Lezzet

Lezzet is a buzzing modern Turkish restaurant that maintains a sense of intimacy even though it's big and on a busy road. Windows open on to a sprawl of outside tables but inside, it's warm with patterned wood and burgundy tones, the tables accented with fragrant sprigs of rosemary in miniature Campari bottles. The food is homely and unpretentious; Lezzet does a lovely pizza, so start with a taste by ordering olive-studded, wood-fired Turkish bread, thin and drizzled in olive oil and oregano, before snacking on mushrooms stuffed with goat's cheese and crowned with pesto. There's slow-roasted lamb, or calamari, grilled and tumbled with herbs and wedges of preserved lemon. Vegetarians will love the guvech, chunks of roasted eggplant, corn and capsicum under a thick topping of bechamel. A Turkish delight-laden sundae, festooned with Persian fairy floss and crushed pistachios, is decadent genius. Noise and bustle come with the territory; order takeaway if you want a quieter night.