8 Best Turkish Restaurants In NYC To Try Right Now
Get ready for your tastebuds to head to Istanbul, since New York City’s selection of delicious Turkish restaurants is simply incredible. Places where warm hospitality and divine cuisine mix, you can find all kind of delectable food, from Anatolian kebabs to the savory delights of mezes. Next time you’re looking for a Turkish restaurant in NYC, book a table at one of these tasty spots.
1. Leyla, Upper West Side
Nestled right into the heart of the Upper West Side, Leyla is an elegant and cozy little establishment that serves flavors from the Black Sea region of Turkey. Everything in here is stunning, from it’s outward brownstone exterior to the presentation of their food and cocktails. We recommend ordering a glass of Turkish wine and nibbling on their flat breads made in the in-house brick oven, as well as other great dishes like Kataifi Zucchini Fritters, the Leyla Lamb Burger, and Pistacchio Mud Heaven. See the Leyla’s full menu here.
Where: 108 W 74th St
2. Nar, Flatiron
Fairly new to the modern Turkish cuisine scene is Flatiron’s Nar, which opened up last fall. Owners Andy E. Arkun, Erhan Bahceci and Zeynep Tansug are proudly serving regional Turkish plates with a modern twist. We’re talking dishes like Keskek Risotto w/ Lion’s Mane Mushroom Steak, Nar Icli Kofte, and Citir Baklava. Not to mention Nar’s inviting 50 seat dining room headlined by turquoise seating and wooded shelves of Turkish wines. See Nar’s full menu here.
Where: 34 E 20th St
3. Cafe Turkiye, Astoria
Since opening in 2022, Cafe Turkiye has been a no frills Turkish staple in Astoria, Queens ever since. The boutique cafe serves up all kinds of Turkish-Mediterranean flavors, from kebabs to pide to baklava. It’s the perfect spot to order for pick-up Turkish food, or you can snag a table at their backyard patio and eat outside. See Cafe Turkiye’s full menu here.
Where: 37-05 Broadway, Queens
4. Rana Fifteen, Gowanus
Named after and inspired by the mother of owner Ahmet Kiranbay, Rana Fifteen is best known for their coastal cooking from Western Turkey and the Aegean Sea. They have an incredible deal here that involves the “Fifteen” and it only costs $39 per person. Inspired by mom, guests can order the family-style “Rana’s Table” which includes a tasting of 8 appetizers, 4 mezes, 1 entree, 1 side, and 1 dessert (equaling 15 dishes). Menu highlights include Braised Lamb Shank, Mevsim Salad, and Güveç. See Rana Fifteen’s full menu options here.
Where: 209 4th Ave, Brooklyn
5. Turkuaz, Midtown West
Taking its name from the turquoise colored sea in Turkey and Mediterranean, Turkuaz is a Midtown spot with great atmosphere and even better food. Grab a seat at one of their tables and embark on a food journey, starting with falafels and moving into kebabs, bronzino, and much more. The staff is super friendly, the ambiance is romantic, and the flavors are authentic. See Turkuaz’s full menu here.
Where: 310 W 53rd St
6. ABA Turkish Restaurant, Midtown West
There’s always something new to be tried at ABA Turkish Restaurant, a Midtown West staple who’s been serving Turkish delights since 2010. All served within a comfortable and warm setting, guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner here. Their menu is quite standard and their Baklava Pistachio and Walnut dessert is even imported straight from Turkey. It’s so on-point it’ll feel like you’re dining in Istanbul. See ABA Turkish Restaurant’s full menu here.
Where: 325 W 57th St
7. Deniz, Fort Greene
Deniz’s menu focuses much more on Turkish seafood than other spots on this list, but anything you get here will be delicious. Of course their extensive menu features the likes of classic kebabs, soups, and salads…but go here for their seafood where dishes like the Salmon Scallopini and Mediterranean Sea Bass have particularly caught our attention. See Deniz’s full menu here.
Where: 662 Fulton St, Brooklyn
8. SipSak, Midtown East
Home to world-class service and quality variations of Turkish classics, SipSak is a sit-down spot you have to try! If you go, we recommend trying out their most popular dishes like the lamb gyro platter, mezze plate, and lamb kebabs. See SipSak’s full menu here.
Where: 928 2nd Ave
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