Highlights
- Great coffee
- Great wine list
oChef » Bosforo – San Diego
Bosforo - San Diego
Photo from Bosforo
Bosforo at a glance
San Diego Normal Heights
- 🥙 Turkish Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $61–$70
mentioned by 139 of the guests
#147 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#1 Turkish Restaurant out of 1 in San Diego
Excellent
8.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
1269
Reviews
83.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Flavorful food
- Attentive service
- Cozy ambiance
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Loud environment
- Rushed experience
The restaurant Bosforo invites you to discover a taste of Turkey right in the heart of San Diego’s vibrant Normal Heights neighborhood. This Turkish restaurant is a true gem, celebrated for its great coffee that perfectly complements any meal.
You’ll find yourself immersed in an atmosphere that is both romantic and cozy, yet undeniably trendy. Whether you’re planning a special evening or a casual catch-up, Bosforo offers a delightful escape with its unique charm and authentic flavors.
Overview: Introducting Bosforo
Bosforo offers a vibrant dining experience, where guests often praise the inviting atmosphere and the attentive service. Many find the culinary offerings to be a delightful journey, with dishes that are both flavorful and thoughtfully presented.
However, some visitors have noted concerns regarding the overall value, particularly the portion sizes relative to the cost. There are also occasional remarks about the noise level, which can sometimes detract from the otherwise pleasant setting.
Excellent
8.3
out of 10
1269
Reviews
83.1%
Satisfaction
176
negative
39
neutral
1054
positive
Bosforo earns a solid 8.3 out of 10, indicating a generally positive reception, and customer satisfaction stands at a healthy 83.1%. This suggests that most diners leave content, reflecting a consistent experience across many visits.
The feedback comes from a substantial 1269 customer remarks, with 1054 positive observations outweighing 176 negative ones. Digging deeper, the Food (8.6) and Service (8.6) are clearly standout aspects, frequently highlighted for their quality and attentiveness.
The Ambience (7.8) also contributes positively, creating a welcoming environment. However, the Value (3.3) score is notably lower, indicating that while the experience is enjoyable, some guests feel the pricing doesn’t always align with the portions or overall offering.
What people like
- Flavorful, authentic food
- Attentive, friendly service
- Inviting, cozy ambiance
What people don't like
- High prices, small portions
- Can be very loud
- Rushed dining experience
Bosforo is a place that truly shines in its culinary execution and the warmth of its staff, making for a memorable outing. With a strong recommendation score of 8.6, it’s certainly worth considering if you prioritize excellent food and attentive service in a pleasant setting.
However, be mindful of the pricing and potential for a lively, sometimes loud, atmosphere. If you’re seeking a quiet, budget-friendly meal with generous portions, you might find it a bit challenging.
For those who value quality and experience above all, Bosforo could be a delightful choice.
Similar Restaurants in San Diego
Verdict: Our expert take on Bosforo
Food (8.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
Get ready for a culinary journey! The food here is truly a standout, earning a 8.6 score and leaving 88% of customers satisfied. With 632 positive opinions, guests rave about the authentic Turkish food, amazing flavors, and delicious dishes, especially the kebabs.
The preparation and presentation are often praised, making every meal a delight. However, not every bite hits the mark. While generally well-received, 68 opinions noted some areas for improvement.
Some found small portion sizes to be a concern, while others felt certain dishes were lacking flavor or underwhelming. A few also wished for pide on the menu.
Food
718
Reviews
88%
Satisfaction
68
negative
18
neutral
632
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Turkish flavors
- Delicious kebabs
- Beautifully plated dishes
What people don't like
- Small portion sizes
- Lacking flavor
- Missing pide
Often praised
- foodFrom the moment we walked in, the experience was amazing. Shoutout Kevin and Fatih for their kindness, excellent menu suggestions, and wonderful food & drinks. New favorite restaurant in SD!
- drinksThe food, the drinks, the service, the ambiance, everything hit the mark. We followed the guidance of Cem, the bartender, who made some solid meze recommendations and top notch drinks. Everything was delicious.
- cocktailsMy experience at this restaurant was marked by really good food and great cocktails. However, I felt that some classic dishes were missing from the menu, such as iskender and lentil soup.
- flavorsWe tried the lahmacun, and the thin, crisp dough topped with seasoned minced meat instantly won our hearts. The kebabs were excellent, the meze were beautifully executed, and the flavors felt just right. I sat at the bar, where I met what might be San Diego’s friendliest bar team.
- hummusthe hummus, veggie starters, plus the mains like the lamb chops and kebabs are delicious
- Turkish foodBosforo has brought a completely new flavor to San Diego’s dining scene. While many places have attempted Mediterranean cuisine before, none have captured the heart and authenticity of Turkish food like this. This place takes you on a journey that starts in Istanbul and flows down through the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts.
- dessertOur waiter Sage was great, friendly, offered great suggestions, and has visited our hometown in Nevada. The comp’d dessert for my wife’s birthday was a great way to end a memorable dinner. We’ll be back!
- dishesMy partner and I had an absolutely fantastic dining experience! The food was phenomenal, with every dish bursting with flavor and beautifully presented. Our server, Kevin, was exceptional—he took the time to explain the menu in great detail, offering thoughtful recommendations that made our meal even more enjoyable.
- mezeEvery dish reflects serious work, high quality ingredients, and the kind of effort you can taste. From the way the meat is prepared to how each meze is presented, there’s care in every step. The service is already warm and welcoming, and I’m sure it will only get better with time with the city’s eclectic point of view.
- Bosforo Kebapthe bosforo kebap and the manti and both were delicious
Frequently criticized
- portionsThe food is definitely worth the hype. However, the portions are on the smaller side. It also gets pretty loud on a busy evening, making it hard to hear.
- foodThe cocktails were good, and the service was fast and friendly. However, the food was just not good, lacking flavor and was underwhelming.
- portion sizeWe ordered an eggplant appetizer that had 1 tiny dollop of eggplant. The rest of our entrees were decent to eat but ridiculously small in portion size, cooked well but lacked flavor. The setting was so loud with people literally shouting to be heard.
- FoodFood was a bit lacking in flavor and forgettable.
- cocktailsthe cocktails were very weak
- flavorcooked well but lacked flavor
- hummusYou order hummus as an appetizer and are given 4 small triangles of bread
- Albanian LiverAlbanian Liver (surprisingly bland given the ingredients)
- Antep ezmeAntep ezme was the worst one I had
- Beet saladBeet salad was mealy canned beets over a giant scope of un-edible kale
If you're craving authentic Turkish cuisine with bold flavors and beautiful presentation, this spot is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that some portions might be on the smaller side, but the overall culinary experience is highly praised.
Service (8.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 82% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid 8.6 score, placing it firmly in the good category, and a strong 85.6% customer satisfaction, its clear guests are largely delighted. Out of 299 opinions, a whopping 256 praise the friendly staff and attentive service, often highlighting impeccable service, expert recommendations, and genuine Turkish hospitality.
However, its not without its minor hiccups, as 36 opinions point out. Some guests encountered a rude hostess or experienced slow service and waiting times. A few also mentioned feeling rushed, particularly due to time limits, which can detract from the overall dining experience.
Service
299
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
36
negative
7
neutral
256
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Expert menu guidance
- Warm, genuine hospitality
What people don't like
- Hostess can be rude
- Service can be slow
- Feeling rushed sometimes
Often praised
- serviceI especially loved the hand minced Kebap and the cured meat “Pastirma” hummus but honestly, everything we tried was delicious. The service is friendly and attentive without ever feeling rushed. It’s clear that the team behind Bosforo really cares about creating a memorable dining experience.
- staffWe went on a very hot day, and it was a little hot inside the restaurant. The service was slow sometimes, which I think was because of how busy they were, but the staff are all very nice and kind. The food is so good, so all in all, it is definitely a 5-star restaurant and you should try it!
- ServiceThe drink program perfectly complemented the food, especially the wine list which focuses heavily on Turkish wines—a thoughtful and fitting nod to the cuisine, which is not commonly seen in San Diego and truly elevated the experience. Service was another standout. Multiple staff members were attentive and eager to explain the dishes, ensuring we felt taken care of, making the meal feel personal and elevated.
- recommendationsThe food was phenomenal, with every dish bursting with flavor and beautifully presented. Our server, Kevin, was exceptional—he took the time to explain the menu in great detail, offering thoughtful recommendations that made our meal even more enjoyable. His attentive and warm service truly elevated the evening, making us feel so well cared for.
- serverThe food was phenomenal, with every dish bursting with flavor and beautifully presented. Our server, Kevin, was exceptional—he took the time to explain the menu in great detail, offering thoughtful recommendations that made our meal even more enjoyable. His attentive and warm service truly elevated the evening, making us feel so well cared for.
- KevinShoutout to Kevin our server for the lovely interaction and interesting history on Turkish tea and their ties to Siberia and Mesoamerica.
- waitressThey did forget a couple of things here and there, but it didn't affect our overall experience at all. Lastly, our waitress was spot on with her recommendations and service. Oh, and the cocktails are pretty darn good!
- server KevinOur server Kevin was very knowledgeable and friendly
- attention to detailHis knowledge of the menu, attention to detail, and genuinely kind hospitality
- chefThe food was great, and the service was excellent. Bravo to the chef! It reminded me of my best days in my favorite Istanbul.
Frequently criticized
- serviceservers kept trying to clear the table too quickly. it felt rushed
- waiterI went on a Saturday because their listed hours said they close at 1 AM. I arrived around 9: 30 PM, but by 10: 00 PM the waiter came over three different times asking if I wanted my food boxed up. Finally, I asked him directly, “Are you guys closing?
- hostessThe staff were friendly, and Mario made excellent drinks. I would have given it a 5-star review, but the hostess was incredibly rude to my mother. She didn't make eye contact when we entered and scolded my mother when we had already asked someone else if we could sit.
- accommodatingOur experience at this restaurant was disappointing and consistent with some of the most recent reviews we've read. As a middle-aged couple, we encountered a very rude female hostess and a tall male manager who were not accommodating and unprofessional. We found the place to be overrated and overpriced, lacking any semblance of Turkish hospitality.
- busserA busser came over to clear some plates from our appetizer course but someone in our group mentioned we had ordered entrees and would we be getting a fresh plate? He said no, and handed the plate back to us which knocked over a drink and spilled everywhere. Accidents happen, but we had to tell our server and ask for another drink.
- closing policyIt’s only 10: 30 PM. ” He said, “Yes, when we only have three tables left, we give them 15 minutes to leave. We’re not staying open for three tables.
- experienceafter this bad experience
- felt extremely rushedI thought the worst part of it was the hour and a half time limit and the fact that they need to remind you of that when you check in and also move you along very quickly. We ordered all our food at once and did not order dessert and we still felt extremely rushed. They need to not take as many reservations and let people enjoy their time while they are there.
- female hostessOur experience at this restaurant was disappointing and consistent with some of the most recent reviews we've read. As a middle-aged couple, we encountered a very rude female hostess and a tall male manager who were not accommodating and unprofessional. We found the place to be overrated and overpriced, lacking any semblance of Turkish hospitality.
- hour and a half time limitthe hour and a half time limit
Overall, the service here is a major draw, making it well worth a visit for its warm and attentive staff. While there are occasional reports of minor issues like feeling rushed or slow moments, the overwhelmingly positive feedback suggests you'll likely have a fantastic experience.
Ambience (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 72% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits the mark, scoring a solid 7.8 with a strong 74.5% customer satisfaction. Many of the 161 positive comments praise the beautiful restaurant, vibrant atmosphere, and inviting ambience, creating a cozy vibe that makes for a memorable dining experience. However, its not without its challenges.
Out of 216 total opinions, 43 point to issues like the noise level being loud and making it uncomfortable to converse. Some also found parking' to be a consistent hassle, which can detract from the overall experience.
Ambience
216
Reviews
74%
Satisfaction
43
negative
12
neutral
161
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Beautiful, inviting ambiance
- Warm, cozy vibe
- Lively, vibrant energy
What people don't like
- Excessive noise level
- Challenging parking
- Crowded, uncomfortable tables
Often praised
- atmosphereThe interior showcases an open kitchen and pizza bar, inviting guests to witness the culinary artistry firsthand. Turkish lamps, vintage records, and a stone-accented bar add to the authentic yet contemporary atmosphere. The menu, curated by Chef Seckin Sage Anlasbay, offers a delightful array of dishes.
- ambianceIf you're seeking an unforgettable Turkish dining experience in San Diego, Bosforo on Adams Avenue in Normal Heights is a must-visit. From the moment you step inside, the ambiance transports you to a modern meyhane—a traditional Turkish gathering place—blending warmth and sophistication. The interior showcases an open kitchen and pizza bar, inviting guests to witness the culinary artistry firsthand.
- AtmosphereMy experience at Bosforo was exceptional from start to finish. I reserve a 5-star review for something that truly stands out, and Bosforo delivered in every way. I am already planning our next visit!
- experienceThe spices were perfectly balanced, enhancing the flavors without being overpowering. The staff was lovely, and it's clear the establishment has evolved into a great experience since its opening. A highlight was the chef personally visiting our table to welcome us.
- vibeThe vibe works for date night, a night out with friends or a relaxed family dinner
- ambienceThe ambience is warm and cozy, with impeccable interior design
- placeHowever, they were missing the melted cheese, and the sausage had a slightly off taste compared to what I've had in Turkey. Despite these minor food discrepancies, the staff were awesome, and overall, it's a nice place to visit and dine at.
- decorDecided to visit this new place in our neighborhood and it didn't disappoint. The decor is super minimal and inviting. The food and service was amazing.
- musicThe atmosphere is incredibly cozy yet lively, making it feel like you're visiting a friend's house in Turkey. The combination of great music, tasty food, and good drinks made for a memorable time.
- spaceThe food was great, and the staff were excellent. Thanks to everyone there for creating such a great space!
Frequently criticized
- noise levelThroughout the night we were just saying how yummy everything is and how we would want to come back again. The only suggestion I would make is that it was a bit too loud so we had to really shout to hear each other. Great addition to the NP neighborhood.
- parkingThe only down side is parking is very tough in that neighborhood.
- Noise levelNoise level:Very loud, hard to hear
- ambienceThe $$$$ does not match the ambience nor the food
- atmosphereIt really ruined the atmosphere
- noisepeople are complaining that it's noisy
- parking spaceParking space:Somewhat difficult to find parking
- 90 min reservation systemmentioned a 90 min reservation system
- ACgot too hot too without proper AC.
- Turkish hospitalityno Turkish hospitality
If you're looking for a beautiful, lively spot with a great vibe, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be prepared for a potentially noisy environment and plan your parking ahead of time, especially during busy hours.
Value (3.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 13% of the guests
While a small number of diners (5 out of 36 comments) did find some aspects of the pricing acceptable, mentioning reasonable prices and feeling their experience was money well spent, these sentiments were unfortunately rare. A few even noted that the pricing offered better options compared to some alternatives. However, the overwhelming majority (29 comments) felt the value was poor, reflected in a 3.3 score and a low 13.9% customer satisfaction.
Many found the prices expensive for small portions, leading to feelings of an overpriced experience and a waste of time and money, especially with concerns about automatic gratuity.
Value
36
Reviews
13%
Satisfaction
29
negative
2
neutral
5
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
What people don't like
- High prices
- Small portions
- Automatic gratuity
Often praised
- PricesPrices are reasonable for the quality
- better optionsWhat was particularly frustrating was the waitress's lack of consideration; as our mezes were being delivered, she immediately asked for our main course order, without giving us time to even choose. The portion sizes are abysmally small for the prices charged, and I believe there are so many other better options in the area.
- money well spentMoney well spent.
- pricingFood is authentic with an upscale vibe but pricing still reasonable.
- reasonable pricesat reasonable prices
Frequently criticized
- priceThe prices are, in my opinion, way up there for the amount of food you get. I've dined at many Middle Eastern, Persian, Arab, Greek, and Turkish restaurants, and this one is over the top only when it comes to the price. It's possible there's a lack of competition in the area, allowing them to charge so much.
- pricesPrices IMHO are way up there for the amount of food you are getting
- billThe food and atmosphere were cool, but we had a horrible experience with the waiter trying to scam us. Be aware and make sure you ask for your bill and check it carefully. Our waiter took advantage of us; while we were enjoying our conversation, he insisted we close our bill without presenting it, immediately bringing the payment terminal.
- ParkingParking is unavailable
- Parking spaceIt is difficult to find a parking spot
- Rakiespecially for Raki
- automatic gratuityautomatic 20% gratuity added to the bill
- charged for both drinksThe food was decent and the service was good initially. However, I sent back my cocktail and they swapped it for something else but charged me for both drinks. We also felt rushed to leave as the waiter mentioned a 90 min reservation system.
- costWas not worth the cost for sure being vegetarian
- expensiveexpensive for no reason
If you're weighing the cost against what you get, be aware that many guests found the value here quite challenging. Expect potentially high prices for smaller portions, and consider if the overall experience truly justifies the expense for your visit.
How are the prices at Bosforo?
On average, you’ll spend around 65 per person – from 139 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $61–$70 category. For a Turkish Restaurant, that’s definitely on the higher-end.
What’s interesting is that while the average is here, guests are actually spending across a pretty wide spectrum. We see a good number of diners enjoying meals in the 40-50$ range, but also a significant crowd opting for experiences that go well above 70$, even past 100$. This suggests the restaurant offers a mix, from perhaps a more casual meal to a full-blown premium experience.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 139 reviews.
Comparing the value for money at this restaurant against similar spots in San Diego.
Considering the average spend and the variety of price points, we think the pricing could be fair for a Turkish restaurant offering a more premium experience or a wider range of dishes in San Diego. It’s not a budget spot, but it seems to cater to different occasions.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Bosforo
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Exceptional Turkish Christmas Dinner
During our visit to San Diego, we had Christmas dinner at this restaurant and from the moment we sat down, we knew it was going to be a great night. The service was exemplary. The food was outstanding; the kebabs were melt-in-your-mouth perfection, unlike any Turkish food I've had before.
I highly recommend their lahmacun and the skewered chicken thighs were phenomenal. The star of the night, however, was their specialty bosforo kebab. For dessert, the rice pudding was also unbelievable.
This was truly a meal to remember. A special shout-out to our server, Belle, for her amazing recommendations.
- service10
- food10
- kebabs10
Price per Person
- $61–$70
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
3
Disappointing Turkish Food Experience
Our overall experience at Bosforo Kitchen was disappointing. Despite having reservations, we were seated at a small table for two in the walkway near the front door. Staff congregated there to discuss patrons, and we had to keep our coats on due to the open doors and 52° temperature.
Of the mezzos we tried, the Beet salad was disappointing, featuring mealy canned beets over un-edible kale with minimal pistachio. The Seabass was good but had a strong sour taste. However, the Meatball (meat-pocket) was amazing.
We did not order any main courses as our table was not comfortable enough for a full meal. Our server was great! Bosforo Kitchen could improve by having someone who enjoys and understands vegetables.
We love Turkish food and eat it frequently while traveling, making this experience particularly disappointing.
- Seabass6
- Meatball9
- server8
- Beet salad2
- table3
- Vegetables2
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
10
Absolutely Loved This Place!
I haven’t eaten somewhere that I loved in a really long time, but this place was so, so, so, so good! It's a 10/10, you should definitely go. They had gluten free pita bread : o) and free street parking.
The price per person was $20–30, and we enjoyed the indoor dining area. There was no wait, and the atmosphere, service, and food were all rated a 5. There was plenty of parking, and the noise level was moderate.
- gluten free pita bread10
- atmosphere10
- service10
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Bosforo: A Neighborhood Gem Worth Discovering
I was absolutely blown away by my experience at Bosforo! As a local who's passed by many times, I'm so glad I finally decided to pop in. My group started with the Bosforo hummus and Eggplant Atom, which were fantastic.
The cocktails were also some of the best I've had in a while. For mains, the pizzas were superb, and the Bosforo Kepab was truly otherworldly. We finished with the rice pudding for dessert, a perfectly balanced treat that capped off our delightful meal.
I will always recommend this spot for its cozy atmosphere and wonderful food and drink.
- Bosforo hummus9
- Eggplant Atom9
- cocktails9
Price per Person
- $61–$70
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Absolutely Incredible New Favorite!
My experience at this restaurant was absolutely incredible! The food was amazing, and the drinks were awesome. The staff was really great too.
It's my new favorite restaurant in SD, and I can’t wait to come back.
- food10
- drinks10
- staff10
What Bosforo offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Romantic
- Cozy
- Trendy
FAQs
Is Bosforo accessible for guests with mobility needs?
Yes, Bosforo is committed to providing an inclusive dining experience. You’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restroom, ensuring comfort and convenience for all guests who visit this San Diego establishment.
What kind of dining experience and atmosphere can you expect at Bosforo?
At Bosforo, you can enjoy a range of dining options from breakfast and brunch to lunch and dinner, all with table service. The atmosphere is designed to be romantic, cozy, and trendy, making it ideal for various occasions. You can also opt for outdoor seating to enhance your experience.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Bosforo?
Bosforo generally receives good feedback, with a restaurant score of 8.3 and customer satisfaction at 83.1%. Diners particularly praise the Food (8.6), Service (8.6), and Ambience (7.8), though Value (3.3) is a common point of concern.
What are the main strengths of Bosforo according to diners?
Customers frequently highlight the delicious and authentic food, the friendly and attentive service, and the warm, inviting atmosphere. Many appreciate the thoughtful recommendations and the overall dining experience.
What are some common criticisms or areas for improvement at Bosforo?
Some diners express concerns about the high prices and small portion sizes, as well as the noise level, which can be quite loud. There are also mentions of feeling rushed during the meal and difficulties with parking.