An evening of splendour was had by all at the marvellous Ararat Turkish Restaurant in Ipswich.
The eatery in Norwich Road only opened a few months ago, but is already making a name for itself in the local culinary world.
As you enter off the busy street you are greeted with a sophisticated and elegant interior with room for dozens of hungry souls both upstairs and down.
It’s a family run set up at Ararat and it was clear the food was cooked with care when plates of sumptuous pieces of meat and salad were laid on our table.
The menu is perfect – concise enough to fit over a small double page but with expanse for a multitude of options. From super cold and hot starters, delicious kebabs, house specials and vegetarian delights, there is a great selection to tuck into.
Myself and EADT reporter colleague Gemma Mitchell plumbed for a beautiful yoghurt Iskender chicken kebab which was both moreish and filling.
This was completed by sturdy rice, humus kavurma and a colourful chicken halloumi salad.
This isn’t somewhere where it’s all about the top food – it’s also about the ambience and warmth of greeting.
No matter what the flavour or genre of food – if you don’t feel heartily welcome when you come to dine, the owners haven’t done their job.
And of course being on Norwich Road means we knew exactly where it was and how to get there. Ample parking is provided nearby – close to Coes, which is handy. Or, if you are inclined to walk, it is only a short trek from the town centre.
Talking to the owners it’s apparent that almost everything you see in Ararat actually comes from Turkey. From the chairs to the recipes, it is authentic without being annoying in its obsession with the beautiful country. Having never been to Turkey, I have now made it one of my travel goals to get there. As evident from the bright photographs which proudly adorn the wall above the front counter, it is a vast and picturesque place to visit.
Ararat is open daily between 12pm and 11pm which is nice for those, like us, who were very late eaters that day.
If you’re on the move, the restaurant also offers takeaway.
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