Tasty Food Ventures

Food is an adventure

Rooster’s Kitchen: A Mediterranean Dining Gem

A mediterannean restaurant, specializing in Turkish cuisine, charcoal grill dishes, casseroles and mezzes. To book or find out more, visit their website, here.

Nestled just off the edge of the high street, near the Dorking Halls, Rooster’s Kitchen has been a culinary cornerstone since it first opened its doors in 2019. I’ve had the pleasure of visiting this Mediterranean gem, specializing in Turkish cuisine, on countless occasions. While the restaurant has undergone a renovation and expansion, one thing has remained consistently spectacular: the quality of the food and service.

Honestly, I’d go as far as to say Rooster’s Kitchen is one of the best restaurants in Dorking—and that’s saying something, given the town’s impressive food scene. The space is now big and bright, a significant improvement from its earlier days, and the food is nothing short of exquisite.

A platter with two skewers of grilled lamb and vegetables, a scoop of rice, and a long piece of dark sauce, presented on a blue and white speckled plate.
Seven falafel balls arranged in a semi-circle on a plate of hummus, with a scoop of rice and a fresh side salad.
A plate with six rolls of Chicken Beyti arranged around a creamy dip, garnished with grilled red and green peppers and a side salad.
A platter with a grilled meat patty, a skewer of grilled vegetables, a mound of rice with corn and peas, and colorful sauce swirls on the plate.
A close-up, low-angle shot of a dome-shaped dish of Rooster's Kebap, made with meat wrapped in aubergine slices and topped with a tomato and mushroom.
A close-up of a bowl of creamy white Tzatziki with a striking pink crisp, cherry tomatoes, and a drizzle of olive oil.
Three pieces of flaky, golden-brown baklava arranged around a scoop of vanilla ice cream, sprinkled with crushed pistachios, on a white plate.
Three appetizer plates on a wooden table: a plate of falafel on hummus, a plate of meat kofte with a yogurt dip, and a plate of grilled halloumi, all with side salads.

The Food: A Culinary Delight

Let’s talk about some of the standout dishes. The Chicken Beyti is my absolute favorite. It’s incredibly juicy and flavorful, with a sauce that elevates the entire dish and a warm flatbread that perfectly complements the main. For a side or starter, the Tabbouleh is a must-try. It’s crisp and fresh, with a beautiful touch of pomegranate that adds a lovely crunch and burst of flavor.

The Chicken and Meat Skewers are always perfectly juicy and grilled. Paired with a side of rice, they’re filling without being too heavy. But if you’re looking for a showstopper, the restaurant’s signature Rooster’s Kebap is a must. It’s visually stunning, with juicy meat encased in soft aubergine slices, all resting in a beautiful sauce. The Chicken Kofte is another classic done right—beautifully spiced, soft, and fluffy.

For those who love seafood, don’t miss the Imperial Seafood Casserole. As someone who grew up in Greece with access to fresh seaside seafood, I’m often hesitant to order it in the UK. However, this dish is an exception. It’s warm, comforting, and absolutely exquisite, packed with perfectly cooked octopus, calamari, prawns, and mussels in an incredible sauce.

And for dessert? Even as a non-baklava eater, the chef’s baklava here is to die for, especially when you’re lucky enough to get it warm and fresh.

A platter with two chicken skewers and a side of rice, garnished with a sprig of rosemary and colorful sauce swirls.
A plate of beautifully arranged falafel balls on a bed of hummus, with colorful sauces and fresh garnishes, accompanied by a bowl of golden chips.
A close-up of a bubbling seafood casserole with large mussels in their shells, calamari, and prawns in a creamy yellow sauce, topped with fresh parsley.
A wide shot of a serving of Chicken Beyti (grilled chicken wrapped in flatbread with sauce) next to a bowl of Tzatziki and a small side of white sauce with cucumbers and tomatoes.
A plate with several grilled lamb chops, a scoop of rice, and a side salad, with orange and yellow sauce drizzles on the plate.
A close-up shot of a warm, orange-colored vegetable casserole with a thick sauce and fresh herbs, served on a white plate with dark drizzles around the rim.
A table with three appetizer plates: a bowl of Tabbouleh salad, a plate of crispy cheese rolls with a dipping sauce, and a plate of falafel on hummus.
A close-up of a creamy chicken dish topped with mushrooms and fresh herbs, served on a dark blue plate with black sauce drizzles in a circular pattern.

The Verdict

While it might be a bit pricey, Rooster’s Kitchen is worth every penny. The food could easily rival any London restaurant charging twice the price. The wonderful atmosphere, combined with the owner’s playful and humorous personality, makes for an unforgettable dining experience.

If you’re in the Dorking area, you should absolutely visit Rooster’s Kitchen at least once. I can guarantee you’ll be back for more.

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