Turkish restaurant in Hemel Hempstead scoops national customer satisfaction award

Turkish food at its best has won the team an award. Picture – supplied

Ibrahim Opuz, who owns and runs Opuz Kitchen, said the award came as a complete surprise.

“It’s not an award where we have entered ourselves,” he explained. “We must have been nominated by a customer and then they send someone undercover to eat with us.”

They scooped the customer satisfaction award at the Turkish Restaurant and Takeaway Awards (TURTA) which were held at the Sheraton Hotel in Piccadilly, London, and now the glass award will take pride of place in the restaurant in 162 Marlowes, Hemel Hempstead.

Have you tried this Hemel restaurant yet? Picture – supplied

Ibrahim said the award was a well-deserved pat on the back for all the team at Opuz.

“We definitely want to thank whoever nominated us and voted for us to win the award,” said Ibrahim, who hopes news of the accolade will be another great reason to come and try the fantastic food, atmosphere and service at Opuz Kitchen and Bar.

Happy customers

The award category was open to Turkish restaurants across the UK, so we asked Ibrahim what he thought made the restaurant stand out for customer satisfaction.

Find out why this Hemel restaurant has scooped a customer satisfaction award. Picture – supplied

“I think it’s a bit of everything,” he said. “We do good food at reasonable prices and everything is cooked to order and made fresh.” Having several chefs makes this possible and having a good team dedicated to ensuring happy customers tops it off.

“We try to make everyone happy that comes in and make sure they leave happy too. I always say, we’re only human and mistakes can happen, but if you make a mistake then try to put it right and make sure the customer leaves happy.”

About Opuz Kitchen and Bar

The family-owned eaterie, which can seat 120 diners inside and has a 20-seat outdoor area, opened in 2018 and has battled through Covid disruptions to become a firm favourite for diners in and around Hemel.

“We have a real mix of clientele,” said Ibrahim “It’s popular for couples, nights out and friends but also great for families. Sundays especially are busy for families.”

And it’s easy to see why, with a mouth-watering menu there is something to tempt all tastes – and Turkish cuisine is fantastic to order just for you or as a couple, or to go for a range of dishes and share with a group. Think colourful plates of fresh food, with warm fresh bread, dips and a host of accompaniments to share – or keep to yourself!

It’s a modern restaurant with a modern take on traditional Turkish food. How about Börek for starters? – pastry cases filled with flavourful feta, or Hummus on freshly-baked pita bread, or you could share a mezze platter of Turkish appetizers like stuffed vine leaves and succulent olives.

For main courses the meat eaters will be delighted with the mixed grill or a slow-cooked lamb shank and the fish-lovers spoiled for choice with the fresh seafood. But this kind of cuisine also offers a fantastic choice of hearty vegetarian and vegan dishes, as well as a host of kebabs, casseroles and salads to tempt your tastebuds.

You have to try the heavenly Turkish desserts, like Baklava, or Kunefe, which will satisfy the sweetest tooth. Real coffee aficionados will relish finishing the meal with a Turkish coffee, but tea lovers will be tempted to a taste of Turkish tea.

With daily specials available there will always be something new to try. And for drinks you’ll be spoiled for choice with a well-stocked bar offering a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and cocktails.

Special events and Christmas

Planning a party, celebration or a Christmas night out? Check out the Christmas menus and kids menus. There are special offers on throughout the year and the staff can always help with advice or suggestions for those with allergies or special dietary needs.

Check out the website to find out more and book your night out.