Liton's Turkish Grill
Where the Ottomans replace the Romans
- Saldanha (Linha Amarela/Vermelho)
- €€
- Av. Casal Ribeiro 30, 1000-092
It was less than a year ago that we wrote an extended love letter to Barbarossa - a Turkish restaurant in Roma. So it was with sadness that we found ourselves in that part of town two weeks ago and discovered that Barbarossa is no more. On that occasion we picked ourselves up and found solace in 1001 Nights Iranian Restaurant's delicious Mirza Ghasemi. But the search for a new Turkish was ON. Step on up: Liton's Turkish Grill.
It's frothy, it's delicious, it's ayran!
For lovers of Turkish food in Lisbon, Liton's won't be a new name. With branches in Roma and on the outskirts of the city in Amadora, they specialise in proper Turkish food and proper Turkish party vibes. Think big tables and even bigger kebab platters. But their Saldanha branch is brand new, replacing another fallen Lisbon Appetit favourite: casual Italian cafe Lisforno.
These reviewers certainly hope that Liton's has more success on the Saldanha site than Lisforno because this Turkish food is a banger. We started with the lahmacun (but of course) with some dips and bread. Both hit the spot, but the lahmacun was the winner in this round. Go for the basic version - it was around €4 - for crispy bread base, slightly spicy and very delicious mince meat topping.
Where to start on a menu this extensive: iskender kebab
The menu is vast. You will get distracted by the party platters. Stay focused. And if you don't know where to start, then the iskender kebab is a personal favourite. Liton's version did not disappoint. Delicious slices of meat, torn-up chunks of bread, creamy yoghurt, served with rice, grilled pepper and tomato. It was a feast. In the other corner was the lamb ribs - succulent, juicy, mopped up with a bread. Hard to say who won this round (although I can confirm that the iskender leftovers I took home were delicious chopped up in an omelette the next morning).
Liton's Turkish Grill in Saldanha was casual, welcoming, with an extensive menu and everything we ate was properly fantastic. We will be back, and you should go too.
Tender pieces of juicy lamb ribs, bread to soak it all up, and Liton's impeccable chips
Don’t forget to order: Your kebab, your choice, but we will judge anyone who doesn't go in on the lahmacun.
