As a bit of a preamble to the body of my review, I was coming to NYC after a long time living and residing in a foreign country. New York is my hometown and where I live currently it is nigh impossible to find any authentic Turkish victuals- but to be honest, for a long time I felt like New York City was the same way!
So when I came back for the winter holiday season I had to pay this restaurant a visit. Lo and behold, a traditional Turkish dining experience- with a twist- awaited me.
The wine we were treated to was a Rioja from Spain. While it required a bit of air to open up it was actually very delicious. I can't quite remember the name unfortunately!
We ordered several appetizers and I was of the position that they were the highlight of the meal. The helim cheese and sucuk starter was delicious- a mix of sweet, salty, and savory flavors. Then, we had the Icli Kofte which was unlike the traditional deep fried one. Instead, this one was boiled and had excellent flavor. The Zucchini Blossoms were also stand out.
From the main courses the clear winner was the Nar Kebab. I have not had a kebab this satisfying in a long time. This is a must order in my opinion. The Hunkar Begendi or Sultan's Delight was also incredibly heartwarming and with the smoky eggplant puree a most delectable dish.
Desserts included the turkish classic Kazandibi. It was light and delicious. We also ordered to Profiteroles, which were great, as well as the Baklava which was also good.
The only thing I would try to amend would be the Almost Cacik item. While it tasted fine, I do think it needs some fine tuning to be a classic.
Overall this restaurant scratches an itch I've been having for the real deal, with a little refinement also thrown into the mix. Highly recommended. In the future I think many recipes will be refined further as well, so I'm eagerly looking forward to how things continue to...
Read moreNestled in the heart of Manhattan, between the bustling avenues of Park and Broadway on 20th Street, lies a culinary gem. Recently, I had the pleasure of dining here with my colleagues after work, and it was an experience that exceeded all expectations. I was eager to try NAR, so wanted to invite and share the experience with my colleagues. From the moment we stepped inside, we were greeted by an ambiance that perfectly blends traditional Turkish elements with a contemporary flair. The decor, inspired by the works of the great poet Rumi, adds an elegant and artistic touch to the dining experience. The menu at NAR is a delightful fusion of traditional Turkish dishes presented in a modern and sophisticated manner. Each dish is a testament to the culinary expertise and creativity of the chefs. The service was impeccable; attentive and friendly, the staff made us feel welcomed and ensured our dining experience was top-notch. Among the many delectable options, a few dishes stood out. The Manti, delicate Turkish dumplings filled with seasoned meat, were an absolute delight. The Stuffed Wine Leaves were perfectly balanced and refreshing. Sultan's Bliss, a rich and creamy eggplant dish, was a true indulgence. And the Nar Kebap, a perfectly grilled and seasoned kebab, was simply sublime. NAR Modern Turkish Cuisine offers a dining experience that is both unique and memorable. The combination of traditional flavors, modern presentation, and exceptional service makes it a must-visit for anyone in Manhattan. I highly recommend this restaurant, and I am already looking forward to...
Read moreI have been to many Turkish restaurants in North America, and this is by far the best food experience I had in the last 20 years. In fact, it is more authentic than some places in Turkey. The portions are perfect for someone who wants to appreciate the depth of Turkish cuisine. The nar kebab itself has the perfect ratio of fat to make you feel full. If your Turkish cuisine culture is filled with heavily oiled rice and a random salad, this is not the restaurant you are looking for. But, if you crave simple elegant Turkish food, this is it. It is evident from the taste that the chef and their team went above and beyond in terms of sourcing the best ingredients. Nothing was overdone, everything was delicious. The service was kind, present, and attentive. It made my day to see Turkish folks doing their best. Their chef is an exemplar of what other Turkish restaurants should go after. Kudos to them and their entire team!
The prices are very normal for NYC range. Given that a sandwich can be $30 in this city, eating a delicious kebab for a similar price shouldn’t be surprising.
It is very challenging to host guests in Turkish restaurants. The expectations are always high. There is always the confusion of Mediterranean and Middle-East cuisines. This restaurant has perfected their craft. It is authentic Turkish food.
I visited this place twice in one week while visiting NYC. I tried most of the menu. Everything was delicious.
Go to this place and support them. This is the food...
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