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This is one of my favourite restaurants, family-run Anatolia in Allandale Road, Stoneygate, Leicester.
I've been coming here for years. It's my go-to place for those occasions when visitors turn up unexpectedly or you've spent all day clearing gutters and really need a relaxing sit-down.
Hassan and his family are very welcoming. Sometimes I've rung in advance to check whether they have a table and sometimes I just turn up, saying, in a plaintive voice, "have you got room for me?" They always have.
Ambience
The restaurant is small, cosy and relaxed with just twenty four places. When I first came, it was just the front room. Now there's a bar at the back, and french windows leading to a garden and a function room. So you can choose the ambience you want!
This evening I was there early doors: their first customer. The restaurant has been re-furbished, the tables stained dark, new upholstered bench seats and lovely comfy upholstered chairs. it looks rich and mysterious.
Menu
The menu is select with a mix of Turkish and Mediterranean dishes and pizzas, plus specials. Meat features strongly, but also sea bass, salmon and prawns and several vegetarian dishes.
If I am eating on my own I will have two or three meze type dishes. My favourite is Yogurtlu Kizartma - peppers, courgettes and potatoes sauteed in olive oil and served with a rich Greek yoghurt flavoured with garlic.
The kebabs (lamb or chicken) are tasty, but my favourite for some time now has been the home-made meatballs. Main meals are served with rice and a delicious mixed and dressed salad.
Sorry for the dismembered look, I started scoffing before I remembered to take the photo!
I've never tried the pizzas but I have it on good authority that they are very good (none are ever left on the plate).
If you need chips, you can have them, although the home-made flat bread is a much better idea :)
Wine List
Anatolia has a nice selection of wine by the glass ranging from £3.95 to £4.10 for 175ml; or by the bottle from £15 to £35 for champagne.
I usually just ask for a glass of white wine, because there are often taster wines not on the wine list, brought in for a function or ordered but not drunk. Tonight was a sauvignon blanc - melons, peaches and honey tastes - very nice.
There are also draught beers at the bar, the usual range of soft drinks and Turkish coffee or mint tea.
Price
Main meals range from £8 to £14, mezes and starters from a few pounds. There are few puddings - a tiny square of complimentary baclava with your bill or two squares with ice-cream if you must. My meal and glass of wine tonight was £16.
Service
Excellent, you are very well looked after. Hassan and his family are very hospitable, tonight I had a good catch up over the bar before I sat down for my meal. You are always remembered and greeted, even if it is months since you last came.
Restaurant Information
Anatolia
14 Allandale Rd, Leicester LE2 2DA, UK
Anatolia Leicester | Excellent Food | Good Price
This post participated in the Tasteem contest Cheap and Fabulous? Totally possible!