New Hayfield area restaurant features Greek and Turkish cuisine

Not far from the Richmond Highway corridor, a new restaurant with a distinctly Mediterranean flair is serving up a mix of Greek and Turkish specialties and getting rave reviews. 

Smyrna Restaurant, an Aegean kitchen located at Hayfield Shopping Center, is owned by executive chef Zeynep Gungoren and her husband Alp who serves as business manager. The sit-down restaurant, whose decor and ambience transport you to the Aegean coast, offers menus for breakfast, lunch, dinner and happy hour, as well as an extensive beverage menu and catering and take-out options. 

During a recent visit, Alp Gungoren explained that the couple, who live in the City of Alexandria, decided to launch a start-up restaurant at the Telegraph Road location, and it opened its doors in January. At Smyrna, customers can enjoy typical Mediterranean spreads and Mezze, double-cooked octopus, chicken souvlaki, lamb chops, grilled beef skewers, eggplant dishes, chocolate baklava and many other Turkish and Greek specialties.

Gungoren said he has over 15 years experience in the food and beverage industry, having most recently served as general manager at the Ottoman Taverna restaurant in Washington, D.C.

Smyrna Restaurant, located at 7588 Telegraph Road, is open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.