This place looks more like one of those trendy, newfangled sushi bars – shiny surfaces, bright colors, sleek lines – than a restaurant offering traditional Turkish fare, but one look at the clientele, heavily Turkish and Greek, confirms its bona fides. And if that weren't reason enough to visit, there are, of course, the exceptional food and attentive service. Those keen on small plates will enjoy the extensive menu of hot and cold mezes. The cold list includes several variations of eggplant and house-made yogurt with cucumber. And the hot appetizers include pan-fried calf's liver served with onion and parsley mix and poached beef dumplings with garlic yogurt sauce (both favorites of New York Times food critic Frank Bruni). Grilled chicken, baked lamb shank and whole grilled sea bass populate the entrée list. Desserts include the typically mouth-watering, honey-drenched, pistachio-crusted pastries for which the Turks are known. Reservations suggested. Full bar. Serving lunch Mon–Fri, dinner nightly. Sun brunch 11 am–3 pm.
Where The Locals Eat rating
Best Turkish in NYC
Top 100 Restaurant, New York City
"Above all, it has extremely appealing food that represents a welcome change of pace from French, Italian or Spanish, the Mediterranean cuisines that tend to draw more attention and respect."
– Frank Bruni, The New York Times, Sep 17, 2004
"Three-dimensional triangular panes of glass alternating in convex and concave zigzags create an eye-catching façade through which passersby can examine Turkish Kitchen's sumptuous, sunken dining room. ... Dim spotlights complete the beguiling effect and set the stage for the enticing eats to come."
—New York magazine
"There's a hint of the bordello-bloodred walls, Anatolian brass trinkets-in the tastefully shagadelic setting for regional meze and mains. (The lovestruck can request a secluded balcony table.)"
—Time Out New York
"Many of the best dishes here are uniquely Turkish, such as the boregi (feta-filled phyllo scrolls baked to a crisp) or the lamb, grilled and served in a variety of preparations. ... For both lunch and dinner, the three-course menu is a terrific deal."
—Michelin New York City
How others rate Turkish Kitchen
The New York Times
Top Pick
Zagat 2009
22 food rating (very good to excellent)
Time Out New York
Critics' Pick