Safir Mediterranean — Restaurant in New York

My family and I traveled through NYC as the last leg of our road trip and we had dinner at Safir as recommended by a friend. The whole family was blown away by the food and service. We are big on trying new appetizers when at Turkish places and everything recommended by our server hit a home run. For appetizers we tried the grilled octopus (amazingly tender and complemented well by the tomatoes and onions), Turkish ravioli (the creamy yogurt sauce it came in was delicious), greek salad (fresh with just the right amount of dressing), calf’s liver (first time trying liver, surprisingly tasty) and the table favorite Pink sultan (radish based dip that was tart and subtly sweet). I would recommend any of the choices above. For dinner we had the chicken chops, chicken shish, and lamb beyti kebap (my favorite entree) - all three shown in the pics below, and all were awesome. We were stuffed and couldn’t make room for dessert, but the Katmer ordered by our neighboring table looked delicious. The service provided by Safir’s staff was second to none. They anticipated our tables needs and we’re excellent with our children. Our son was not feeling as adventurous as our daughter when trying new foods, the staff noticed this and gave him a small plate of French fries on the house. He was all smiles after that! We sat outside which was perfect for little ones who can be a bit loud at times, and I enjoyed taking in the sights and sounds of LIC as we dined. We had a good idea of pricing and portion sizes by looking at the menu beforehand. We probably ordered too much for our party but we all left full and satisfied by the recommendations of Safirs staff. Safir was a 10/10 dining experience for my whole family. If you and your family are looking for authentic Turkish cuisine in NYC served by staff who make you feel like family, I would look no...

I've had the pleasure of dining at Safir Restaurant on Vernon Blvd multiple times, and each visit has been a delightful experience. As a Turkish restaurant owned by my friends Mufit and Cliff, Safir has managed to capture the essence of Turkish cuisine flawlessly.

From the moment you step inside, you are greeted with warm hospitality and a cozy ambiance that instantly makes you feel at home. The restaurant's decor beautifully reflects the rich cultural heritage of Turkey, setting the stage for an authentic dining experience.

The menu at Safir is a treasure trove of Turkish culinary delights. Whether you're a fan of succulent kebabs, flavorful mezes, or hearty stews, Safir has something to satisfy every palate. One of my personal favorites is the Adana kebab, a perfectly seasoned and grilled masterpiece that never fails to impress. The portions are generous, and the food is always served fresh and piping hot.

What truly sets Safir apart is the dedication of Mufit and Cliff to providing exceptional service. They genuinely care about their guests and go above and beyond to ensure a memorable dining experience. Whether you have dietary restrictions or need recommendations, the staff at Safir is always attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable.

In conclusion, Safir Restaurant is a true gem in the heart of Vernon Blvd. With its authentic Turkish cuisine, warm hospitality, and exceptional service, it consistently exceeds expectations. If you're looking for a memorable dining experience that will transport you to the vibrant streets of Istanbul, look no...

15 years of living, loving and growing as a family in LIC. We are big foodies and discovering and sharing food is an essential part of our lives. The past years have been pretty disappointing for new openings on Vernon. These dark times are over, thanks to this new Turkish place. So to be truthful we were a little hesitant at the beginning after having seen the place evolving from an all time favorite Chinese take out (I hated it 😜) to a pastrami place (did not make it either) and then a Turkish cuisine ? Wow. We were indeed intrigued, so to make it short we could hardly believe how great this new concept was. It is down to earth (so don't except fancy service or dining atmosphere) but still charming. The owners are not only lovely they are both hands on to make you feel welcomed and special (as we agreed totally family style ) and last but not least (most important and amazing part) the food is amazing! Every single item on the menu we tried is just right. Special mention for me for the lamb gyro sandwich (first time I ate one in NYC that is not dead dried and tasteless), the mezes are perfect (especially with the homemade bread that feels Like a trip to Istanbul) and the Turkish pizza a family favorite already. After our 5th visit and us living a block away we can definitely recommend it warmly! Last thing we do not do takenout but it is totally worth...