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Restaurant

Tulum Turkish Restaurant

217 Carlisle St, Balaclava VIC 3183, Australia

Recommended by 73 people

Updated

Find Tulum Turkish Restaurant

217 Carlisle St, Balaclava VIC 3183, Australia

Directions ↗
+61 3 9525 9127
HoursMonday: Closed Tuesday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM Thursday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM Friday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 5:00 – 10:00 PM Sunday: 5:00 – 7:00 PM

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

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About Tulum Turkish Restaurant

This Balaclava dining room rewrites expectations of Anatolian cooking through an ambitious regional degustation. Settle into the low-lit, intimate room for a seven-course progression of Yeni Türk Mutfağı—starting with warm pide swiped through smoked date butter, aged Ezine cheese, and velvety Lakerda. Even Turkish diners loyal to their family kitchens admit defeat to this craft. The pacing stays easy and conversational, backed by regional Turkish wines like crisp Pinot Grigio and spiced Shiraz. Plates deliver clean, unexpected combinations: tender grilled octopus balanced over fermented tarhana broth, delicate calamari, and rich köfte. The tasting wraps up with baklava paired with tart sorbet or a dark chocolate ganache spiked with spicy pepper.

  • Yeni Türk Mutfağı: A multi-course tasting menu reimagining classic Anatolian recipes with dishes like velvety Lakerda, grilled calamari, and glazed köfte.
  • Intimate Setting: Dimly lit tables, gentle acoustic levels, and attentive service set a relaxed rhythm for date nights and celebrations.
  • Curated Turkish Wines: A thoughtful beverage list featuring regional Turkish varietals alongside Australian and European bottles.
  • Inventive Desserts: Unexpected finishes like spicy pepper chocolate ganache and baklava plated with fruit sorbet.
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What's On at Tulum Turkish Restaurant

Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.

No events or specials listed right now.

Why Diners Choose Tulum

Discover how Tulum reinterprets Turkish culinary traditions through inventive degustations, regional wines, and intimate hospitality.

  • Regional Degustation Journeys

    Tulum serves multi-course tasting menus designed around regional Turkish traditions elevated through contemporary fine-dining technique.

    experienced the 7-course degustation by Chef Coskun — a refined journey through regional Turkish cuisine.

    Abhishek Roy

  • Imaginative Flavor Combinations

    Familiar classics are reinvented with unexpected combinations like fermented soup sauces, berries in calamari, and spiced chocolate ganache.

    a modern Turkish restaurant that reimagines classic Turkish dishes in a very creative and different way.

    Farnaz Dezhaboun

  • Curated Turkish Wine Program

    The beverage program showcases native Turkish varietals such as Turkish Shiraz and Pinot Grigio curated to complement the dining experience.

    The Turkish Shiraz was exceptional, staff were friendly, informative and attentive.

    Alida K

  • Refined Value on Set Menus

    Guests appreciate the well-crafted pacing and high culinary standard delivered across multi-course menus at accessible pricing.

    We ordered a set menu which was very reasonably priced and every single dish was delicious.

    Alex Broide

  • Intimate Date Night Setting

    Dim, atmospheric lighting and an intimate dining room create an ideal backdrop for anniversaries and romantic celebrations.

    The interior was stylish, the lighting was dim but comfortable, and the overall atmosphere made it perfect for a date night.

    Farnaz Dezhaboun

  • Memorable Milestone Celebrations

    Thoughtful culinary hospitality and welcoming service ensure milestone birthdays feel memorable and personally cared for.

    Thank you for making my husband’s birthday so special and for giving us such a wonderful dining experience.

    Selen Yakup

Signature dishes and tasting courses reimagining Turkish heritage

  • Degustation Menu

    experienced the 7-course degustation by Chef Coskun — a refined journey through regional Turkish cuisine.

    Abhishek Roy

  • Date Butter

    My absolute favourites were the Lakerda, the date butter, and the chocolate ganache dessert with the spicy pepper.

    Selen Yakup

  • Calamari

    The calamari was completely different from the usual fried calamari and honestly one of the biggest surprises of the night. The flavor combination was unique, interesting, and absolutely delicious from the first bite.

    Farnaz Dezhaboun

  • Manti Dumplings

    Manti dumplings showed classic craftsmanship, served in a refreshing minted yoghurt and buttermilk sauce.

    Abhishek Roy

Other favorites

Regional Turkish wines, fresh oven breads, and sweet finishes

  • Baklava

    The meze, kingfish and baklava were the highlights of the meal but there were no misses!

    Anastasija Grezlova

  • Turkish Flat Bread

    Our ultimate favourite is the so very soft Turkish Flat Bread that paired so well with the cheese and chilli jam

    Chelsea

  • Turkish Pinot Grigio

    Our waiter recommended the Turkish Pinot Grigio and it was great.

    S Jain

  • Turkish Shiraz

    The Turkish Shiraz was exceptional, staff were friendly, informative and attentive.

    Alida K

Beyond the menu

Thoughtful hospitality and culinary nuances that elevate the modern Turkish dining journey.

  • Personal Chef Hospitality

    Chef Coskun personally engages with diners to understand their celebratory needs and provide welcoming hospitality, creating an intimate, memorable dining experience.

  • Wine List Tasting Notes

    The beverage list features descriptive tasting notes printed directly alongside wine selections to guide guests through Turkish varietals such as Shiraz and Pinot Grigio.

  • Course-by-Course Menu Explanations

    Waitstaff dedicate time to explain each regional course, its historical culinary inspiration, and flavor profile as dishes are delivered to the table.

  • Attentive Dietary Care

    The kitchen demonstrates deliberate attentiveness toward guests with dietary restrictions, seamlessly modifying multi-course dishes to ensure refined dining without compromise.

Frequently Asked Questions

What dining formats and menus are offered?

Tulum offers both à la carte options and structured multi-course tasting experiences, including popular 6- and 7-course degustation menus exploring regional Turkish dishes. Guests note courses are balanced, inventive, and typically take around 1.5 to 2 hours.

Can you make a reservation?

Yes, reservations are accepted and highly recommended for evening seatings, as the dining room can get busy, especially for celebrations and date nights. Be mindful of course pacing if your table has a set seating window.

Can the kitchen cater to dietary restrictions?

Yes, guests note that the kitchen accommodates dietary restrictions effectively while maintaining a refined dining experience.

What wine and beverage options are available?

Alongside signature cocktails and mocktails, Tulum features an extensive wine list showcasing regional Turkish varietals such as Turkish Shiraz and Pinot Grigio alongside European and Australian labels.

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