Efe Grill is a rough and ready Turkish restaurant next door to the Park N Shop at Markaz Al Jumeirah on Al Wasl Road in Al Safa (whew!). Although it calls itself a restaurant and is listed as such, it has no indoor seating…except for a small shack in the parking area, right beside the giant trach cans which dump trucks come to empty into themselves. It reminded me of Al Fareej Restaurant & Bakery in Qusais which has a similar set-up (minus the trash cans). Good luck in the summer.
Like Al Fareej, these boys know a thing or two about grilling so ordering kebabs and chops would be a good idea. We ordered a mixed grill, always wise when on your first visit as it’ll let you sample several kebabs/chops in one shot. I loved the oven-fresh pide we had before our mains arrived and also the gözleme which was served with our food, but our lentil soup was tasteless and needed the encouragement of lime and hot sauce to tickle my taste buds. The kababs and chops themselves were very good, not Al Damyati & Iskandaron good, but good enough.
Lentil soup 
Flat bread 
Mezza 
Mixed grill 
Mixed grill
A cheerful, friendly Filipina looked after our table. Her positive attitude reminded me of what a big difference happy, smiling staff can make to your dining experience. That said, although Efe has all the quirks of a hidden gem, as a package didn’t do enough for me to recommend it beyond the Markaz Al Jumeirah vicinity. I certainly wouldn’t drive there for a meal from Arabian Ranches. It’s good but not good enough. Tamam.
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