Business Details
10 Years
experience
Authentic Turkish Restaurant in Durham
Established in 2016, Akarsu Turkish Restaurant Turkish Restaurant was founded by Joanne and Cengiz Akarsu Turkish Restaurant Turkish Restaurant, driven by a shared passion for Durham City's historic charm and Turkish culinary heritage. Our family-run establishment prioritises authentic Turkish cuisine, using fresh ingredients and traditional recipes passed through generations. Located at 21 Silver Street, we offer panoramic views of the River Wear and a dining experience that combines cultural authenticity with modern hospitality. Our menu features charcoal-grilled kebabs, mezes, Turkish wines, and signature cocktails, complemented by seasonal alfresco dining. In May 2023, we relocated to a purpose-built venue while maintaining our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.With over seven years of operation, we have built a reputation for exceptional service and culinary excellence, earning loyal patrons and critical acclaim. Our team combines decades of hospitality experience with a deep understanding of Turkish gastronomy, ensuring every dish reflects our heritage. We adhere to strict food safety standards and source ingredients responsibly to maintain consistency and quality. Customer feedback drives continuous improvement, while our transparent pricing and flexible booking options demonstrate our client-centric approach. As a local business, we actively engage with Durham's community while introducing visitors to Turkey's rich culinary traditions.
Services
Turkish Cuisine
Lunch Menu
Drinks List
Gift Vouchers
Online Booking
360 Tour
Details
- Year established: 2016
Highlights and features
- Family-owned restaurant with Turkish culinary heritage since 2016
- Panoramic riverside views in Durham City's historic centre
- Authentic menu featuring traditional kebabs and Turkish wines
- Seasonal alfresco dining on Silver Street's vibrant thoroughfare
- Award-winning hospitality combining Turkish tradition with modern service
Services
Turkish Cuisine
Our authentic Turkish restaurant serves freshly prepared mezes, charcoal-grilled kebabs, and traditional desserts using heritage recipes. Each dish showcases Turkey's diverse culinary influences while maintaining modern presentation standards. The menu caters to both traditionalists and adventurous diners seeking genuine Turkish flavours.
Lunch Menu
Available daily 11:30-16:00, our lunch specials offer value-for-money Turkish dishes with quick service. The menu features curated options including signature kebabs, meze platters, and Turkish-inspired salads, ideal for business lunches or casual dining. Portions maintain quality while ensuring affordability for regular patrons.
Drinks List
We offer an extensive drinks selection featuring Turkish wines, Efes Beer, signature cocktails, and traditional Turkish beverages. Our bar combines local Durham influences with Turkish hospitality, providing both familiar and exotic options to complement our cuisine.
Gift Vouchers
Digital gift vouchers provide flexible gifting options for special occasions. Recipients can book tables or order meals using unique codes, with validity periods ensuring usability across multiple visits. Vouchers make ideal gifts for food enthusiasts seeking authentic international dining experiences.
Online Booking
Our digital booking system allows instant table reservations through the website. Customers can select preferred dates, times, and party sizes with real-time availability updates. The platform integrates with our restaurant management system to ensure accurate capacity management and customer communication.
People
Joanne Akarsu
Co-Founder
Co-founder of Akarsu Turkish Restaurant Turkish Restaurant with extensive hospitality industry experience. Previously worked in Durham's fine dining sector before establishing the restaurant in 2016. Oversees front-of-house operations and customer relations.
Cengiz Akarsu
Co-Founder
Co-founder and head chef with deep Turkish culinary heritage. Developed the restaurant's authentic menu using family recipes. Previously worked in Istanbul's Michelin-starred restaurants before relocating to Durham in 2016 to establish the business.
Questions
What are your opening hours?
We're open daily from 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM, including weekends and bank holidays.
Do you serve lunch?
Yes, our lunch menu is available daily from 11:30 AM to 4:00 PM with special offers.
Is there outdoor seating available?
We offer seasonal alfresco dining on Silver Street with views of the River Wear.
Can I book a table online?
Yes, our website provides instant online booking for all available time slots.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept major credit/debit cards and contactless payments at our Durham restaurant.
Do you offer gift vouchers?
Digital gift vouchers are available for purchase through our website with flexible redemption options.
