A new dining destination is bringing the sights, sounds and flavors of the Mediterranean to Dunedin this spring.
Tapas El Turco, scheduled to open in April at 463 Grant St., promises Turkish-inspired tapas, lively music and an authentic shared dining experience. Owned by Daryal Kafkasso Erdem, founder of Kafkasso Group, Tapas El Turco is his third venue concept in Tampa Bay. Each project has been rooted in culture, music and community, Erdem says, and the new Dunedin restaurant is no exception.
“Dunedin’s vibrant energy, artistic roots and coastal charm make it an ideal location for Tapas El Turco,” he said. “Its strong community spirit aligns perfectly with our vision of shared dining experiences, Mediterranean culture and immersive music.”
The restaurant will be open for lunch and dinner and feature live entertainment that includes Flamenco and belly dancers on select evenings.
“Live entertainment and music will be central to the atmosphere,” Erdem said. “We will feature original Mediterranean music performed by well-known and respected artists in the Tampa Bay area from Wednesday through Sunday.”
As a professional musician and leader of the 12-piece ensemble Kafkasso, Erdem says he believes food and music belong together.
“Mediterranean culture blends dining and art into one immersive experience, and creating that environment was very important to me,” he said.
Surrounded by Mediterranean textures, soft lighting and Turkish-inspired details, visitors can expect a range of house-made mezes, grilled kebabs, lamb specialties, Mediterranean seafood, stuffed vegetables and seasonal salads. The kitchen will be seed-oil free, using only olive oil, butter, tallow and traditional Mediterranean ingredients.
“Many of our traditional olive oil-based mezes are naturally vegan, reflecting the Mediterranean diet where vegetables, legumes and herbs are celebrated in their purest form,” Erdem said.
The restaurant’s chef specializes in Mediterranean and Anatolian dishes, as well as traditional grilling techniques.
“He brings a long and respected history working in select Tampa Bay restaurants,” Erdem said.
For dessert, the restaurant will feature two beloved Turkish specialties — katmer, the grandfather of baklava and a delicate layered pastry filled with pistachio and cream, and knafeh, a warm, cheese-filled pastry made with shredded phyllo and lightly soaked in syrup.
“Both are iconic in Turkish culture and meant to be shared, offering guests a sweet and memorable ending to their meal,” he said.
Born and raised in Istanbul, Erdem studied music in Michigan before moving to Florida in 2009 to teach at Tampa’s Musicology. He has performed at venues throughout Tampa Bay, including the Palladium Theatre, Straz Center, Salvador Dalí Museum and Ritz Carlton Sarasota.
“Dunedin has been home to me since 2015, a place where my music and life have flourished,” he said.
Erdem has been working with architect Roberto Sanchez of Dunedin to design a space that encourages guests to embrace Turkish dining culture, where meals are meant to be shared and enjoyed slowly.
“Plates arrive in waves, conversations linger, and guests are encouraged to relax,” Erdem said. “We want people to feel that sense of hospitality the moment they enter.”
The restaurant will offer seating for about 128 guests and will feature a full bar along with communal areas.
“Our general manager, Sezer, is an award-winning mixologist who speaks seven languages and has worked in 10 countries across four continents,” Erdem said. “His international experience and creativity will shape the bar program at Tapas El Turco, with globally inspired cocktail creations designed to complement Mediterranean flavors and create a truly memorable experience.”
