Efes Restaurant

Unclaimed

What a pleasant surprise to find an amazing Turkish restaurant during our visit to Shanghai! The place is popular so I would highly recommend booking ahead if you can. We were lucky enough to score a table upon turning up one night, but as we came a second night (it’s so good), we did have to wait 90 minutes for a table as they were flat out. (Nice little wine bar around the corner was great for waiting). The menu is substantial with a wide range of options available. We love lamb and all the dishes we tried were amazingly tender and fresh. The Pide’s were beautiful with a light pastry that was perfect for the tasty filling within them. The service is friendly and efficient and the pricing is very good value for the quality of the food. If you’re in Shanghai, Efes is definitely worth a visit!

My experience at Efes Restaurant was absolutely wonderful! The food is authentic, halal Turkish cuisine with rich flavors and generous portions. I tried the kebabs and Turkish pide – both were incredibly delicious and satisfying. The service was excellent and very fast. The staff were friendly, welcoming, and attentive. The atmosphere is cozy and comfortable, with tasteful decor that adds to the overall dining experience. It's a great spot for both individuals and families. Highly recommended for anyone looking for tasty Turkish food in Shanghai. I’ll definitely be coming back!

Efes is my go-to spot whenever I’m in Shanghai. Luckily, they’ve opened another branch near Jing’an Temple, so I no longer need to cross over to Pudong when I’m staying on the Puxi side. What stands out the most is that the Turkish owner is in the restaurant every day, personally overseeing operations—something quite rare for foreign-owned restaurants in Shanghai. They get very busy on weekends and especially during exhibition periods, so a reservation is a must if you plan to visit during peak hours. Ideally, go after 8:30 PM for the best experience. Efes only cooks with chargrilled fresh meat, never on gas or electric plates like some other Middle Eastern spots in town. That’s why you won’t find döner kebab or Iskender here—but their meat selection is much better. Their hummus is Mediterranean-style, with less tahini and more olive oil, not the Arabic version. This isn’t a fast-food place, so if you’re in a hurry, it’s better to come early or later in the evening. Recommended dishes: mixed meze, soup, Gavurdağı salad, Ali Pasha, and Sultan Sarma. If you’re in a group of 4 or more, definitely listen to the waiter’s suggestions for a set menu—it’s more cost-effective and makes for a better overall experience. Well done, Efes.

I'm visiting Shanghai for a few days, and I have been here three days in a row. The food is lovely, the staff are warm and friendly, and the atmosphere is great. There is outside seating available.