Sofra Restaurant — Restaurant in City of Rochester

Some the best food I've had in the area!

We visited As Evi at 6pm on a Saturday and there was only one other table. By the time we left, it was packed. A very pleasant and diverse group of patrons I might add. Very inviting and hospitable.

Anyhow... the food. The hummus was fresh and the bread they served it with was still warm and chewy and amazing. We tried 3 different types of the bread topped and/or stuffed with meat and veggies and each was really unique and tasty. These things were the equivalent of pizza or a stromboli, but with Turkish and Mediterranean flavors. They have odd names, but do not be scared. The food feels familiar and new at the same time.

Additionally, we tried a mixed grill, which was essentially a sampler platter of 4 of their proteins/kabobs (2 types of ground beef, chicken, and a lamb chop). Another great choice, as everything was flavorful and tasty.

We also tried the Manti, which are little dumpling-esque bits of textural bliss, covered in a yogurt sauce with what tasted like caraway and maybe dill. This one almost stole the show. Such an exquisite mouthfeel.

Lastly, we did dessert. And 3 out of the 4 of us ordered something. Baklava was rich and delectable. We tried Kadaif as well, which was good, but both of them paled in comparison to the Kunefe. This was one of the most unique, rich and delicious things I've ever tried.

Sufficed it to say, I'll be coming back to...

As Evi 351 E. Ridge Road at Seneca. I was eager to try a new authentic Turkish restaurant and the friend I went with got a great recommendation too. The menu is varied, and we ordered the lahmacun (very flat thin crisp crust pizza like dough with tomato sauce and ground meat, can be ordered as a snack (one piece) or as a meal (3 pieces). It is great alone as well as with some of the appetizers and or salad on top. We ordered two appetizer dips, Cacik (yogurt, cucumber, garlic and spices,) Babaganush (smoked eggplant puree, lemon, police oil and garlic) which came with amazing bread. herb seasoned, crispy crust and warm air pocket filled center with great texture. Chicken kabob comes over rice with salad plus we ordered one of the interesting salads which turned out to be superfluous but delicious. The chicken was plump and juicy, all salads flavorful and very fresh, bread too good by far (encouraging too much consumption). No alcohol, canned Peach, Apricot and Sour Cherry fruit juices American as well as Turkish sodas,Turkish tea and coffee, plus sweets to end the meal made for a lovely time. I'm looking forward to sampling the rest of the menu. Don't miss the market next door but remember it closes...

I don't often leave a review unless I had a negative experience. I just don't think to.

But my partner and I had such an excellent experience last night at As Evi, that I feel compelled to write.

We have been trying a variety of different cuisines on our regular date nights. Last week, I saw a Facebook video that contained Turkish Manti and immediately wanted to try it.

We let our server know that we have never had Turkish food and he was SO gracious towards us. All of the staff were. They were friendly and extraordinarily kind, a factor that Bill and I greatly appreciated, as some ethnic restaurants sometimes look down on "newbies".

The Manti was delicious! Very different from what I was expecting! Bill got the mixed grill dinner and that was also delicious. They brought us an appetizer... Not sure what it was, but it was like a very flat crust pizza with tiny diced meat and veggies and spices. Also delicious.

We will for sure return, and next time, we will bring friends.

Thank you for a wonderful date night...