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Bosforo is a chef-driven Turkish restaurant – bar in the heart of San Diego’s Normal Heights, offering a bold and soulful dining experience. Inspired by the lively meyhanes of Istanbul, Bosforo serves wood-fired kebaps, wood-fired artisan Italian pizzas (the first of their kind on Adams Avenue), vibrant mezes, and traditional Turkish desserts. Guests can enjoy raki service, craft cocktails with a Turkish twist, and regional wines in a warm, modern Mediterranean space. Dine by reservation, walk in for a drink at the bar, or join us on weekends for Turkish brunch and live DJ sets or acoustic performances.
Hours
| Saturday | 5–10 PM |
| Sunday | 5–9 PM |
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 5–9:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 5–9:30 PM |
| Thursday | 5–9:30 PM |
| Friday | 5–10 PM |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 3201 Adams Ave, San Diego, CA 92116
Phone: (619) 634-9646
Website: https://bosforosd.com/
Menu Photos
Related Web Results
Bosforo | Modern Turkish Restaurant & Bar – Mediterranean by …
Inspired by the meyhanes of Türkiye. Shared plates, fire-kissed food, and unforgettable nights. 3201 Adams Avenue, San Diego, CA 92116
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Bosforo Restaurant – San Diego, CA | OpenTable
Book now at Bosforo in San Diego, CA. Explore menu, see photos and read 364 reviews: “From the moment you walk in, the ambience is warm, elegant, …
Reviews
Emel G.
Truly authentic and delicious Turkish food. Great ambiance, very friendly, hospitable hosts and servers. Chef came out and greeted our table and asked our opinions of our visit such a great gesture and great way of welcoming guests. I think this relatively new place in north Park is a gem, you must visit and enjoy this wonderful culinary experience.
… moreAriel Servin
I have been here twice and highly recommend making a reservation, as dinner time fills up quickly for a reason. One of the things I love most is that while you know what you’re ordering from the menu, once the food arrives you almost stop trying to identify every ingredient—the dishes are so well seasoned, not just with salt and pepper but with layered spices that truly blend with and elevate the ingredients. The mixology is excellent, with creative Turkish twists, and they also offer Turkish beer and wine selections. We tried the Margherita pizza as our hot dish, which was good, but the Turkish pizza is even yummier. For dessert, the rice pudding really stood out and, in my opinion, was better than the baklava. The staff was friendly and helpful with both food and drink recommendations, and the service was great overall. I will definitely be coming back.
… moreTolga İçmez
I’m visiting San Diego from Turkiye, and I truly did not expect to find Turkish food at this level. Bosforo genuinely surprised me.
The Bosforo Kebab was outstanding perfectly grilled, juicy, and full of flavor with that clean charcoal aroma we grow up with back home. You can taste the quality of the meat and the balance in the seasoning. It felt both authentic and elevated. The lahmacun also was another highlight.
Everything felt fresh and made from scratch. You can tell this is a chef-driven kitchen that respects tradition but executes it at a higher level.
Service was warm and welcoming real Turkish hospitality.
It honestly wouldn’t surprise me if Bosforo catches Michelin’s attention in the future. If you’re in San Diego and want true Turkish cuisine done right, this is the place.
… moreThe Bosforo Kebab was outstanding perfectly grilled, juicy, and full of flavor with that clean charcoal aroma we grow up with back home. You can taste the quality of the meat and the balance in the seasoning. It felt both authentic and elevated. The lahmacun also was another highlight.
Everything felt fresh and made from scratch. You can tell this is a chef-driven kitchen that respects tradition but executes it at a higher level.
Service was warm and welcoming real Turkish hospitality.
It honestly wouldn’t surprise me if Bosforo catches Michelin’s attention in the future. If you’re in San Diego and want true Turkish cuisine done right, this is the place.
Viktoriya
It’s not my first time at this restaurant, and they usually have very good food. The cuisine is Middle Eastern/Turkish style — not street food, but higher-quality, well-prepared dishes.
This time, the servers greeted us with a complimentary drink made of rose and ginger. It was tasty and a nice surprise.
What I didn’t like: we ordered an appetizer (calamari), but they brought only one piece, stuffed with rice. It had almost no flavor and was disappointing.
The kebab was very good, but the portion was small and the plate felt empty.
Another negative was the service. The servers kept trying to clear the table too quickly. While my friend and I were sitting and enjoying our conversation, it felt rushed.
Overall, I think a 4-star review is generous, and I’m giving it mainly because I like Turkish food.
… moreThis time, the servers greeted us with a complimentary drink made of rose and ginger. It was tasty and a nice surprise.
What I didn’t like: we ordered an appetizer (calamari), but they brought only one piece, stuffed with rice. It had almost no flavor and was disappointing.
The kebab was very good, but the portion was small and the plate felt empty.
Another negative was the service. The servers kept trying to clear the table too quickly. While my friend and I were sitting and enjoying our conversation, it felt rushed.
Overall, I think a 4-star review is generous, and I’m giving it mainly because I like Turkish food.
T Lewis
Wow. Bosforo really hit it out of the park for me. First of all, Kevin was our server and took the time to review the menu with us. Everything he recommended was outstanding. Days later, I am still dreaming about the best hummus I’ve ever had. Good Lord. It was warm, smooth, and had strips of pastrami. I will seriously order this stuff to go. The girit ezme cheese spread was divine. The minced beef lahmacun was fun to eat- spread the toppings, squeeze some lemon, and tear it up. I loved rolling it, way easier to eat. The beef kebap was on point with the flavor and texture.
Yes, I dipped everything in the hummus.
Living in San Diego, I am used to a very traditional Mexican arroz con leche. I enjoyed the Turkish take on this subtle dessert. My favorite was the baklava though, not super sweet like most baklavas, it was simply perfect. They have a fun libations menu, the only thing is I wish there was a little bit more kefir in my Silk Road (I thought it was gonna be more of a creamy cocktail).
We had 5 o’clock reservations, so for majority of our dinner we did not experience the loudness how many reviewers have reported.
Shout out once again to our server Kevin, who went above and beyond to allow us more time at our table and made my birthday celebration one I will never forget. His Turkish background made our experience even more enjoyable. Another shout out to Chef Sage for executing amazing food. Bosforo is exceptional and by far my new favorite restaurant. Thank you!
… moreYes, I dipped everything in the hummus.
Living in San Diego, I am used to a very traditional Mexican arroz con leche. I enjoyed the Turkish take on this subtle dessert. My favorite was the baklava though, not super sweet like most baklavas, it was simply perfect. They have a fun libations menu, the only thing is I wish there was a little bit more kefir in my Silk Road (I thought it was gonna be more of a creamy cocktail).
We had 5 o’clock reservations, so for majority of our dinner we did not experience the loudness how many reviewers have reported.
Shout out once again to our server Kevin, who went above and beyond to allow us more time at our table and made my birthday celebration one I will never forget. His Turkish background made our experience even more enjoyable. Another shout out to Chef Sage for executing amazing food. Bosforo is exceptional and by far my new favorite restaurant. Thank you!
C M-R
We recently had the pleasure of dining at a new Turkish restaurant, and we were thoroughly impressed. The establishment’s decor is understated, suggesting a focus on substance over superficial aesthetics often favored by social media influencers.
Bosforo distinguishes itself by prioritizing the quality of its cuisine, beverages, and customer service. The ambiance evokes the authentic charm of a family-owned restaurant in Istanbul, creating a truly delightful atmosphere.
We sampled several dishes, and each offered an authentic flavor profile that instantly transported me back to Istanbul. The tantalizing aroma of smoke emanating from the kitchen, visible from the exterior, serves as an excellent appetizer.
We unequivocally plan to return and explore more of their menu offerings.
… moreBosforo distinguishes itself by prioritizing the quality of its cuisine, beverages, and customer service. The ambiance evokes the authentic charm of a family-owned restaurant in Istanbul, creating a truly delightful atmosphere.
We sampled several dishes, and each offered an authentic flavor profile that instantly transported me back to Istanbul. The tantalizing aroma of smoke emanating from the kitchen, visible from the exterior, serves as an excellent appetizer.
We unequivocally plan to return and explore more of their menu offerings.
Aselin Bay
Everything was amazing! My friends and I tried almost all the mezes, and everything was so delicious. From the main dishes, my favorite was the Kebap Trio it was incredible and came with five different sides. We were completely satisfied!
For dessert, both the baklava and rice pudding were unbelievably good. The atmosphere made me feel like I was back in Turkey, and the service quality was excellent. I can honestly say this is now my favorite restaurant!
Among the cocktails, the Cappadocia was fantastic, and I highly recommend trying rakı, the traditional Turkish drink. I loved everything thank you to everyone for this wonderful experience!
… moreFor dessert, both the baklava and rice pudding were unbelievably good. The atmosphere made me feel like I was back in Turkey, and the service quality was excellent. I can honestly say this is now my favorite restaurant!
Among the cocktails, the Cappadocia was fantastic, and I highly recommend trying rakı, the traditional Turkish drink. I loved everything thank you to everyone for this wonderful experience!
Mithat Yenice
As a chef who has dedicated decades to mastering authentic Turkish cuisine, I can say with full confidence that Bosforo sets a new standard for Turkish dining in San Diego. Chef Seçkin’s craft is exceptional — technically refined, deeply authentic, and consistently executed at a level that is rare to find outside Türkiye.
From the moment you walk in, you feel the modern meyhane atmosphere — elegant yet comforting. The menu reflects a chef who not only understands traditional flavors, but also respects the discipline behind them. Every plate carries balance, precision, and intention.
• The Adana kebab is outstanding: proper texture, perfect fat ratio, and charcoal flavor that only a true ustanın elinden çıkar.
• The mezzes are bright, clean, and beautifully seasoned — no shortcuts, no compromises.
• Lahmacun and pide are done the right way: thin, crisp edges, high heat, and spot-on dough fermentation.
• Presentation is modern but never pretentious — exactly how contemporary Turkish cuisine should be approached.
Chef Seçkin clearly cooks with both skill and heart. His respect for ingredients, technique, and culture shows in every dish. Bosforo isn’t just “another Mediterranean spot” — it is a true Turkish restaurant, crafted by someone who understands the soul of the cuisine.
As a fellow chef, I appreciate the discipline, the flavor integrity, and the pride behind this kitchen. San Diego is lucky to have a place like Bosforo, and I highly recommend it to anyone seeking real Turkish food crafted by a real Turkish chef.
Five stars, without hesitation.
… moreFrom the moment you walk in, you feel the modern meyhane atmosphere — elegant yet comforting. The menu reflects a chef who not only understands traditional flavors, but also respects the discipline behind them. Every plate carries balance, precision, and intention.
• The Adana kebab is outstanding: proper texture, perfect fat ratio, and charcoal flavor that only a true ustanın elinden çıkar.
• The mezzes are bright, clean, and beautifully seasoned — no shortcuts, no compromises.
• Lahmacun and pide are done the right way: thin, crisp edges, high heat, and spot-on dough fermentation.
• Presentation is modern but never pretentious — exactly how contemporary Turkish cuisine should be approached.
Chef Seçkin clearly cooks with both skill and heart. His respect for ingredients, technique, and culture shows in every dish. Bosforo isn’t just “another Mediterranean spot” — it is a true Turkish restaurant, crafted by someone who understands the soul of the cuisine.
As a fellow chef, I appreciate the discipline, the flavor integrity, and the pride behind this kitchen. San Diego is lucky to have a place like Bosforo, and I highly recommend it to anyone seeking real Turkish food crafted by a real Turkish chef.
Five stars, without hesitation.
Sabrina Gallier
The best kabob I ever had. The best hummus I ever had. The drinks are different, interesting, and delicious!
The spices are on point without overwhelming your taste buds. The staff is lovely, and the place has evolved into a great experience since it has opened. The chef personally came to the table to welcome us, highly recommend this new restaurant!
… moreThe spices are on point without overwhelming your taste buds. The staff is lovely, and the place has evolved into a great experience since it has opened. The chef personally came to the table to welcome us, highly recommend this new restaurant!
Janet Q
Bósforo Turkish Restaurant was such a wonderful surprise. We didn’t make reservations but were lucky enough to grab seats at the bar — and within minutes the entire restaurant filled up. Now we know why!
The drinks were amazingly delicious (and absolutely beautiful). And the food? So good. Every single dish we ordered was completely devoured — not a crumb left behind.
This hidden gem is definitely worth a stop. Don’t sleep on it!
… moreThe drinks were amazingly delicious (and absolutely beautiful). And the food? So good. Every single dish we ordered was completely devoured — not a crumb left behind.
This hidden gem is definitely worth a stop. Don’t sleep on it!