Restaurant review: Cafe Hasan Baba

Cafe Hasan Baba has a relaxed atmosphere and good value for money.
Price range: Entrees from $6.50-$16.50 and mains $20.95-$28.95, or a set menu including entree, main and dessert for $32.50 (minimum two people).
On the menu: A vast selection of Middle Eastern cuisine with all the favourites, including kebabs, moussaka and a wide selection of chicken dishes.
There is plenty for the carnivores, with eight meat dishes and three hearty options for vegetarians, including a vegetarian moussaka topped with white sauce and cheese, and served with rice and fresh salad ($21.95). There is also a gluten-free menu.
I'll have: Meze: A combination of coban salad, tabuleh salad, baba ghannouj, hummus, zazik, cigar borek and falafel, served with garlic pita bread for two people ($16.50). Fantastic as an entree to share. Great selection of Middle Eastern flavours and textures, and a good size, as it leaves room for the main event. A great way to taste a few of the different entree options if you're having trouble deciding.
Hasan Baba Feast: Middle Eastern mixed grill, with baby lamb cutlets, marinated chicken strips and beef balls, chargrilled and served with rice, salad and sauces. Great dish for meat-lovers. Each of the pieces was beautifully cooked. The beef balls were delicious.
He'll have: Baba Treasures: Chicken cooked with onion, capsicum, apricot and cream sauce, wrapped in filo pastry, baked in the oven and served with fresh salad. A great winter dish, packed full of chicken and vegetables, with a hot sauce.
For the adventurous: The dolma entree is something a little different - vine leaves stuffed with rice, pine kernels, currants, parsley and black pepper ($7.50).
Value for money: There are three great chicken dishes, all around the $20-$22 mark, and served with salad and rice.
The coffee was: A strong blend Turkish coffee from Rocket Coffee in Hamilton.
To drink: Fully licensed or BYO. Try the traditional Turkish beer, Efes Pilsener.
The staff were: Very friendly, efficient and knowledgeable. They are attentive, but without being overly invasive or interrupting the dinner conversation.
Our waiter Keenan recommended some great dishes and ensured that we were comfortable and enjoying ourselves.
The buzz: Relaxed with a cosy feeling. The restaurant is a great place for larger groups, but there are also some quieter tables available out the front.
The verdict: Affordable, relaxed dining, which offers good value for money.
The details: Cafe Hasan Baba
16 Pacific Ave, Mount Maunganui
Open: Seven days a week from 5.30pm