If you thought Turkish food in Singapore began and ended with kebabs, think again. The newly opened Pera Turkish Grill & Mezze at South Beach is rewriting the script with dishes that feel straight out of Istanbul – rich with history, warmth, and enough olive oil to belly dance.
Named after the storied Pera district of Istanbul, once the beating heart of the Ottoman Empire, this restaurant channels that same East-meets-West energy. The space itself is a stunner. Softly glowing lanterns inspired by the Yeni Cami Mosque, casting dappled light across warm wood and stone textures in the dining area, while an open kitchen draws you in with an all-Turkish team of chefs working a traditional Turkish grill, flipping and flaming with effortless rhythm.
Behind it all is Executive Chef Volkan Ince, whose two decades of culinary experience, spanning Istanbul, Miami, and Riyadh, have clearly shaped his philosophy: respect tradition, but make it exciting. The result is a menu that’s deeply authentic with ingredients from Turkiye but dressed up for modern Singapore.
Start with the girit ezmesi ($20), a creamy white cheese dip laced with melon and herbs, so moreish you’ll find yourself continuously spreading it onto the soft bread. Then there’s the izgara hellimli sarma ($18), where grilled halloumi is wrapped in wine leaves and topped with cherry tomato salsa. It’s rich, it’s indulgent, and it’s definitely not your average sarma or dolma, which is usually stuffed with rice.
From the oven, don’t miss the sucuklu pide ($22), a cured beef sujuk flatbread drenched in spiced tomato butter and is unapologetically garlicky. But if you prefer something lighter, try the ege izgara levrek ($62), a Turkish seabass grilled simply with olive oil, lemon, and salt. It’s a dish that proves restraint can be the most flavourful move of all. We devoured it in one sitting, all the way to its bones.
Of course, no Turkish meal is complete without dessert, and Pera’s pistachio baklava doesn’t disappoint – flaky, nutty, and syrupy sweet.
The vibe
Modern Istanbul glamour meets warm Turkish hospitality under a canopy of glimmering lights.
The food
Authentic Turkish flavours reimagined for today, from creamy mezzes to perfectly grilled seabass.
The drink
Creative cocktails with a Turkish twist, where raki, pomegranate and spice steal the spotlight. Try the Bosphorus Blossom ($22) for a hint of flora.
Time Out tip
Finish your meal with hot Turkish tea or coffee — and if you’re feeling brave, flip your cup upside down for a traditional fortune reading or let an app do the divination.