The first impression of the restaurant is a place that is trying hard to look Mediterranean, and ends up looking filmy Indo-Islamic. Baris apparently means peaceful in Turkish, and that is precisely what it is since we are the only diners sitting here.

Masjid Moth market, where this restaurant is situated has not really been lucky for the many restaurants that have opened and shut here. But Arjun Toor, one of the co-owners of the restaurant who joins us half way during the meal is not deterred by the lack of liquor licence, and feels confident to make this restaurant successful.

We are first served a collection of forgettable dips with bread, followed by a chilled Mezze Platter (Rs 595) with well-made dips hummus, beetroot labneh, labneh with avocado, yaprak sarma ( a smaller version of dolma), and acili ezme (red chopped vegetable dip). It is a perfect starter in this hot weather.  Morrocan Mystery (Rs 195), the Pomegranate based mocktail that is served with it is summery.

The vegetarian starters are where this restaurant does a good job. Cigar Borek (Rs 395) is crispy cigar rolls with caramelized onion, feta cheese and parsley. The cool saltiness of the feta contrasts beautifully with the crisp exterior. Spinach Fatayer (Rs 375) is a delicious oven baked samosa stuffed with spinach, feta cheese, pine nuts and served with tzatziki.

In non-veg starters, Manti (Rs 545) is an interesting Buff dumpling served over garlic yogurt sauce, essentially a superior version of our momos.

The lamb dishes disappoint. Etli Yaprak Sarma (Rs 545, lamb , pinenuts and onion rolled in wine leaves) has an unpleasant texture, and Adana Kebab (575) or lamb mince kebab with spices from Adana is too dry and not really enjoyable.

 The mains are ordinary. In its Turkish Chef’s eagerness to please the Indian diners, he does tend to go overboard with localisation, thereby compromising on Turkey’s amazing authentic tastes. Mucver (Rs 375) is a vegetarian dish of zucchini fried in fresh herbs and feta cheese and pine nuts served with tzatziki, and is ordinary. Sebzeli Pide Pizza (Rs 495) with grilled veggies, fresh herbs, mozzarella and feta cheese is a competent thin crust pizza, nothing more.

Biber Dolmasi (Rs 495), vegetables baked in peppers with white cheddar served over parmesan morney and Mantar Kebabi (Rs 475) chopped wild mushroom in seek served with pickles and garlic aioli are both avoidable.

In the desserts, Aam Lava (Rs 325) is ordinary, basically baklava topped with something that tastes like mango Ice-cream. 

Figamisu (Rs 325), a version of tiramisu made with figs and Turkish coffee is interesting. We end the meal with Turkish coffee (195) which has a good flavor hampered by a powdery taste.

If you visit this restaurant hoping for true Turkish food, you are bound to be disappointed. Sis Kabab, Doner Kabab, Bulgur Pilav, Kofte and many of the amazing Turkish vegetarian dishes or combinations of meat and vegetables are missing. What is conspicuous with its absence most is even though the restaurant has a Turkish chef, Turkish flavours and tastes are just not there.  The restaurant could do well if they could bring us foodies the glorious and authentic tastes of the Ottoman empire.

Please note: This review was done on an invitation from the restaurant to taste their food, and no bill was presented to the author. While the author assures you of objectivity, the review may be influenced by the personalized attention the author got.

Ratings (Out of 5)

Food: 3.5 | Ambience: 3.5 | Service: 3.0 | Value: 3.5 | Overall: 3.5

Meal for two: Rs.2000 | Alcohol: Yes | Credit Card: Yes | Wheel chair friendly: Yes

Address: Building 3, Local Shopping Complex, Masjid Moth, Greater Kailash (GK) 3, New Delhi. Tel: 011 49045330, 011 49045331