As if any more proof were needed that time flies, it’s already nearly 2 years since What Now reported on Orlando-born restaurant Bosphorous Turkish Cuisine’s signing of a lease for its second Tampa Bay location, in St. Pete’s EDGE District. Now, as St. Pete Rising reports, Bosphorous is open at 1246 Central Avenue, as part of the EDGE Collective.
“The restaurant’s interior draws inspiration from Istanbul’s Basilica Cistern, with ornamental pillars, stone textures, mosaic tile accents, warm wood tones, colorful lighting, silk carpets, and handmade Turkish glassware,” the St. Pete Rising coverage says, describing at as “built around fresh ingredients and traditional techniques, with a kitchen that uses Halal meats that are fresh, never frozen, and incorporates Mediterranean ingredients, some imported directly from Turkey.”
But as news of Bosphorous’s St. Pete opening breaks, it turns out there’s still more on the horizon from the growing Turkish restaurant, which was founded in Winter Park in 2004. Bosphorous’s website also announces: “Wesley Chapel – Coming Soon.”
This news got by us, but in fact it dates all the way back to summer 2024, when the Tampa Beacon reported that Bosphorous had signed on to open as part of Wesley Chapel’s Shops at Wiregrass.
“The Turkish cuisine will be unique to the Wesley Chapel area, and features appetizers like lavas (hollow bread pronounced la-vash), soups and salads, babaganoush, moussaka, and a host of entrees featuring chicken, beef and lamb, which is slow-braised and one of the most popular items on the menu,” said the Beacon coverage.
What Now reached out to owner Doved Sexter on Friday to ask about the rollout for the Wesley Chapel location. Sexter was not immediately available for comment.
You can keep up with all things Bosphorous by following @bosphorous_turkish_cuisine on Instagram.
