For a couple of months, I had been eyeing Esnaf, a new Turkish spot in San Carlos that took over the space of a charming little French bistro. When I finally made it there on a rainy February night with foodie friends, it turned out to be the perfect cozy escape.

The moment we stepped inside, Esnaf transported us straight to the Mediterranean. The warm glow from wicker lamps, a stunning display of Turkish ceramic plates, and antique artifacts lining the shelves created an ambiance that was both inviting and elegant.

Even though we had a reservation, the place was packed, and we had to wait a few minutes. But with the lively chatter, the rich aromas from the open kitchen, and the anticipation of a great meal, I didn’t mind at all.

As soon as we were seated, a basket of warm, pillowy housemade pita bread arrived with seasoned olive oil—so fresh and addictive that we couldn’t stop eating it throughout our meal.

We started with the Meze Trio, swapping out the cheese dip for their signature hummus, which the server happily accommodated. The hummus was great, but I couldn’t get enough of the smoky eggplant dip and the tangy garlic yogurt.

For mains, we went all in with a family-style feast—ordering the Kebap Trio and the Oven-Roasted Eggplant with Lentils.

The beef flatbread was incredible, and the kebabs were smoky, juicy, and deeply flavorful. The chicken skewers, though, were the real showstopper—so tender and succulent that we ordered a few extra on the side. Every bite was rich, perfectly spiced, and downright delicious.

Since our first time in Feb, we have gone back to Esnaf a few times and I’ve had the chance to try even more from Esnaf’s menu—and it just keeps getting better.

The Girit, a tangy mix of Ezine and lor cheese with pistachios and fresh dill, had a bold, salty flavor with a herbaceous kick.

The Karides Güveç, roasted prawns bathed in Calabrian chili butter with tomatoes and scallions, arrived sizzling and full of umami—rich, juicy, and perfect for mopping up with bread.

One of the highlights from the grilled mains was the whole Branzino, perfectly cooked with tender flesh and served with a creamy garlic sauce over fluffy pearl couscous.

And I finally made room for dessert: the Turkish coffee mousse was as dreamy as it sounds—silky, chocolatey, with just the right amount of coffee flavor, topped with tart, juicy pomegranate seeds for contrast.

With its beautiful ambiance, incredible food, and warm hospitality, Esnaf has easily become one of my favorite new spots on the Peninsula.