TURKISH / EASTERN EUROPE
Zeytin: Turkish. 519 Columbus @ 85th; 19/17/$38; 579-1145; Turkish; Modestly priced; One of the few Middle Eastern Restaurants in area; Solid food and authentic. Check out the website!
Pasha: Turkish. 70 W 71st @ Columbus-CPW; 21/19/$41; 579-8751; Exotic; Less expensive than Istanbul; Colorful, relaxing setting; Good date spot; Neighborhood favorite; Authentic Turkish cuisine.
Djerdan Burek: Serbian. 221 W 38th @ 8th Ave; 20/14/$35; 921-1183; Known for incredible burkes – giant slabs of flaky phyllo pie stuffed with various ingredients like spinach & cheese or beef; Kebabs; Goulash; Eastern European delights.
Wallse: Austrian. 344 W 11th St@ Washington; 26/22/$69; 352-2300; Kurt Gutenbrunner owned free trip to Vienna (plus restaurant tab); Intensely authentic; Charming, semi-formal setting. One of the city’s best wine lists; Artful décor.
Blaue Gans: Austrian. 139 Duane @ Church-W. BWay; 21/18/$47; 571-8880; Another Kurt Gutenbrunner owned Austrian restaurant; Cheaper than Wallse; The schnitzel stands out. Sausage city;
Pravda: Russian. 281 Lafayette @ Prince; 22/23/$48; 226-4944; Keith McNally managed; Incredible caviar list as well as a giant list of Vodkas- infused and straight; Great Martinis; Expert Russian, French influenced cuisine; Great for parties.
Café Katja: Austrian. 79 Orchard @ Broome-Grand; 24/20/$30; 219-9545; Known for nearly perfect sausages & fine wine and beer; Cozy setting, this authentic, friendly and affordable Viennese spot is a star.
Turkish Kitchen: Turkish. 386 3rd Av @ 27-28th; 23/17/$40; 679-6633; So good; Under radar; Known for Sunday Brunch buffet; Succulent kebabs; Funky red-everywhere décor; Unique martinis.
Ali Baba: Turkish; 212 E 34th @ 2-3rd; 23/14/$31; 683-9206; Hood favorite; Large portions; Dirt cheap. Small place. Garden in the summer. Always popular and crowded as it is an authentic bargain. Kebabs to die for.
Akdeniz: Turkish. 19 W 46th @ 5-6th; 21/13/$29; 575-2307; Turkish; Dirt cheap, bargain prices for excellent meze, breads, spreads, amazing grilled fish. Good service; Small spot. $21.95 dinner price fixe. So, while décor isn’t anything special- the food can be.
Sip Sak: Turkish. 928 2nd Av @ 49-50th; 20/13/$32; 583-1900; Hole in the wall setting but truly tasty delights; Tons of specials & genius appetizers; Lamb, salmon; Festive local atmosphere; Very inexpensive.
Beyoglu: Turkish. 1431 3rd Av @ 81st; 21/17/$35; 650-0850; Outdoors; Meze’s- appetizers/ small dishes. Hummus, Kebabs amazing; Crazier downstairs; Fun time and unique food.
