A Must-Try Turkish Spot In North Carolina That’s Worth A Visit This Month
There’s something magical about finding a place that feels like home, even when you’ve never been there before. I stumbled upon Bosphorus Restaurant during one of those restless weekday afternoons when takeout just wasn’t cutting it anymore.
Tucked away at 329 N Harrison Ave Suite A, Cary, this Turkish jewel has been serving up authentic Mediterranean flavors since 2006, long before the area became the foodie destination it is today. Only in North Carolina will you find this kind of treasure serving unforgettable Turkish fare.
Walking through the door feels like stepping onto a cobblestone street in Istanbul, where warm bread, sizzling kebabs, and genuine smiles welcome you without hesitation. The aroma alone could convince anyone to stay for dinner.
What started as curiosity turned into a memorable meal that left me planning my next visit before I even paid the check.
1. Cary’s First Turkish Restaurant: A Pioneer Since 2006
Opening a Turkish restaurant in Cary back in 2006 took real courage and vision. The town wasn’t exactly known for its Mediterranean food scene then, but this family saw an opportunity to share their culture through cuisine.
They became pioneers, introducing locals to flavors many had never experienced before.
Walking into this establishment feels like entering someone’s home rather than a commercial dining space. The family-run atmosphere shines through every interaction, from the greeting at the door to the careful plating of each dish.
You can tell they take pride in being the first to bring authentic Turkish cooking to this community.
Nearly two decades later, they’ve built a loyal following that spans generations. Regulars bring their kids, who grew up eating here, creating a beautiful cycle of shared meals and memories.
The longevity speaks volumes about consistency, quality, and the genuine hospitality that keeps people coming back year after year.
2. The Mezze Platter: A Perfect Introduction To Turkish Flavors
Starting your meal with the mezze platter is like getting a passport stamp to the Mediterranean. The hummus arrives impossibly smooth and creamy, drizzled with golden olive oil that pools in the center like liquid sunshine.
Baba ganoush sits alongside it, smoky and rich, with that distinct eggplant flavor that somehow tastes both earthy and elegant.
What makes this platter special is the balance of textures and temperatures. Cool dips contrast with warm, pillowy pita bread that arrives fresh from the kitchen.
Each component complements the others without competing for attention, creating a harmonious starter that prepares your palate for what’s coming next.
Sharing this platter with friends or family becomes an experience in itself. Everyone reaches across the table, tearing bread and scooping dips, creating that communal dining atmosphere that Mediterranean cultures celebrate.
It’s generous enough to satisfy without filling you up before the main course arrives.
3. Doner Kebab: The Rotating Tower Of Deliciousness
Watching the doner kebab spin slowly on its vertical rotisserie is almost hypnotic. The outer layer gets beautifully caramelized and crispy while the inside stays tender and juicy.
When the chef shaves off thin slices, you can see the layers of seasoned meat glistening under the kitchen lights.
The seasoning blend used here sets this doner apart from generic gyros you might find elsewhere. There’s a complexity to the spice profile that builds with each bite rather than overwhelming your taste buds immediately.
The meat arrives perfectly seasoned, never too salty or bland.
Served with rice, fresh vegetables, and that incredible house-made sauce, the doner kebab becomes a complete meal that satisfies on every level. The portion size doesn’t disappoint either, giving you plenty to enjoy without leaving you uncomfortably stuffed.
It’s comfort food elevated to an art form through technique and tradition passed down through generations.
4. Pide: The Turkish Pizza That Outshines The Italian Version
Calling pide just Turkish pizza doesn’t do it justice. The boat-shaped flatbread emerges from the oven with edges that are crispy yet tender, creating the perfect vessel for whatever toppings you choose.
The dough itself has character, with a slight chew and subtle flavor that complements rather than competes with the fillings.
The cheese version melts into every crevice, creating those delightful stretchy pulls when you tear off a piece. Meat options arrive sizzling, with juices that soak into the bread just enough to add flavor without making it soggy.
Fresh herbs scattered on top add brightness that cuts through the richness.
What surprised me most was how light pide feels compared to heavy, greasy pizza. You can finish a whole one without that uncomfortable fullness that makes you regret your choices.
The boat shape isn’t just for show either; it helps contain the toppings while making it easy to eat with your hands.
5. Chicken Kabobs: Tender, Juicy, And Perfectly Charred
The chicken kabobs arrive at your table still sizzling slightly, with those gorgeous char marks that promise flavor. Each piece has been marinated long enough to absorb the spices completely, resulting in meat that’s seasoned throughout rather than just on the surface.
The tenderness rivals any chicken dish I’ve had anywhere.
Grilling over real flames makes all the difference here. You taste the subtle smokiness in every bite, adding depth that oven-roasted chicken simply cannot match.
The outside gets slightly crispy while the inside stays incredibly moist, a balance that requires skill and attention.
Served alongside fluffy rice and grilled vegetables, the kabobs become part of a complete, balanced meal. The portion gives you multiple skewers, making it perfect for sharing or ensuring you have plenty for yourself.
Some reviews mention inconsistency, but during my visit, the chicken was cooked exactly right, with no pink centers or dry edges anywhere to be found.
6. Cigar Borek: Crispy Phyllo Rolls That Disappear Too Quickly
These slender phyllo-wrapped cylinders arrive golden brown and crackling crisp, looking almost too delicate to pick up. But once you bite through the paper-thin layers, you discover a warm, savory filling that makes perfect sense of the name.
They really do resemble cigars in shape, though the comparison ends there.
The filling varies but typically features cheese mixed with fresh herbs and sometimes spinach. The contrast between the crunchy exterior and creamy interior creates textural magic in your mouth.
Each roll is hand-formed, and you can tell by the slight variations in size and shape that give them character.
These make an excellent appetizer for sharing, though you might find yourself reluctant to pass the plate around. They’re substantial enough to be satisfying but light enough that you won’t spoil your appetite for the main course.
Dipped in a cool yogurt sauce, they become even more addictive, balancing richness with tangy freshness perfectly.
7. Vegetarian Options: More Than Just An Afterthought
Turkish cuisine naturally embraces vegetables in ways that make them the star rather than a side thought. The falafel here achieves that ideal combination of crispy exterior and fluffy, herb-flecked interior that so many places struggle to perfect.
Each ball bursts with flavor from chickpeas, parsley, and spices that have been balanced just right.
Stuffed grape leaves arrive cool and tangy, filled with seasoned rice and herbs that have been rolled tight by experienced hands. The eggplant salad showcases the vegetable’s creamy texture without any bitterness, mixed with tomatoes, peppers, and olive oil that brings everything together.
These dishes prove that vegetarian food doesn’t need to mimic meat to be satisfying.
While one reviewer wished for more vegetarian options, the current selection offers plenty of variety for plant-based eaters. You can easily build a complete, filling meal from appetizers and sides alone.
The kitchen clearly understands how to make vegetables shine through proper seasoning and preparation techniques.
8. Homemade Bread: The Foundation Of Every Great Meal
The complimentary bread arrives warm at your table before you even order, setting the tone for everything that follows. Unlike the stale, forgettable bread baskets at chain restaurants, this bread has substance and character.
The crust yields to gentle pressure while the interior stays soft and slightly chewy, perfect for soaking up olive oil or scooping up dips.
You can tell it’s made fresh daily rather than delivered frozen and reheated. The subtle yeasty aroma and the way it tears rather than crumbles gives it away immediately.
Served with quality olive oil for dipping, it becomes a course unto itself rather than just something to occupy your hands while waiting.
Multiple reviewers specifically mentioned the bread, which tells you everything about how memorable it is. In Turkish culture, bread holds sacred importance, and this restaurant honors that tradition by never cutting corners on this fundamental element.
It’s the kind of detail that separates authentic places from pretenders.
9. Baklava And Turkish Tea: The Perfect Sweet Ending
Skipping dessert here would be a mistake you’d regret on the drive home. The baklava arrives glistening with honey syrup, each layer of phyllo so thin you could read through it if you tried.
Chopped pistachios add color and a subtle nuttiness that balances the sweetness perfectly. It’s sticky, rich, and absolutely worth the indulgence.
Paired with traditional Turkish tea served in those distinctive curved glass cups, the dessert becomes an experience rather than just a sugar rush. The tea is strong and slightly bitter, cutting through the sweetness of the baklava in a way that makes you want to alternate bites and sips endlessly.
Adding a sugar cube, as one reviewer mentioned, softens the tea’s intensity for those who prefer it less bold.
This combination represents Turkish hospitality at its finest. Taking time for tea and sweets after a meal isn’t rushing; it’s savoring the moment and the company.
The baklava here tastes homemade rather than commercially produced, with care evident in every flaky layer.
10. The Cozy Atmosphere: Strip Mall Outside, Istanbul Inside
Don’t let the strip mall location fool you into driving past. Inside, the space transforms completely, transporting you somewhere far from North Carolina.
Warm colors, thoughtful lighting, and carefully chosen decor create an intimate atmosphere that works equally well for date nights and family gatherings. The size feels just right, cozy without being cramped.
The unassuming exterior actually works in the restaurant’s favor, creating a sense of discovery when you step inside. It’s like finding a secret that you want to share with friends but also keep to yourself.
The dining room arrangement allows for conversation without shouting over neighboring tables, something larger restaurants often sacrifice.
Some practical notes: the bathrooms have received mixed reviews, with one diner finding them less than pristine. However, the main dining area consistently maintains a clean, welcoming environment.
The focus clearly stays on the food and the guest experience at the table, where it matters most. The atmosphere invites you to linger over your meal rather than rushing through it.
11. Generous Portions: Nobody Leaves Hungry
One consistent theme across reviews is that portions here don’t disappoint. When your plate arrives, it’s loaded with enough food to satisfy even hearty appetites.
The rice alone could be a meal, fluffy and seasoned just enough to complement without overwhelming the main proteins. Vegetables arrive grilled and plentiful, not just a token garnish.
However, one reviewer noted that some kabob plates come with a single skewer for the price, which felt light compared to expectations. This inconsistency might depend on which dish you order or when you visit.
The mixed grill options definitely provide more variety and quantity, making them better value for those with bigger appetites or who want to sample multiple proteins.
The takeout containers tell the portion story too. They’re substantial, often requiring two hands to carry, and the food travels well for those heading home.
Leftovers actually reheat nicely, which isn’t always true of Mediterranean cuisine. You’re definitely getting your money’s worth in terms of quantity, though as always, quality matters more than sheer volume.
12. The Service: Friendly Faces And Genuine Hospitality
Turkish hospitality isn’t just a concept here; it’s practiced with every interaction. The staff greets you like they’re genuinely happy you came, not with the forced enthusiasm of scripted customer service.
They take time to explain dishes, offer recommendations, and make sure you’re comfortable without hovering annoyingly over your table.
Multiple reviewers specifically praised the friendly, welcoming nature of the staff. Even when the restaurant gets busy, they maintain their composure and attentiveness.
The complimentary tea and bread arrive promptly, setting a generous tone before you’ve ordered anything. This kind of service makes you feel valued as a guest rather than just another transaction.
One reviewer mentioned food coming out quickly, which is impressive given that everything is made to order. The kitchen clearly has their timing down, ensuring hot food arrives at the right temperature without making you wait endlessly.
When issues do arise, like the undercooked meat one diner experienced, the staff attempts to make it right, though response times may vary during peak hours.
13. The Mixed Grill: A Carnivore’s Dream Platter
For those who can’t decide between lamb, chicken, or beef, the mixed grill solves that dilemma deliciously. This impressive platter arrives loaded with multiple types of meat, each grilled to perfection and showcasing different flavors and textures.
The lamb brings richness, the chicken offers lighter notes, and the beef provides that satisfying, hearty quality carnivores crave.
One reviewer specifically called out the mixed kebab as highly recommended, praising how each protein maintained its distinct character while working together on the plate. The grilling technique ensures proper char without drying anything out, a skill that requires experience and attention.
Accompanied by rice and vegetables, it becomes a feast that can easily serve two people or leave one very satisfied diner.
The value proposition improves with this option since you’re getting variety and quantity together. It’s perfect for first-time visitors who want to sample different offerings or for returning guests who love everything and refuse to choose.
Just make sure you communicate your preferred doneness clearly, as one reviewer had issues with meat arriving less cooked than requested.
