Welcome to Bodrum Essendon

“ One of the best Turkish restaurants serving authentic Turkish food over many years. Always love going back here and went there recently after 4 years. While new owners have taken over, the place and ambiance remains the same, so does the amazing service, hospitality and the food! The new owners are amazing people and they made me a special iced coffee on my request even though this was not on the menu. Was great to try their breakfast & lunch menu this time and look forward to going back soon next time. ”

“ Booked dinner at this beautiful little place as a last minute decision. What a choice. From the moment we stepped through the door we were personally greeted (from our booking) with a bubbly hello. Seated at a beautiful window seat with a candle lit and promptly handed menus to peruse. We chose some options to share. The meals arrived so quickly and boy we were not disappointed. The food tasted like it came from a Turkish Village, so much love and flavour. Every plate was the same. We loved our time here and can’t wait to return. If you’re looking for authentic Turkish food and amazing service. This is go to. Thank you Bodrum for a wonderful meal and beautiful night. ”

“ Very decent Turkey restaurant! All the staff members are so sweet and friendly. The indoor dining area is renovated impressively with vintage lighting and brick wall decoration. The grilled lamb and chicken are cooked with real fire oven and the meat is juicy and yummy! Bread is crispy and freshly made. The dessert is dressed with fresh strawberry and comes with creamy ice cream! Definitely a place that I will go to again! ”

“ Came in for a late dinner with my partner. And we were blown away! Amazing food! It was nice to see some other Mediterranean dishes on the menu I haven’t heard of before. Servings are a good size. And the service in front of house is great. We felt cozy and welcomed. Can’t say enough good things! Just a very beautiful restaurant, the owners must have a lot of passion for what they do. And it definitely reflects in the service and the meals! We will be back to try more! Thankyou ”

“ We have been here a few times and we travel from rural vic because we love it so much. We tried the Bodrum banquet and every bit was amazing! You can taste the passion and love in every bite, the authentic food and atmosphere make you feel like you are in bodrum when you’re eating here! Bless the family behind this amazing restaurant thank you looking forward to our next visit. ”

“ Loved Bodrum! Food was served fast and delicious. Definitely the lamb shank was a hit! Highly recommended for authentic Turkish cuisine. ”

“ Hands down the most authentic Turkish food I’ve had in Melbourne! Wood-fired bread, juicy lamb, Mediterranean vibe, and large size and cheap price! Must order!!! Wood-fired Turkish Bread – Baked in a real wood-fired oven at the back of the restaurant, smoky and slightly charred on the outside, soft and fluffy inside. Perfect with dips or meat dishes. Chicken Tandir – Incredibly tender chicken in a slightly sweet, rich secret unique marinade. Think elevated BBQ chicken wings with soft, flavorful potatoes on the side. Wood-fired Oven Lamb – My favorite!! Slightly crispy on the outside, juicy inside, and full of flavor. Paired with bread, yogurt sauce, chili and herbs — it’s a must-try combo. Turkish Delight Waffle dessert – super amazing!! Totally different from regular waffles — crispy outside, dense and rich inside, super tasty ice cream, topped with loads of blueberries. Bodrum Salad + Red Tannin Koftas – great option for vegetarians!! The soy-based koftas are soft and tasty, the salad is super fresh. Ali Nazik Kebab – Soft lamb over a base of creamy cheese. The grilled peppers served with it aren’t spicy but addictive — really worth having a try! Sigara Börek – Crispy on the outside, warm and cheesy inside, paired with a dipping sauce. Light, crunchy, and super satisfying. Pistachio Bark Lava dessert – Lightly sweet, packed with pistachios and cashews, with a crispy texture that’s so satisfying. Great for anyone cutting sugar but still wanting a treat. Prawn Skewers Juicy prawns with a mild chili kick, crispy shallots, and tangy pickled onion. Flat bread was perfectly crispy. Great deal for $20. Saganaki Golden, crispy cheese outside, soft and creamy inside with a gentle dairy flavour. Delicious even on its own — worth trying. Oven-Baked Salmon Tender oven-baked salmon with flat bread, lemon, salad, and roasted tomatoes. Generous portion, very satisfying. ⸻ Kuzu Tandir (Slow-Cooked Lamb) Slow-cooked over wood fire until melt-in-your-mouth tender. Huge portion with yogurt and warm Turkish bread. My top recommendation. Chicken Wings Set Fire-grilled wings — tender inside, crispy outside with smoky BBQ flavour. Comes with Turkish rice, chickpeas, and salad — perfect one-person meal. Prices are super reasonable — about $20–$40 per person, and you leave feeling full and happy. Cozy vibe with cultural décor and soft music. Warm air-conditioning in winter, clean and quiet bathrooms. Super fast service — dishes arrive in about 5 minutes. Honestly, Bodrum Essendon feels like one of those hidden gems where everything just works: the food, the setting, the vibe, the price. Already planning my next visit. ”

“ I love Turkish food and it’s so nice to come to a Turkish restaurant and see many items on the menu that I haven’t seen before and beyond that, have those dishes be so delicious! We especially loved the lamb on yoghurt and eggplant dip dish - everything about it was perfectly done. The quality is outstanding, service is great and the glass lights are quite beautiful. We plan to come back with friends to try other dishes. Highly recommended. ”