Willsmere Station
158 Pakington Street, Kew
03 9853 3421
Turkish
$$$
Food
- Stuffed Zucchini Flowers
- Eggplant Chips
- Lamb Kofte Flatbread
- Baked Fish
- Knuefe Balls
The Good
It was off to an amazing start with the Stuffed Zucchini Flowers. Stunningly presented, the light batter offered up an amazing crispness. Within, the zucchini and ricotta stuffing was so fresh and creamy, with just a hint of sweetness thanks to the honey.
Utilising a similar batter, the Eggplant Chips were simply divine. The crispy outer made way for an incredibly soft, almost gooey inner that offered a silly smooth and fluffy texture.
Our mains consisted of the Baked Fish and Lamb Kofte Flatbread.
The Flatbread was nothing short of sensational. The gorgeous lamb meatballs generously topped the thin, crisp flatbread. The spices used in each meatball was simply phenomenal, so fragrant and aromatic, creating such appetising flavours that was beautifully accompanied by a gorgeous Beetroot hummus base, creamy dill labneh, and topped with fresh leaves and an amazing array of barberries and pistachio.
The baked fish also impressed. Cooked to perfection and hiding underneath two giant halves of tomatoes, the fish fillets were so tender and delicate. Easily falling apart with the push of a fork, the exceptionally fresh fillets were well accompanied by the rich and creamy dill labneh, and some fragrant fennel. A light yet incredibly scrumptious dish.
We rounded off the evening with a classic Turkish dessert, Knuefe Balls. The deed fried strands of kadaif pastry coating the outer was light yet crisp. Cutting it open reveals an inner filled with an incredibly stretchy cheese, the slightly creamy sensation was perfectly juxtaposed by a scoop of fruity pomegranate ice cream as well as a drizzle of orange blossom syrup. Such a unique yet divine dessert.
The Mediocre
Nothing.
The Bad
Nothing.
The Verdict
Having thoroughly enjoyed our experience at his first venture “The Younger Brother”, it’s simply no surprise owner Akin has perfectly nailed his second venture to date. Willsmere Station is a cosy eatery offering a distinctly Turkish take that’s elegant and refined, with amazing Turkish wines to pair.
What you can expect from Willsmere Station is an all-round flawlessly balanced flavours and textures, the amazing produce, the great execution this uniquely Turkish all day eatery offers an amazing sensory experience from start to finish.
Would Penguin Eat Again?
Most definitely!
Penguineats would like to thank owner Akin for inviting us to Willsmere Station