About Us

Our story begins not in a restaurant, but in the heart of a dream... The story of Anatolia Turkish Food is not just about food — it’s the story of a dream that was born in the warmth of a kitchen, shaped with hard work, and brought to life thousands of miles away.

True culinary mastery often begins at the sink, not the stove...It all started in 1988, in the historic city of Kayseri, Turkey — the homeland of kebab. A young man named Mahmut Elbasi began his journey not as a chef, but at the dishwashing sink of the well-known Elmacıoğlu Meat Restaurant. In Turkey — and many parts of the world — this is how it often begins: true masters are not born; they grow, step by step, in the kitchen.

Elmacı Bazaar was already a famous culinary landmark in Kayseri. For Mahmut, it wasn’t just a job — it was a legacy. He learned century-old kebab recipes and traditional Turkish dishes from his masters, and with each passing day, his dream grew bigger: to share the rich flavors of Turkish cuisine with the world. For him, food wasn’t just about filling the stomach — it was about telling a story, offering warmth, and building connections.

Dreams, like spices, are meant to travel far...Mahmut brought his dream to Calgary, Canada, carrying with him the warmth of Kayseri’s grills and the experience of many years. In 2007, he founded Anatolia Turkish Food. His mission was clear: to introduce the richness of Turkish cuisine — especially kebab — to food lovers in Canada who appreciate bold flavors and cultural depth. He built everything on the values of cleanliness, simplicity, and honesty.

A restaurant can become a second home when the food comes with heart... From the very first day, Anatolia was more than a restaurant — it became a gathering place. With sizzling kebabs, fresh salads, handmade breads, and friendly conversations, it quickly turned into a second home. Thanks to the love and support of the Calgary community, Anatolia soon became one of the most talked-about Turkish restaurants in the city.

To us, kebab is more than just food — it’s culture. From the fiery spice of Adana kebab to the buttery richness of İskender, from the aromatic Urfa to the delicate slices of döner, every bite reflects generations of tradition. We carefully select our meats, bring spices directly from Anatolia, and shape each meatball by hand.

One fire, seven branches, and countless memories served. Today, Anatolia Turkish Food proudly serves across Canada, with seven locations, including vibrant cities like Toronto and Vancouver. And in every branch, the same flame that was first lit in Kayseri still burns — because here, we don’t just cook meat; we cook memories, culture, family, and togetherness.

At Anatolia, every meal is a warm welcome.

At Anatolia, we don’t just serve kebab — we serve stories, culture, and Turkish hospitality on every plate.

Welcome to our table. Welcome to our story.