Temola Turkish Cuisine
If you ever find yourself wandering through the streets of Nottingham and craving something that feels like a warm hug from the Mediterranean, Temola Turkish Cuisine on Forman Street might just be the perfect detour. This cozy, women-owned Turkish restaurant combines tradition with comfort, creating an experience that’s both satisfying and refreshingly authentic. From the moment you walk through their wheelchair-accessible entrance, you're welcomed by the kind of aroma that makes your stomach dance with excitement - think grilled meats, fresh herbs, and buttery pastries wafting through the air.
Temola Turkish Cuisine is more than just another Middle Eastern eatery; it’s a culinary retreat for those who appreciate real, heartfelt food. The menu is stacked with familiar Turkish classics, but with a home-style twist that sets it apart from the usual high-street offerings. You’ll spot dishes like Lahmajoun (or Turkish pizza), the Hot and Cold Meze Selection, and the highly craveable Kunefe - a warm, syrupy, cheese-filled dessert that’s crispy on the outside and pure heaven on the inside.
Now, if you’re visiting with an appetite, the Turkish Breakfast Plate is a showstopper. It comes loaded with fresh bread, olives, cheeses, tomatoes, cucumber, Turkish sausage, and eggs - the kind of breakfast that stretches long into the afternoon. Prefer something handheld and spicy? The Peri Peri Chicken Wrap might become your new favorite go-to. It’s smoky, tangy, and perfectly balanced with just the right amount of heat. Vegetarians and lighter eaters won’t feel left out either, with items like Lentil Soup, Hummus with Pita Bread, and Rice Pudding bringing satisfying flavors without the heaviness.
But Temola isn’t just about the food - it’s also about the vibe. Inside, there’s a sense of rustic charm with its fireplace crackling in the corner, giving the space an inviting warmth on cooler days. If you prefer the sun, their rooftop seating provides a peaceful spot to enjoy your meal while catching a bit of Nottingham’s skyline. It’s ideal whether you’re on a solo lunch break, a relaxed dinner date, or even a friendly catch-up over Turkish Tea for Two. That tea, by the way, is no afterthought - it’s part of the full Turkish experience, often served in traditional tulip-shaped glasses that just feel right.
Coffee lovers, you’re in luck. Temola’s Turkish Coffee is the kind of rich, intense brew that could give your usual espresso a run for its money. It’s strong, fragrant, and pairs beautifully with something sweet like the Cheese Dough or a piece of that Turkish Dessert platter you’ll struggle to share.
One of the often-overlooked gems on their menu is the Lamacun - thin, crispy, topped with spiced minced meat and herbs, served with lemon wedges and fresh salad. It’s light yet flavorful, and perfectly snackable. And while burgers aren’t exactly what you’d expect at a Turkish place, their Beef Burger and Fries option is surprisingly good, particularly for families with picky eaters who might not be ready for a full dive into Anatolian cuisine.
Service-wise, Temola delivers both in charm and functionality. They cater to a wide range of guests, with accessibility features like assistive hearing loops and wheelchair-friendly restrooms and seating, which is often a detail that goes overlooked elsewhere. Whether you want to eat in, take out, or grab a kerbside pickup, they’ve got flexible service options to match your mood. Plus, they’re known for prompt no-contact delivery - great for those cozy nights in when you still want something a little special.
And while the decor is simple, there’s something effortlessly warm about the space. It’s the kind of restaurant where you feel at ease lingering over a second pot of tea, maybe ordering another small dish just because you can. The team here knows their food, and they know how to make you feel like part of the family - and that’s probably what keeps regulars coming back.
Temola Turkish Cuisine isn’t trying to be trendy or over-the-top. It’s grounded, flavorful, and full of those little personal touches that make dining out feel like a joy again. Whether it’s the flicker of the fireplace, the rich aroma of simmering spices, or the satisfaction of tearing into warm, fluffy pita with your hands - this is the kind of place that leaves an impression.
Reviews
Brilliant place. Exceptional grill platter! Service was too slow on a Friday. Had to wait for about half an hour for the dessert. Food was simply brilliant, was just disappointed a bit of the overall service. Had a lovely time with friends!
Such a great find! From the moment we walked in, the service was warm, welcoming, and genuinely friendly. The atmosphere was relaxed and inviting, making it a perfect spot for a casual meal. The food was absolutely delicious—authentic Turkish cuisine at its best. Every dish was full of flavor and beautifully presented, with generous portions that offered great value for money. We especially appreciated the attention to detail and the staff’s enthusiasm in explaining the menu and making sure we were well taken care of. Service was attentive without being intrusive, and always delivered with a smile. You can really feel the pride they take in both their food and hospitality.
I visited with some colleagues and we ordered the family sharing platter (serves 4). I loved that we could swap the sides that came with the platter for our preferred sides. The portions were good and the meat was very juicy and well cooked. Staff were very accommodating and warm. I would definitely be visiting again.
I came here with a group of friends and really enjoyed the welcoming atmosphere. We ordered the gold platter which was a feast for the eyes and belly, plenty of food to go around! Delicious Kanefah dessert and cake to finish off a delicious meal. Service was brilliant and Levent really looked after us from start to finish, went above and beyond. Would recommend and come back again. Thank you, Levant and team!
One of the greatest meals we have ever eaten. Outstanding . Great staff clean restaurant.