HITIT LOKANTASI — Restaurant in Paterson

Neighborhoods in Turkey have their local restaurants serving simple everyday food. These restaurants are called Lokantas (similar to Italian Locandas).

Turkish Lokantas are mainly about humble home style comfort food. There are 20 plus dishes (Stews, Soups, Stuffed Vegetables, Fried Eggplants, Meatballs, Deserts etc) displayed on individual trays on a steam table. There is no printed menu as such, what is available is on display. What is offered is mostly seasonal (changes daily) and caters to the local palate. You just point, and a portion is dished out and served to you. Two Lokantas in Istanbul area that I like are Ciya Sofrasi and Karakoy Lokantasi

New York - New Jersey has a lot of amazing Turkish Restaurants. You have plenty of options for Kababs, and Pide (aka Pizza). But rarely will you find a restaurant offering home style food. Lots of fancy Turkish Restaurant but sadly hardly any Lokantas. Toros has a location which offers Lokantas food. It was probably the only place that offered Lokantas food till Hitit Lokantasi (967 Maun St Paterson NJ) opened up.

Hitit does not have the vast display of 20 plus dishes (it has more than plenty of options plus Doner Kabab & Pide too). Now, you don't have to go to Turkey for the Lokantas food anymore, Hitit serves the real deal right here (open 24 hrs ).

After a long day at work, after a day when the mind and body seeks nourishment and rest, on auto pilot, I end up at Hitit and point to White Beans and Buttered Rice. In Turkey it is called Kuru Fasulye, I just point and get a portion. I don't think there is a dish more simple than White Beans Stew with Rice. I don't think there is a dish more comforting than Kuru Fasulye.

I did not add any photos. I don't think photos will do justice. You need to try...

This is probably the best authentic Turkish foods I've tried in the US so far. It reminds me of the time I was in Turkey. I can tell the owner knows what he's doing, everything tastes fresh, mouthwatering, with only high quality ingredients as I noticed. I've ordered lamb gyro, along with other meals, the taste is topnotch 😍. Even the dessert - rice pudding, topped with the crashed walnuts, which is so so delicious. I love how this establishment operates, which looks simple, clean, yet classic. Plus the vibe is super relaxing, which makes me feel home. I can't wait to come back to try everything they have on the menu. Highly recommended...

I stopped by this spot after a friend recommended it, and I’m really glad I did. The soup was absolutely delicious — I meant to take a picture but ended up finishing it before I even realized. That should tell you enough!

The hot dishes looked and smelled amazing, and you could tell everything was fresh and homemade. Their baked trays and ayran selection were also a nice touch — very authentic Turkish vibes. The restaurant itself was super clean and well-kept, with a comfortable and modern interior.

Definitely a hidden gem if you’re craving solid Turkish home-style food. I’ll be...