Hamdi started off as a pop-up that supplied hungry brewery-goers with Turkish dishes like kokorec and lamb kebabs cooked over a wood-fired grill. It’s no surprise, then, that they’ve made a large open grill the centerpiece of their upscale restaurant in Ballard. You’ll see plenty of meat getting seared here, and the servers may encourage you to order one of the restaurant’s touted dry-aged steaks. But you’re better off focusing on the mezze, like a tasty garlicky celery root dip with chunks of dried figs that cuts through the tangy yogurt. Or a refreshing watermelon salad speckled with pungent spices and salty Tulum cheese. Even with a scaled-down order, you’ll still get a show. Hamdi is lively and loud, both from the busy kitchen and the sounds of guests having a nice night out at candle-lit tables. It’s a good idea to snag a reservation at the curved chef’s counter. They’re the best seats in the house, with an entertaining front-row view of the commotion happening over the blazing flames—though be warned you might leave smelling like a campfire. With very small portions (and high price tags), we wouldn't recommend coming here to have a feast with a big group. But for a date night, special occasion, or catch-up session with an old friend, Hamdi gets the job done.