Ephesus Restaurant

Elite '08

151

666

Mitzie H.

Seattle, WA

This really is one of those places I don't want to yelp about.  I don't want to share it with just any old body on the internet but than I realized it is in West Seattle and most people are too frightened to come ALL the way to West Seattle for some Turkish food so I decided it's ok to review.

I've tried numerous dishes on their menu and I've never been disappointed with any of them.  Their hummus and the bread they serve with it is currently my favorite hummus of anywhere, it was so smooth.  The bread they serve it with is awesome it's like a cross between naan and pita but crispy and soft all at the same time.

Some of my other favorites are the sauteed mushrooms, the Ephesus salad (sans cucumbers), the shrimp scampi and the kebabs, I usually go for the mixed as it gives me a sample of the lamb, chicken and shrimp all served over some of the fluffiest rice I've ever shoved in my mouth.  The lamb is cooked perfectly and the chicken is still moist and delicious.

If you like wine they have a very nice wine list and while dinning there a while back I discoverer a Dono Paulo which is a Shiraz and Melbac blend from Argentina and it was divine, it's now the wine I always order when I'm eating here.  And that and the hummus and an Ephesus salad make for a lovely dinner.

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2

15

Roselle K.

Seattle, WA

What great restaurant. All the staff is friendly and all the food is good.

I had the special of the night, lambchops. They were the perfect doneness, well seasoned, with a nice little crust on the outside without being tough at all. We enjoyed the two dips we had for starters as well, eggplant and walnut. The pita were also great: soft and also crispy (how do they do that?!?) even after they'd cooled off.

We got an enthusiastic recommendation for dessert from our attentive and super cute bus-girl. Both of the desserts were good, but I was a little disappointed that neither seemed to be house-made. This is probably a good thing though, because it allows the small kitchen to focus on the delicious savory items.

In general the menu is pretty simple, but everything is good. This is a nice restaurant for a relaxed, simple, and delicious meal.

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Elite '08

153

124

Alyson L.

Seattle, WA

My love story with Ephesus began back in the cold wet month of December '06, when the company I work for decided to throw the annual holiday party there. I was somewhat concerned when I pulled up to a big pink house, right next to Rite-Aid....My fears disappeared once the waiter complimented my boots on my way up to our reserved area (I am a total sucker for compliments from strangers).

Once upstairs and seated, my wine glass would be refilled as soon as I took a SIP, the food was amazing and the staff was just absolutely wonderful.

If I could eat there every day and not be a total blob, I would.

Ever want to impress a date? Grab some kebabs to go and fresh pitas with cacik and ezme for a living room picnic and prepare to have your date be amazed and impressed - trust me, it worked when I did it.

They're totally low tech, so don't try to get them to fax a menu or make a copy, your best bet is to go and wait (and watch the staff at work while they offer you something to drink 8 times) or know exactly what you want when you call an order in.

OR just eat there! The ambiance is pleasant and generally mellow and like I mentioned, the staff is accommodating and friendly. Even if they sucked I would go back for the rockin' food.

P.S. They open pretty late in the afternoon, so don't be expecting lunch or anything.

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3

16

Matt C.

Seattle, WA

Shut the menu and just get the lamb kabobs already, ok?

The mushroom appetizer (Mutar?) was amazing and the pita bread was something between a pita and a crispy naan.

The only downside seemed to be the service which was slow on a Saturday night - the place was about half full and it was taking them a very long time to service the tables.  Still, when you could get their attention, they were friendly and attentive.

Dress is typical Seattle for a nice place: more than casual, less than dress.  Guys: put on a shirt with a collar and nice slacks.  I was there in a sweater and jeans, which was OK but I felt vaugely underdressed.

Great little place.  Don't be put off by the Rite-Aid next door. :)

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8

117

Bonnie G.

Seattle, WA

We went to Ephesus tonight for dinner with my Mom's group and had a great time.  The food was super yummy and service good.  I felt like we'd gone to a little secret in West Seattle that nobody really knows about...although they've been around for years.    I especially enjoyed the appetizers, hummus and mushrooms.  Yum!

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Elite '08

46

118

Quinn R.

Seattle, WA

The best food here are the appetizers...loaded with oil (olive oil mind you) I'd say they are worth enjoying even if it means an early death (but isn't olive oil good for you?)

at any rate I loved the atmosphere and was thrilled with the food and believe me I dont throw down 'thrilled' unless I really mean it.  

Would have been a 5 star but took away one cuz I'm  spiteful.  Go to a Turkish restaurant with a group of Turks you'd think the Turkish owner would at least come out and say hello to some of his countrymen and women...but no..nada word.  (as I said I'm spiteful...oh and petty too)

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2

11

Josh F.

Seattle, WA

I joined two friends for dinner at Ephesus on Saturday evening.  It wasn't crowded, and a reservation wasn't necessary (even at 7 PM).  We were seated at a large, dark wooden table with enormous chairs, and we looked out at what without an intervening house would have been a great view of the sound and Olympics.

They have a reasonably good wine selection, but it took a couple or reminders to get the glass that I ordered.  The food was quite good, not great.  The meats were a bit overcooked and dry, particularly the chicken.  They do make a terrific baklava.

This is not an inexpensive place to eat.  Wine, meal, and dessert can easily set you back $35-$40 per person.  At this price, we should have had much better service.  Our server was rather curt when answering reasonable questions, and service was less than attentive.  We were basically forgotten, and it felt like we were making trouble when asking them to break a $20.

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Elite '08

23

86

Erin W.

Seattle, WA

Hands down the best meal I have had in a long time.  Just as good as Lola without the Tom Douglas price tag.  Had the mushroom appetizer on the recommendation of other Yelpers and we were not disappointed.  The pita was warm, fresh and soft.  Hubbie had the lamb special and I had the Seafood Tupek.  Both were amazingly flavorful and a good value too.  The hubbie asked, "can we eat here every meal?"

The service was friendly but the place seemed severely understaffed for a Saturday night.  One waiter was working the entire dining room and patio.  We waited a very long time for our check, but otherwise had a perfect experience.

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0

5

James M.

Seattle, WA

Ephesus (pronounced EFF-us) is a West Seattle treasure.    If you've driven past the Rite Aid on California and wondered about that striking orange-pink 2-story house,  then you know Ephesus.    I have eaten here on a regular basis for  almost 5 years now and know the place VERY well.   The food is Mediterranean with a Turkish flare and includes veal, beef and seafood kabobs as well as several distinctive chicken dishes prepared in a tomato base, great salads and pasta.    It is healthy food, lovingly prepared and remarkably consistent.    The ambiance is warm and welcoming, and never too loud because of the high angled ceiling.   Summer evenings give a peek-a-boo view of the Sound and beautiful sunsets.  In winter the fireplace beckons you to linger by the open kitchen.   And did I mention plentiful free parking in the adjacent lot?  This is a great place for a special family occasion if you need a larger table (ask for the one by the fireplace), or a last-minute solo repast.    One side of the restaurant is entirely booths, and I almost always am able to get one.

A few recommendations:   The grilled eggplant appetizer, covered in a light marinara with cacik and fresh pita is a dream.   The scampi appetizer is delicious as well, although a bit salty.    All entrees, except pasta, are accompanied by a salad choice.   Go for the house salad:  I crave the sturdy, fresh romaine with tomatoes, onions and a  wonderful garlic vinaigrette.    Favorite entrees include the adana kabob (ground lamb, moist and favorful every time), salmon kabob, tas chicken and chicken toprac.    There is often an excellent lamb special which includes a lamb chop, piece of lamb loin and a portion of Adana kebab.  Very occasionally, there is moussaka (you may get a strange look if you ask, but grab it if it is offered).   If you want a lighter meal, the capellini simply prepared with olive oil, parsley, garlic and tomatoes is perfect.   There are several good wines by the glass, including the house merlot and a very good chardonnay and pinot grigot.   If you're not sure, ask for a taste.    There are several good bottles as well, including the very affordable Root1 cabernet from Chile.

A few caveats:   It is easy to expect a 7-nights-a -week restaurant to be perpetually open.   But don't hesitate to call ahead  to make sure there is not a private party, especially during the holidays.   Reservations are usually unnecessary, but gladly taken, so why not?
There can be a turnover in the wait staff from time to time, so if it seems like that has just happened, be patient.   The owner is almost always present, cooking and watching.   There are only a few menu items to avoid:   although most of the lamb is delicious, the lamb kebob is not;   the same for the beef kebob -- unless you are looking for a good jaw workout, I would stay away from those two.   Other than that, dining at Ephesus is a simple pleasure with many rewards.

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Elite '08

7

45

andrew d.

Seattle, WA

Opened in 1992, named for the city in Turkey, and located in a converted house with the kitchen in plane sight; this is possibly my favorite place to eat in Seattle! I consider this a lucky find as Ephesus doesn't pay to advertise in any of the guide books, they thrive by word of mouth.  You will recognize the owner, cooking behind the corinthian columns that divide the kitchen from the dining area.  They consider themselves a Kabob house and the lamb is the best I've ever had! I love the house salad and Mantar (sauteed mushrooms) here too.  This is the sort of restaurant where I order the same thing everytime I go because I just can't bring myself to move on.
The service is great!    I feel like i've been invited to a friends house when I dine here.  They have a large wine selection.
Don't restrict yourself to the junction, Ephesus is just a short walk down California. I do recommend calling to make sure they're open first.

edit:  The house red is amazing!  According to our waiter they sample every case and will send it back if it doesn't meet their standard.

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