Turkish Kitchen, Berkeley

When you take a look at Turkish Kitchen’s menu, you’ll find familiar offerings such as kebabs and falafel. But your eye might also linger on intriguing items ranging from Turkish-style calzones stuffed with spicy lamb to iskender, a dish made from bread cubes blanketed with shaved doner, tomato sauce, and butter. Chefs use traditional Turkish recipes for everything they prepare, including a rotating selection of daily specials. Be sure to save room for the baklava, which East Bay Express named the best in the area thanks to its “butter-soaked phyllo, thick chunks of roasted pistachio, and a plentitude of honey saturating every supple layer.”