Turkish cuisine in Cape Town? Try Saray Restaurant

Huge sharing platters, flaming desserts & decor from Turkey

Last updated: Tuesday, 30 June 2026

There’s a palace hidden at the V&A Waterfront, and unless someone points it out, you could easily walk past it. Between the ferries, tourists, and towering buildings of the Clock Tower precinct sits Saray, a Turkish restaurant where mosaic lamps glow above cerulean-blue chairs, platters of grilled meats arrive sizzling at crowded tables, and conversations stretch late into the evening over tea and shisha.

While many visitors discover it by chance, this Turkish restaurant has quietly become a gathering place for families, friends and celebrations, all centred around a culture of sharing.

Saray draws everyone from local families and large birthday groups to tourists and regulars settling in for long evenings around the shisha lounge. Image: Saray

SARAY RESTAURANT, A PALACE HIDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT

It doesn’t take long to see why Saray translates to “palace” in Turkish. Mosaic tiles cover the walls, handmade Turkish lanterns hang from the ceiling, and plush navy-blue booths sit beneath warm lighting.

Along the back wall, Turkish ornaments and artwork add another layer of detail, while the scent of charcoal-grilled meats drifts from the kitchen.

The decor is part of the experience. The mosaic lamps, imported ornaments, handmade copper clocks and pumpkin lights sourced from Turkey are designed to transport diners beyond the bustle of the Waterfront.

It feels exactly like stepping inside a restaurant in Turkey. Image: Saray

THE STORIES BEHIND THE PLATE

Like the decor, the menu is steeped in Turkish tradition.

It’s filled with dishes that tell stories of Turkish cities, family traditions and recipes that have stood the test of time.

Take the Adana kebab, one of Saray's most popular dishes. Named after the Turkish city, it takes around an hour and a half to prepare and is made from spiced, hand-minced meat mounted on wide iron skewers and grilled over hot charcoal.

Another favourite is Beyti Sarma – spiced ground lamb or beef grilled on a skewer and wrapped in a thin flatbread or (lavash). 

Saray has been around since 2016. Image: Saray

EVERYDAY TURKISH CLASSICS

Beyond the more well-known dishes, the menu includes comforting staples found in homes across Turkey.

Tavuk Sote and Et Sote – chicken and beef stews served bubbling hot in clay pots – are dishes many Turkish families grow up eating at home. “This is comfort food you'd find in any Turkish household,” says manager Murat K.demir.

Other regular favourites include the Tavuk Sis and Et Sis skewers, generous sharing platters piled high with grilled meats, and Saray's signature Nazik, built around a smoky aubergine puree topped with tender beef or chicken.

The presentation of the food is very theatrical. Image: Saray

AT SARAY, FOOD IS MADE FOR SHARING

In Turkish culture, at dinner, everyone gathers around one table, passing dishes between one another, offering food and conversation in equal measure.

That tradition carries through to the restaurant. Large mixed-grill platters arrive at the centre of the table, starters are passed around, and desserts like kunafa and baklava become a reason to linger a little longer.

It's also why Saray attracts such a broad mix of diners. On any given day, you'll find tourists stopping in for lunch after visiting Robben Island, professionals hosting business meetings, families celebrating birthdays, and groups of friends settling in for an evening together.

Large sharing platters reflect a Turkish dining culture centred around family, generosity and conversation. Image: Saray

SHISHA LOUNGE WITH FRUIT HEADS

For many guests, the evening continues on the outdoor terrace, where shisha has been part of the Saray experience since day one.

You can easily spot the imported shisha pipes with their glass, gold and silver accents. Popular flavours include lemon mint, gum mint, double apple and Love 66, while lesser-known favourites include blueberry mint, cherry and watermelon blended with blueberry.

Flavours like watermelon, grape and cappuccino become even more intense with a fruit or ice head (the shisha bowl is cut out of fruit or ice, intensifying the flavour).

It’s a very unique smoking experience. Image: Saray

SARAY HOSTS BIRTHDAYS & FUNCTIONS, TOO

On any given day, Saray welcomes everyone from tourists and business professionals to families and groups of friends. The restaurant can host up to (200) guests and regularly accommodates birthday parties, year-end functions and special occasions.

There’s a set menu for 15 or more people, which includes mezes (like hummus and haydari), mains (like the Mixed Grill platter, Beyti Sarma or Et and Tavuk Sote, slow-cooked chicken) and baklava served with ice cream.

What begins as a chance discovery often becomes a reason to return. Hidden in plain sight at the V&A Waterfront, Saray is where Turkish hospitality and warmth come together.

Please contact Saray Team for more information re big group bookings. Image: Saray

VISIT SARAY

Saray Restaurant is open: Monday to Thursday, 11am to 11pm; Friday & Saturday, 11am to midnight; Sunday, 11am to 10pm
Find them: Shop G01 Clock Tower Building | V&A Waterfront | Cape Town
Book via: 066 430 3391; sarayreservations@gmail.com, @saray_restaurant_ct

By Khadeeja Adams

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