Ottoman Restaurant relocating to a brand new venue (with water views!)
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The news from Ottoman, one of Canberra’s most beloved and awarded restaurants, is all good.
The hatted fine-dining institution is not shutting, it is merely moving locations from its former Barton premises.
Owners Serif and Gulbahar Kaya have been inundated with inquires as to what is going to happen to one of the city’s most popular restaurants for both local and interstate patrons after news broke over the weekend that the Barton site has closed.
The good news is, from next year, the legions of loyal customers will have an exciting new venue to enjoy.
So lovers of Serif’s famed salmon dolma, zucchini puffs and his trademark Mediterranean cuisine need not panic with the closure of Barton.
Serif and Gulbahar want to keep the location of the new venue undisclosed at the moment because they are still in the planning and approval stages. But we can confirm that it will have water views.
They made the decision this year to move the Ottoman from Barton.
The couple said they had intended to make a formal announcement about the move but COVID-19 had temporarily closed the restaurant during the lockdown.
Serif and Gulbahar said, “We are sorry to not have a proper farewell to Barton with our regular customers. We have been privileged to serve our patrons from such a beautiful building in Barton.
“Barton truly was the most beautiful setting for a restaurant. We have so many memories of momentous occasions, weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, retirement parties, christenings.”
The Barton restaurant is closed, but Ottoman will open a new venture next year. Image: ottomancuisine.com.au
But they also noted the venue, which seemed so large in 2001 and had capacity for 200 guests, “was a bit small at times”.
“Although well established, in the 20 years we were in Barton, we were built around and the parking had become difficult for our customers. We hope to improve on this by moving Ottoman to our next location which is in the planning stages.
“In the meantime, we will miss all our regular customers most of whom were like family and good friends. We hope the move will be exciting, not just for us but also for our team and customers.”
Ottoman’s saffron poached pears. Image: ottomancuisine.com.au
And they promise not to disappoint. “We want to take this time to work on our creative sides, both food and architecture and create a new home designed for Ottoman. We hope we will meet and surpass our customers’ expectations with our new venue.”
The couple promise to keep customers updated with information on their website ottomancuisine.com.au and are still checking emails.
