Turkish Treasure El Turco Quietly Opens in the Design District

Popular Turkish restaurant El Turco quietly opened a second location in the Miami Design District just a short walk from its original location, positioned right across from Baccarat on the second floor of Palm Court. The Michelin-recognized Turkish spot that won the coveted Bib Gourmand award four years straight now serves its homestyle cooking amid the designer handbags and jewelry shops of Miami's fanciest retail playground.

Though smaller than the Buena Vista original with a more modest patio, the new spot makes good use of its compact footprint. "We wanted to create a place where guests could truly feel Türkiye — not just through the flavors, but in the design, the ambiance, the spirit," says co-founder Gokhan Yuzbasioglu, who opened El Turco with his wife Nurdan in 2021.

Grandma's Recipes Go Upscale

The menu, inspired by home-style Turkish dishes just as a Turkish grandmother would prepare them, keeps the greatest hits but in slightly trimmed form. The kavurma braised beef comes with baldo rice just like at the original, while the patlıcan dolma (stuffed eggplant) brings a traditional mix of rice, herbs, and spices that would make any Turkish grandmother proud.

Kofte kebab, those perfectly seasoned beef meatballs served over crispy pita, remains a menu staple. For the adventurous, El Turco offers a Turkish street food staple: steamed fresh mini buns with potato bathed in tomato garlic sauce that puts American fast food to shame.

For the health-conscious crowd, the protein bowl includes kavurma, kisir (bulgur salad), hummus, and sarma (stuffed grape leaves). Vegetarians can enjoy the veggie version with kopoğlu (eggplant dip), cacik (yogurt with cucumber), and other meat-free options.

The dessert menu features El Turco's popular baklava that helped put the restaurant on the map — those impossibly thin sheets of buttered phyllo packed with pistachios or walnuts. For something different, try the very trendy "Dubai Chocolate Cup" with its Belgian chocolate base, pistachio cream, and knafeh. Wash it all down with Turkish coffee or sample some traditional ayran (yogurt drink) for a refreshing palate cleanser.

Close Quarters, Different Crowds

What makes the expansion interesting is how close the two locations are. Unlike most restaurant groups, which spread across neighborhoods, El Turco doubled down on its northeast Miami presence, betting that Design District shoppers make a different customer base than those visiting the more laid-back Upper Buena Vista complex.

At this location, white bistro chairs with blue accents surround wooden tables under woven pendant lamps and a ceiling draped with greenery and pink flowers. Floor-to-ceiling windows brighten the space, while blue-and-white patterned walls nod to Turkish design.

The restaurant isn’t done expanding its Miami footprint. In June 2025, El Turco's next location will open at Miami Central Train Station. The fast-service spot will offer Turkish food for commuters and travelers, marking the brand's third Miami location.

El Turco Design District. 140 NE 39th St., Unit 238, Miami; 786-703-5866; elturcoturkishfood.com.