Tucked away in the heart of Lewes, Zorba Meze & Grill has become a local favourite since its opening in 2022. This Turkish-Mediterranean spot, located near the centre of town, has already built a loyal following. Even on a Sunday evening, it was around 70% full, a solid turnout that speaks volumes.
The mood in the restaurant was lively yet relaxed. The layout is comfortable, with plenty of space between tables, and the open kitchen means you can watch the chefs at work grilling meats over the traditional charcoal mangal. A nice touch.
Zorba’s menu is long and varied, as is often the case with Turkish restaurants. The usual suspects are all there: cold and hot meze, such as baba ganoush, tzatziki, and hummus, alongside mains from the grill, including lamb ribs, chicken shish, and adana kebab. The menu pays clear attention to dietary needs - gluten-free dishes are well-marked, and there’s a decent number of vegetarian and vegan options too.
To start, I went for the trio of cold meze and selected the baba ganoush, tzatziki, and a caprese salad. The baba ganoush was velvety and smoky, the tzatziki fresh with just the right garlic kick, and the caprese surprisingly punchy, thanks to a drizzle of thick, tangy balsamic. My companion chose the mini feta-stuffed filo pastries. They were crispy and fine for what they were, though he said they were a little forgettable.
The mains, however, did not disappoint. He ordered the Ali Nazik lamb, a dish consisting of tender, marinated lamb cubes served over a bed of creamy baba ganoush and tomato sauce. The lamb was perfectly cooked, juicy and full of flavour, with that unmistakable grilled char. I had the mixed fish skewer, which turned out to be a plate of salmon, seabass, and king prawns, all grilled and served with rice and salad. The fish was well-seasoned, not overdone, and nicely varied. It’s the sort of dish that leaves you feeling full but not weighed down.
One of the real strengths of Zorba is the portion sizes. It’s one of the things people love about Turkish food - you don’t just get your main, you get the sides, too. Rice, salad, and sometimes flatbread are par for the course, and it all adds to the feeling that you’re getting good value for your money. Our bill for two starters, two mains, two cocktails, and two glasses of wine came to around £120, including the tip, which felt fair for the quality and quantity.
Speaking of drinks, it’s worth noting that Zorba has a pretty extensive wine and cocktail list. The wine selection spans the Mediterranean and beyond, and the cocktails aren’t just tacked on, they’re thoughtfully put together, if slightly over sweet.
Another small but important detail: the music wasn’t blaring. That may seem minor, but too many Turkish restaurants fall into the trap of cranking up the volume and making conversation a chore. Here, it was pitched just right enough to add to the buzz, but not intrusive.
Zorba is doing a lot right, from its upbeat and welcoming atmosphere to a menu that ticks all of the boxes. It’s the kind of place that works equally well for a casual dinner or a celebration. If you’re in Lewes and fancy a generous, flavour-packed meal without the fuss, Zorba is a safe and satisfying bet.
Zorba Meze & Grill, Unit 2, Old Court House,
Friars Walk, Lewes BN7 2FS
