Keyif is a Turkish word for the practise of doing nothing, happily, but with meaning. It’s about the pursuit of a moment of idle pleasure, suspending a moment in time and separating it from the confusion of daily life. A wonderful expression, and with that in mind, I was expecting great things from this Penarth restaurant which has taken the name.
I wasn’t disappointed. On a packed-out Saturday evening, colourful platters of food flowed at an impressive rate from the kitchen to tables of chatty diners, with an atmosphere full of warmth and happy vibes. The staff were equally cheerful and helpful, given most of us were changing our mind while ordering, on account of multiple appealing options.
The food is outstanding. Keyif is one of those places you want to tell everyone about, while not actually wanting them to go, spoiling your precious find. There’s plenty of choice, including specials, mains from the ocakbaşı grill, and vegan and veggie options. Traditional Turkish restaurant dishes are present and correct: musakka made with lamb and vegetables, served with rice, or sarma beyti, a grilled tortilla filled with lamb or chicken, red peppers, parsley, garlic and sweet pepper paste. I went for yoghurt chicken shish, which arrives on a bed of diced, toasted bread and is served with Mesopotamian sauce and a drizzle of butter.
All dishes for our table of six arrived together with no fuss, and all six of us spent the meal umming and ahhing throughout. Reasonably priced menu (£20-£30 per person should more than sate you), a great wine selection and even better weekday offers: three courses for £11.95 from 12-3pm on Monday to Friday, no less. I’ve been back a couple of times since, both in a group and as a couple, and Keyif’s quality hasn’t dipped. A multi-award-winning family restaurant, run by people who care.
Keyif, 21 Glebe Street, Penarth.
Info: 029 2070 2429 / keyif.co.uk
words and photos ANTONIA LEVAY
