TURKISH / MIDDLE EASTERN / AFRICAN/ MISC
CLIFTON
Toros: Turkish; Clifton; 489 Hazel St; 22/21/$36; 973-772-8652; Beautifully decorated inside- old world Turkish décor and furniture; Website is excellent- featuring pictures of all the dishes for newcomers; Authentic, tasty dishes; Usual kebabs, breads and spreads; Great Turkish beer available. $10.95 multi course lunch special.
CRESSKILL
Samdan: Turkish; Cresskill; 178 Piermont Rd @ Union Av; 23/16/$35; 201-816-7343; The grilled seafood and meats stand out; Kebab heaven; Dining room somewhat plain and formal- certainly a mature setting; Recent renovations should help; Very traditional dishes; One of the few Turkish restaurants in county.
ELMWOOD PARK
Royal Warsaw: Polish; Elmwood Park; 871 River Dr @ Garden; 23/19/$33; 201-794-9277; Polish comfort food including great potato pancakes; Hopping bar scene featuring Wednesday ladies night; Imported beers; Unusual dishes, creative cuisine; Huge menu to sample all the classics of the region.
ENGLEWOOD
Bennies: Lebanese; Englewood; 54 E Palisade Av @ Grand; 21/14/$31; 201-894-5700; Truly authentic Lebanese regional cuisine; Spinach, cheese and meat pie appetizers; Chicken Shawarma sandwich, Falafel and Shish Kebob stands out; Hookah options.
NEW BRUNSWICK
Makeda: Ethiopian; New Brunswick; 338 George St @ Bayard; 25/23/$38; 732-545-5115; Possibly the best Ethiopian in the tri state area; Mouthwatering exotic dishes served on Injera bread; Utensils optional; Cool, moody décor; Live music on weekends; Truly a fun, unique experience; Give African a try!
NEW MILFORD
Lodos: Turkish; New Milford; 690 River Rd @ Henley; 23/16/$28; 201-265-0004; Incredible falafel; Hummus, with hints of flavorful olive oil, is delicious with the breads; BYO; Outstanding service; Belly Dancing on 1st Friday of the month; Huge selection of kebabs.
RIDGEWOOD
Lisa’s Turkish Kitchen: Turkish; Ridgewood; 54 Chestnut St; 20/20/$37; 201-251-8686; Belly dancing on Thursdays bring energy to this friendly, high quality Turkish restaurant; Mixed Grill is excellent; BYO; Authentic cooking and ingredients. Extremely friendly service; Great effort made here.
Tabboule: Lebanese; Ridgewood; 90 North Maple Ave @ Marshall; 20/14/$26; 201-444-7044; Excellent shawarma and falafel; Cheerful service, clear & orderly; Best suited for lunch or a super casual dinner; Cheap enough you can try several appetizers; BYO.
RIVER EDGE
Turkish Kitchen: Turkish; River Edge; 645 Kinderkamack Rd @ Jefferson; 22/18/$40; 866-462-1592; Very clean, stylish setting where delicious Turkish fare is served; BYO; Higher end Turkish; Check out website which has pictures of every selection on the menu; Perfect for those new to Turkish.
UNION CITY
Beyti Kebab: Turkish; Union City; 4105 Park Av @ 41st St; 23/11/$27; 201-936-0640; Extremely good Turkish restaurant; Great for dates or family; Baklava is epic; Very authentic cuisine; Kebabs solid- be prepared to eat lamb or chicken; BYO; Hummus and baba ghanoush outstanding. Belly dancers on Saturdays except Summer.