Rakkas

Rakkas brings a contemporary interpretation of Turkish food to Eastlake Parade on the Kingston Foreshore. Turkish-born chef Mert Toplu combines the flavours and traditions of Türkiye with Australian produce and fine-dining technique, drawing on elements such as mangal char, mezze, rose and pomegranate. The restaurant’s stated aim is to show the breadth of Turkish food, with influences from all seven regions of the country represented across the menu.

The signature experience is Sound of Istanbul, a 12-course tasting menu served for the whole table, with each course inspired by a different part of Türkiye’s culinary landscape. The menu includes familiar Turkish ideas in more elaborate forms, such as warm bread with a trio of dips, fried halloumi with honey, scallops wrapped in Turkish pastrami, smoked eggplant, reconstructed mussels dolma, chargrilled confit duck and wagyu strip loin. Dessert finishes with roasted quince, apple and mascarpone kaymak. Wine pairings are available, including both Australian selections and a Turkish pairing. The bar continues the travel theme with 12 cocktails, each linked to a Turkish city; the Istanbul drink is described as a bold combination of chilli-infused raki, Cointreau, coriander and lime.

The setting is an intimate, candlelit room by the water, with subdued lighting and a modern, polished feel. The website positions Rakkas as a place for lingering meals rather than a casual takeaway stop, and its featured reviews repeatedly mention the atmosphere, attentive service and presentation. The restaurant has also received an AGFG Chef Hat Award, adding recognition to its fine-dining approach without taking the focus away from the food and hospitality.

Chef Mert Toplu’s background is central to the restaurant’s story. He trained at Türkiye’s top culinary school, began working in the industry at 15, and spent two decades in fine-dining restaurants and five-star hotels across Istanbul and Canberra before opening Rakkas as his passion project. That experience comes through in a menu that treats Turkish flavours as a starting point for something more modern, rather than presenting a straightforward traditional spread.

Rakkas suits a date night, birthday or other special occasion, particularly for diners interested in a structured tasting experience. Groups are catered for, with a set menu requested for parties of eight or more so the table can dine together. The website also says dietary requirements including gluten-free and halal can be accommodated when advised during booking. Reviews on the site include positive experiences from families with children and a guest dining with an infant, suggesting the restaurant can work for more than just couples, while its intimate setting and tasting format are best suited to diners looking for an unhurried meal.