We stopped in at Cafe Mangal, a popular ladies-who-lunch spot, where every table was taken by noon on a Thursday. But we saw that coming and beat the rush, getting ourselves all settled in at a prime table where we could dine in comfort and watch the comings and goings at this spotless, bustling, eatery that’s been in town for 16 years. You place your order at the counter in the back of the restaurant, and they bring your meal to you.
Since Mangal specializes in Mediterranean cuisine with a heavy Turkish influence, I had the Turkish Lahmacun, a thin dough spread with ground beef, lamb, tomatoes, onions, peppers, and spices, served with side salad that was crisp, fresh, and not too heavily dressed ($14.50). It looks a little
![Cafe Mangal, Wellesley](https://media.theswellesleyreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/13035141/IMG_9983-300x225.jpg)
like a burrito, but the lamb, which gives it a touch of gamey-ness, and Mangal’s use of spices, puts it culturally worlds apart. There was a little too much fresh parsley for me, but I was able to easily set most of that aside.
Other dishes that caught my attention for maybe next time: The Turkish Borek (baked pastry layers filled with feta cheese and parsley); the Yengen sandwich (grilled with Turkish soujouk, tomatoes, kaser cheese on white toast bread); the arugula salad with poached figs and proscuitto di parma.
Also on the menu: sandwiches, soups, and salads. Open for breakfast and lunch Monday – Saturday. Worth noting: Closed Sundays and no dinner on Monday/Tuesday. BYOB. They accept dinner reservations only.
Also of interest…
My favorite place for dinner in Wellesley–and just about anywhere!