elbow my small daughters away if they saw it. Sweet with citrus notes, I find myself chewing on cubes of Turkish delight, and it easily passes as dessert.
Grand, abundant platters sweep past nearby tables. The sight of these, coupled with wafting aromas of aromatic Middle Eastern spices make my eyes widen stomach grumble. Pretty happy I had a light lunch as these are serious serves.
We start with a Chef’s Mezze flight. Creamy caramelised carrot dip, zucchini fritters (mücver) and a fried cheese börek cigar, – a crisp pastry packed with salted cheese and spinach. If one had intended to diet this week, that noble intention goes south very quickly. Decadence continues with meltingly moist sticky beef ribs literally falling off their bone and we’re at a point of elegant sufficiency.
The big platter reveal
Until our platter arrives.
OMG, this is entirely inappropriate for 2 people. In fact, even a small army might struggle to get through it.
On the left, a fresh salad and beetroot dips. In the centre, a generous couscous layered with meats, poultry and vegetables. I find myself gnawing on a charred lamb cutlet, pulling apart chicken skewers and working my way through koftas, chorizo, chickpeas and roast potatoes.
But, there’s still more. Their signature Istanbul Kuzu, chunks of 40 hour slow cooked leg of lamb bathes in a creamy smoked eggplant bechamel topped with a crisp lavash. My top button is actually open and I’m waving around begging for doggy bags to avoid me continuing to hoe in.
Signature rules
But, there’s still more. Their signature Istanbul Kuzu, chunks of 40 hour slow cooked leg of lamb bathes in a creamy smoked eggplant bechamel topped with a crisp lavash. My top button is actually open and I’m waving around begging for doggy bags to avoid me continuing to hoe in.
The experience is indulgent, generous and unmistakably authentic, finishing with a collection of leftovers that make the next day just as enjoyable. It’s not every day a busy main road delivers something this warm, this traditional and this unexpectedly memorable.
What We’re Addicted To: The sheer abundance of those grand, table-filling platters, a warm and authentically Turkish experience, and a space that delivers charm without trying too hard.
What We Need to be More Addicted: The wine list does the job, but has room for elevation.
Lezzet Turkish Restaurant – 81 Brighton Road, Elwood VIC 3184
DINNER: Monday – Reservation Only
Tuesday – Sunday: 5.00PM – 10PM
LUNCH: Saturday – Sunday 12PM – 3PM
