On a bright and bustling market day in Cirencester, the informal capital of the Cotswolds, finding a lunch spot proved to be more challenging than anticipated. Without a reservation and keen to enjoy a sit-down meal during our toddler’s pram nap, we found ourselves turned away from several fully booked cafés around the town centre.
Serendipity led us down an alleyway on Castle Street, following a sign promising a courtyard garden restaurant. Initially hesitant as we passed scaffolding and bins, we soon arrived at Mezze Garden, a modest yet inviting eatery where a friendly member of staff welcomed us and offered a choice of indoor or outdoor seating.
Opting to sit al fresco to enjoy the pleasant weather, we noticed one nearby family enthusiastically enjoying their meal, which boosted our optimism. While the quietness of the restaurant and its plastic floral décor initially gave us pause, the appealing menu quickly held our attention.
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Mezze Garden, which opened earlier this year in March, is Cirencester’s only Turkish restaurant. It boasts excellent reviews, with an almost perfect score from over 100 diners and a top-tier hygiene rating. The venue occupies a space formerly home to a longstanding Italian restaurant, suggesting a fresh and distinctive addition to the town’s dining scene.
Although the drinks menu lacked draught beer, the bottled Efes on offer was perfectly chilled for the summer day. One sip evoked memories of the Turquoise Coast, its coolness leaving a ring of moisture on the tablecloth.
The menu offers a range of traditional Turkish options, including cold and hot mezze, seafood, chef’s specials, steaks, and chargrilled mains. We chose to share a cold mixed mezze platter (£17) and a kuzu sarma beyti (£23), a lamb dish familiar from previous visits to Turkish restaurants.
Service was notably attentive yet unobtrusive, with staff dressed smartly in black and demonstrating a courteous professionalism that felt refreshingly old-fashioned. Our meals were served simultaneously as requested, and the presentation was as appealing as the descriptions promised.
The mezze platter featured crunchy pitta chips paired with dips that were standout: a possibly unparalleled tzatziki, a sweet and tangy beetroot dip, creamy hummus, cooling baba ganoush, and a garlicky spinach yoghurt called ispanak tarator. Each bite complemented our main course - charcoal-grilled lamb kofte wrapped in flatbreads with cheese, melted butter, and tomato sauce, accompanied by yoghurt and bulgur wheat rather than chips.
The bulgur was a delightful surprise, its nutty flavour and perfect seasoning enhancing the dish beautifully. We enjoyed our meal so thoroughly that by the time our toddler woke, only a few pitta pieces remained, providing a handy snack.
Though we skipped dessert to revisit the market, in hindsight, staying for some baklava would have been a wise choice. As we left, more diners were arriving, suggesting that Mezze Garden’s reputation is growing.
While not as polished as some nearby establishments, Mezze Garden charms with its bold flavours and warm hospitality, earning its place as a genuine hidden gem in Cirencester’s dining landscape.
Mezze Garden, off Castle Street, Cirencester. Telephone: 01285 842303.