Ephesus Rodley review: I visited a Leeds restaurant serving up affordable meat banquets

I was about five minutes into a walk back home along the canal when an enticing scent wafted through the chilly Rodley air.

The plan had been to head home and stick something unappetising in the air fryer, or perhaps the microwave if I was feeling particularly uninspired.

I estimate the time it took me to decide on abandoning the plan entirely to have been about three seconds. The journey home was called off and I wandered over to Ephesus, drooling as I did so with delicious smells still hanging in the air.

The crisp cold had just started to bite as the doors to the restaurant were opened. I walked into a bright and inviting space, one that showed little care for modern minimalism and instead proritised charm and vibrancy.

Homage is paid to Turkey in stylish fashion but as much as I loved the interior, it was the food and the service that really stood out.

It was a busy Sunday evening yet we were welcomed as if they were desperate for our custom. Staff were incredibly warm and service throughout our visit was exemplary.

After settling in with a bottled Efes lager, I kicked things off with a muska boregi starter. A roll filled with mince and herbs, it was deliciously elegant way to get the meal underway.

Cards on the table, it was something I had eaten before, therefore did know what I was getting myself in for. My partner, however, was making her eagerly-anticipated muska boregi debut and also loved it.

Then it was time to sample some of the meat that had quite literally blown me off-course while on a walk home.

I plumped for the mixed grill, consisting of adana, lamb chops, chicken and lamb grilled over charcoal. It was a pheomenal feast, cooked to absolute perfection. It was a generous serving but I made my way through it at a frightening pace, unable to mask my excitement for each bite.

My partner went for the chicken skewer and was delighted to learn the grilling process had not left the meat dry. Delicately spiced and served as a generous portion, it went down a treat.

Not only was the food delicious, you simply could not knock the pricing. Between Sunday and Thursday, you can get two courses at Ephesus for £21.95. My mixed grill was a premium dish that added £2.50 on to that price, but I was more than happy to stump up that bit extra.

I have been fortunate enough to eat in plenty of fantastic restaurants, but it is so rare I come away feeling I have got a phemomenal deal. I of course understand why. Times are tough and with prices soaring, businesses have to ensure they are protected.

However, it just makes particulary special when you go somewhere that offers such incredible value for money.

Locals love Ephesus and it is clear to see why. If you are from further afield, I can conly insist to you that it is worth the journey.

Factfile

Address: 4 Rodley Ln, Rodley, Leeds LS13 1HU

Telephone: 0113 256 1668

Opening hours: 12-10pm daily

Website: https://ephesusleeds.co.uk/

Scores

Food: 10/10

Value: 10/10

Atmosphere: 9/10

Service: 10/10

Total: 9.75/10