Dayton’s Turkish community is growing.

City officials estimate that 350 Turkish families have settled in Dayton since 2005.

There are few better ways to get to know new neighbors and their culture than through their food.

Pasha Grill at 72 Plum St. at the Greene in Beavercreek has been serving authentic Turkish food since 2008.

Co-owner J. Erme Bektas, a former engineer, is the restaurant’s current executive chef.

“(Turkish food) is considered to be one of the three main cuisines of the world because of the variety of its recipes, its use of natural ingredients, its flavors and tastes, which appeal to all palates and its influence throughout Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa,” Bektas told the Dayton Daily News last summer.

Click here to read a primer on Turkish food.

We dove right into the menu during our recent visit after taking seats on the restaurant’s relaxing patio, a great people watching location.

I ordered the grilled sea bass — bronzini. The whole fish (levrek) was served with rice pilaf over a green salad ($21.95). The white fish’s skin was nice and crispy and its white flesh flaky.

My companion went for a familiar seasoned lamb (adana) kebab ($14.95). It came served with rice, broccoli, red bell peppers and onions.

The $9.99 lunch special options include a starter, an entree (stew, various kebabs, falafel, etc.) and a dessert - almond or rice pudding.

Details:

Pasha Grill

72 Plum St., Dayton, OH 45440

(937) 429-9000

Monday through Thursday 11. a.m. to 10 p.m.

Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Sunday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.