Turkish Restaurants in North New Jersey

Turkish cuisine is one of those exotic delicacies that are often overlooked by sports-minded people and health enthusiasts. It shouldn't be. Dishes like lentil soup and hummus are rich in protein and other nutrients, while old--fashioned kebabs--traditionally prepared with rice and salad--are delicious, healthy and filling. It is not necessary to go all the way to Istanbul to get good Turkish food, either---travelers should try some on their next trip to North Jersey.

Beyti Kebab

Beyti Kebab is something of a historical landmark, being the first Turkish restaurant to open in the New York metropolitan area in 1983. Despite the name, it is not all about kebabs here. It also offers top-notch hummus, eggplant, soup and salad dishes. Note that Beyti Kebab is a BYOB establishment.

Beyti Kebab
4105 Park Ave.
Union City, NJ 07087
(201) 865-6281

Akcafe

The Akcafe is a good place to try Turkish breakfast in the Clifton area. The Mixed Turkish Omelet-which comes with pastrami, feta cheese, tomatoes, parsley and Soujouk fillings--is particularly tasty. Akcafe also offers lunch and dinner specialties, with a number of choices for vegetarians, such as the White Cheese Pita sandwich.

Akcafe
415 Crooks Ave.
Clifton, NJ 07011
(973) 340-0060

Kafe Teria

Kafe Teria specializes in home-style Turkish cuisine The traditional Turkish salad is recommended as an appetizer. For vegetarians, the Sigara Boregi (filo roll stuffed with feta cheese) is tasty. For dessert, diners should try one of the numerous Turkish pastries on the menu, or just go straight for the grainy Turkish coffee.

Kafe Teria
939 Main Street
Paterson, NJ 07503
(973) 977-3934

Nazar Mediterranean Cuisine

Lamb chops, shish kebab and kebabs with kofte meat are all popular treats at Nazar Mediterranean Cuisine. It is the perfect setting for a romantic dinner. Note that Nazar Mediterranean Cuisine is a BYOB establishment. Reservations are recommended.

Nazar Mediterranean Cuisine
66 Park Ave.
Rutherford, NJ 07070
(201) 939-3334

Lalezar Turkish Restaurant

Those who completely adore Turkish food and don't mind paying a lot for it should consider Lalezar Turkish Restaurant. This upscale fine dining establishment offers various lunch and dinner specials, plus belly-dancing performances on the weekends. Specialties of the house include Tavuk Adana (ground chicken breast adorned with Turkish seasonings, served with a choice of french fries, white rice or bulgur pilaf.)

Lalezar Turkish Restaurant
720 Bloomfield Ave.
Montclair, NJ 07042
(973) 233-1984

Resources

Article Written By Zach Feral

Zach Feral has been writing and editing professionally since 2003. He has a B.A. in philosophy from the New School for Social Research in New York and pursued postgraduate studies at the Open University in the U.K. His writing has appeared in numerous international publications, including "Dazed & Confused," "Artforum" and "Think Again."

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