La Turka – A Mediterranean meat feast in the heart of Lancashire
This trendy restaurant with cocktail bar vibes and rodizio portions is in the heart of Rawtenstall’s nightlife, a two floored modern Mediterranean bistro that’s as tasty as it is welcoming.
About La Turka
La Turka started its journey in Cheshire, calling in Monton, before making its home in Lancashire in the market town of Rawtenstall where it is consistently voted one of its top eating spots.
We visited as a birthday treat on a Saturday night, and treat ourselves we did.
The four of us all had starters, ranging from chilli and lime king prawns to hot Turkish sausage. I opted for the Kibbah, bulgar shells stuffed with fragrant spiced lamb on a bed of tahini dip. The lamb was delicious, the flavours perfectly complemented each other and it was just the right size.
We didn’t hesitate in getting stuck into a plentiful main. I should point out that three of our party of four have got bigggg appetites, but even we had eyes bigger than our bellies.
The menu features Med classics such as pizzas, pastas and salads, but the real star of the show is the grill section.
My sister and brother-in-law opted for the King of the Grill, which is exactly as it sounds. Lamb chops, kofta and donner, sausage, wings, skewers… and if that’s not enough, it comes with rice and dips. We went for the slightly smaller chicken and lamb mix skewers and kebabs, which still comfortably filled a plate alongside the delicious, buttery rice.
The meat was cooked to perfection, juicy and well presented, the dips and sauces packing a punch of flavours to bring out the Mediterranean roots of the dishes.
If you’re not a meat eater, then La Turka is still for you. There are a number of vegetarian and vegan dishes, and many that can be adapted. The falafel looked delicious, as did the whipped feta.
You’d think dessert would have evaded us, but my “I’ve never been full after a meal” partner still managed a square of Tiramisu. It looked delicious, but I chose to round off my evening with a crisp glass of white wine whilst we waited for our Uber home.
We sat in one of the downstairs booths, but a trip upstairs revealed another floor of smaller tables which I imagine is where they would host larger groups. Every table was full, which is testament to how good this place is and made for a fantastic buzz on a Saturday night.
We went home with half of a grill fit for a King wrapped up in a doggie bag, and the need for elasticated waistbands.
10/10 recommend.
What I loved about it:
Everything (and I don’t say that lightly!). The staff, the atmosphere, and of course, the delicious food. We’ve not eaten that well in a long time.
Location:
Rawtenstall, Lancashire, on the busy main street with several nearby bars and craft ale pubs. Booking & menus here.
Suitable for:
Couples, groups, friends, special occasions (such as Mother’s Day!).
