We visited The Sheesh for the first time yesterday, and I can safely say we will ABSOLUTELY be going again. Mum and Dad have been telling us how good it was, so we were very happy to get the chance.

I’ve eaten a lot of Turkish food, my mum lives in Northern Cyprus, and this was easily one of the best places I’ve been.

When you walk in, the smell of woodsmoke hits you. Warm, and comforting, and a hint of how good the meal to come will be. It did not disappoint. The charcoal grill smell is everywhere, which just makes you even more hungry. This photo is from their Facebook page.

The service is fast, and so friendly! They greeted me in Turkish, and Greek, which made us all smile. He even threw a bit of Cypriot dialect in there. The seating is comfortable, and they are happy to let you sit and talk, even after you’re done eating. No hassle, they just let you be.

We started with cold meze platter – taramaslata, houmous, cucumber and mint yoghurt, smoked aubergine garlicky dip, tabbouleh and shakshuka. Olives and stuffed vine leaves were tucked in along with crunchy fresh cucumber slices. A basket of char grilled, soft flatbread comes with it, studded with sesame and nigella seeds. Everything was so good, vibrant and zingy, perking up the taste buds properly. It got mum and dad reminiscing about their trips to the Middle East, sitting out on the sands in Lebanon, eating under the stars surrounded by jasmine. Aw.

Tex also ordered arnavut cigeri – liver cooked with spices and served on a bed of red onions. This is the only way I can eat liver. This one was juicy, and had that smokiness about it too. Perfect.

Next, mains. Two of us had a mixed grill: chicken shish so smoky and tender that you barely needed a knife to cut it, lamb pieces that you could actually cut with a spoon, perfectly crisped lamb chop, and such a gorgeous kofte (minced meat with spices, pressed onto a long skewer) that we were speechless for a bit. Rice comes with that on the plate, and they brought a huge bowl of very fresh salad as well.

Mom had the vegetable moussaka, which was a very generous serving, lots of veggies, topped with a cheese sauce.
Dad had lamb guveç, a very hearty casserole with lots of vegetables and tender lamb cubes.
All of us were full, so they packed leftovers for us to take home.

We did manage dessert; sadly the rice pudding wasn’t on that day, but the pastries were in! The baklava and kataifi are all pistachio filled, and come warm, with ice cream. A very nice touch. They brought us complimentary Turkish tea at the end of the meal, and a plate of proper Turkish delight, soft and sticky.

There was nothing I could fault them on. Kind, very friendly service, and excellent food, making us feel like we’d known them for years. (We haven’t!) We’re already planning when we can get back to Bury to see the in-laws, and go again. Such a find, visit soon! We’ve already spotted at least 8 things on the menu we want to try.

£91 for a meal for four, with drinks and desserts? Brilliant!

The Sheesh, 9 Risbygate Street, Bury St Edmunds, IP33