Bosforo - Reviews

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

It’s not my first time at this restaurant, and they usually have very good food. The cuisine is Middle Eastern/Turkish style — not street food, but higher-quality, well-prepared dishes. This time, the servers greeted us with a complimentary drink made of rose and ginger. It was tasty and a nice surprise. What I didn’t like: we ordered an appetizer (calamari), but they brought only one piece, stuffed with rice. It had almost no flavor and was disappointing. The kebab was very good, but the portion was small and the plate felt empty. Another negative was the service. The servers kept trying to clear the table too quickly. While my friend and I were sitting and enjoying our conversation, it felt rushed. Overall, I think a 4-star review is generous, and I’m giving it mainly because I like Turkish food.

As a chef with decades of experience in authentic Turkish cuisine, I can confidently say that Bosforo sets a new standard for Turkish dining in San Diego. Chef Seçkin's craft is exceptional – technically refined, deeply authentic, and consistently executed at a level rarely found outside Türkiye. From the moment you walk in, you feel the modern meyhane atmosphere, which is both elegant and comforting. The menu reflects a chef who not only understands traditional flavors but also respects the discipline behind them. Every plate demonstrates balance, precision, and intention. • The Adana kebab is outstanding, with proper texture, a perfect fat ratio, and the charcoal flavor that only a true master can achieve. • The mezzes are bright, clean, and beautifully seasoned, showing no shortcuts or compromises. • Lahmacun and pide are prepared the right way: thin, crisp edges, high heat, and spot-on dough fermentation. • The presentation is modern but never pretentious, embodying how contemporary Turkish cuisine should be approached. Chef Seçkin clearly cooks with both skill and heart. His respect for ingredients, technique, and culture is evident in every dish. Bosforo is not just another Mediterranean spot; it is a true Turkish restaurant, crafted by someone who understands the soul of the cuisine. As a fellow chef, I appreciate the discipline, flavor integrity, and pride evident in this kitchen. San Diego is fortunate to have a place like Bosforo, and I highly recommend it to anyone seeking real Turkish food crafted by a real Turkish chef. Five stars, without hesitation.

My wife and I were extremely excited to try this local place! However, after spending over $100 and leaving hungry, we were not very pleased. The Kebab was $28 and it was a dry, single piece. This is an overrated place, and we would not go back. On a positive note, the bartender and drinks were good though.

My experience at this restaurant was just okay. I wasn’t particularly impressed. While the taste and presentation of the food were acceptable, nothing truly stood out. The high price point ($$$$) did not align with the overall experience, neither the ambience nor the food quality. The tables were tightly packed in a small area, contributing to a less-than-ideal atmosphere. I would suggest skipping the $95 platter and opting for individual entrees instead, as the portions were small and not worth the cost. Overall, this is a one-time visit for me as a local.

I had dinner here with friends visiting from New York, and we were genuinely impressed. The chicken kebabs were arguably the best I’ve had in San Diego. The hummus was excellent, and the pizzas were light with a great crust. My friend also loved the drink selection, especially a basil-forward cocktail. The sütlaç for dessert was outstanding. The only slight letdown was the pita served with the hummus — it was chewy and not very good.