Sahara's Turkish Cuisine

Name: Sahara's Turkish Cuisine
Address: 513 Second Avenue, New York, NY, United States, 10016
Telephone: (212) 532-7589
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.4

4.4

33 Reviews

$31 to $50

Turkish

Top Tags:

Sahara’s serves traditional Turkish Cuisine with the touch of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern ethnic ingredients and styles. We deliciously cook everything from scratch and offer it with complimentary homemade bread and Aegean olives. Our menu provides plentiful food, wine, and beer that speak for our guests’ particular tastes. Our staff is part of our family that shares the same energy with our guests. Our newly decorated place with the touch of multi-ethnic details of Turkey makes our guests and their friends feel comfortable and unique. The restaurant’s characteristic ambiance is designed to give a sense of artsy home that shares the cultural aspects of our heritage, and it offers a beautiful decor for our guests and their photographs.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

May 22, 2022

May 2022

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

7:00 PM

Booked 1 time today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(212) 532-7589

Delivery

Order online

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
Turkish, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern
Hours of operation
Daily 11:00 am–11:00 pm
Phone number
(212) 532-7589
Website
http://www.saharasmanhattan.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Owned/operated by
Middle Eastern

Location
513 Second Avenue New York, NY 10016
Neighborhood
Kips Bay
Cross street
28th & 29th
Parking details
Street Parking
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Liquor, Delivery, Dog Friendly, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Kosher, Non-Smoking, Takeout, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Hummus$8.75
Chickpeas and tahini paste seasoned with garlic and olive oil
Cacik$8.75
Finely chopped baby cucumbers blended with garlic yogurt, dill and mint
Eggplant Salad$8.75
Char-grilled eggplant with peppers, parsley and lemon juice
Tabuleh$8.75
Cracked wheat mixed with parsley, scallions, red pepper and dill
Soslu Patlican$8.75
Chopped eggplant cooked in moderately spicy sauce of fresh tomatoes, green peppers and garlic
Babaganoush$8.75
Char-grilled smoked eggplant puree, flavored with tahini, garlic, olive oil and lemon
Tarama$9.85
Red caviar whisked into a light mousse with olive oil and lemon juice
Lebni$9.85
Thick homemade yogurt with walnuts, garlic and dill
Stuffed Vine Leaves$9.85
Fresh vine leaves stuffed with rice, pine nuts and currants cooked in olive oil
Pi̇laki̇$9.85
Red kidney beans tossed with olive oil and lemon
Ezme$9.85
Spicy mashed vegetables mixed with walnuts, garlic, paprika, olive oil, and lemon juice
Mixed Cold Appetizer Plate
Combination of small portions of cold appetizers
- Small$18.95
- Large$28.95

Hot Appetizers

Falafel$8.75
Chickpeas, celery, parsley, garlic and carrots served with tahini sauce
Cheese Pastries$9.85
Crispy phyllo scrolls stuffed with feta cheese and cooked until golden brown
Mücver (Zucchini Pancakes)$10.95
Pan-fried zucchini pancakes served with homemade garlic yogurt sauce on the side
Pastrami Cigars$10.95
Crispy phyllo scrolls stuffed with beef pastrami, red pepper, mushroom, onion and cheese
Fried Calamari$13.15
Fried calamari with a sauce of lemon, olive oil, garlic and walnuts
Arnavut Ci̇ğeri̇$13.15
Pan-fried calf livers with onion, tomato and parsley

Salads

Shepherd Salad
Fresh chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, parsley and onion tossed in extra virgin olive oil and wine vinegar.
- Small$9.85
- Large$16.45
Mediterranean Salad
Fresh romaine lettuce, shredded carrots, red cabbage, corn, tomatoes and cucumber topped with feta cheese, olive oil and lemon dressing
- Small$9.85
- Large$16.45
Pi̇yaz$10.95
White beans with vine ripened tomatoes, red onion and parsley in an olive oil vinaigrette
Aegean Salad$13.15
Mixed greens under chickpeas, onions, cucumber, vine ripened tomatoes and feta cheese in a lemon olive oil dressing
Dry Fig Salad$15.35
Sun dried Turkish figs, walnuts and red pepper tossed in balsamic vinaigrette and served on a bed of greens and tomatoes
Seafood Salad$17.55
Poached calamari and shrimp served on a bed of greens, red onion, tomatoes and parsley

Entrees

Vegetarian

Baby Okra$17.55
Baby okras cooked with tomatoes, onions and lemon juice, served with rice.
Falafel Dinner$17.55
Chickpeas, celery, parsley, garlic, onion and tomatoes served with tahini sauce, vegetables and rice
Zucchini Pancakes Dinner$17.55
Pan-fried zucchini pancakes served with homemade yogurt sauce vegetables and rice.
Vegetable Casserole$18.65
Mixed sautéed vegetables baked in tomato sauce, served with rice.

Poultry

Chicken Shish Kebab$19.75
Char-grilled marinated cubes of chicken, served with broccoli, grilled tomato, pepper and rice.
Adana Kebab Chicken$19.75
Finely minced chicken, seasoned with peppers and parsley, grilled on a skewer and served with broccoli, grilled tomato, pepper and rice
Grilled Chicken Wings$21.95
Char-grilled barbecue marinated chicken wings, served with lettuce, onions, red cabbage, grilled tomato, pepper and rice
Chicken Chops$23.05
Char-grilled marinated chicken thighs, served with broccoli, grilled tomato, pepper and rice.
Chicken Sautee$21.95
Small pieces of chicken cutlets sautéed In butter with garlic, onions, red pepper, mushroom, fresh tomatoes in homemade tomato sauce
Hünkar Beğendi̇ Chicken$23.05
Chicken shish served over puree eggplant cooked with milk and kashkaval cheese, topped with homemade tomato sauce; served with grilled tomato and pepper

Seafood

Tilapia$24.15
Pan-seared tilapia fillet served with a green salad and rice; topped with lemon, parsley, olive oil sauce
Salmon$24.15
Char-grilled marinated seared Atlantic salmon, served with green salad and rice
Shrimp Casserole$25.25
Baked shrimp, mushroom, red pepper, onions and tomatoes casserole; topped with melted cheese and served with rice
Shrimp Kebab$25.25
Char-grilled marinated shrimps and vegetables, served with rice.
Branzini (Sea Bass)$27.45
Grilled whole fish of Mediterranean Sea Bass drizzled with lemon juice and olive oil; served with green salad and lemon

Lamb & Beef

Gyro$20.95
Marinated baby lamb grilled on revolving upright skewer, very thinly sliced and served with broccoli, grilled tomato, pepper, and rice
Manti$21.95
Steamed lamb dumplings, topped with homemade garlicky yogurt and red pepper sauce, mint and sumac
Kofte$23.05
Char-grilled lamb meatballs, served with broccoli, grilled tomato pepper, and rice
Adana Kebab Lamb$23.05
Finely minced lamb, seasoned with peppers and parsley, grilled on a skewer and served with broccoli, grilled tomato, pepper and rice
Iskender Kebab$23.05
Vertically grilled lamb sliced very thinly and served over Turkish pita bread croutons with homemade garlicy yogurt sauce, topped with homemade tomato sauce and grilled pepper, tomato
Ezmeli Kebab$25.25
Finely minced lamb, seasoned with peppers and parsley, grilled on a skewer and served over pureed eggplant with tomato sauce; broccoli, grilled tomato and pepper
Lamb Sautee$25.25
Small pieces of lamb sautéed in butter with garlic, onions, red pepper, mushroom, fresh tomatoes in homemade tomato sauce served with rice on the side
Beyti Kebab$25.25
Finely minced lamb, seasoned with peppers, garlic and parsley, grilled on a skewer and wrapped in whole wheat tortilla, topped with homemade tomato sauce; served with broccoli, grilled pepper, tomato and rice
Lamb Shish Kebab$26.35
Char-grilled marinated cubes of baby lamb, served with broccoli, grilled tomato, pepper and rice
Lamb Shank$27.45
Lamb shank cooked slowly in the oven until it is fork tender, wrapped in eggplant; served with rice and grilled tomato, pepper
Lamb Chops (Pirzola)$28.55
Char-grilled grass fed baby lamb chops, served with broccoli, grilled pepper, tomato and rice
Mixed Grilled Kebab$32.95
Combination of chicken, lamb, lamb chop, meatball and gyro kebabs; served with broccoli, grilled tomato, pepper and rice
Hünkar Beğendi̇ Lamb$26.35
Lamb shish served over puree eggplant cooked with milk and kashkaval cheese, topped with homemade tomato sauce; served with grilled tomato and pepper
Grilled Skirt Steak$28.55
Char-grilled marinated skirt steak, served with broccoli, grilled tomato, pepper and rice

Desserts

Baklava$7.65
Very thin layers of phyllo filled with walnuts and baked in oven, topped with melted butter and sherbet
Kunefe$9.85
Baked shredded wheat filled with cheese and walnuts, topped with melted butter and sherbet
Rice Pudding$7.65
Baked rice pudding made with milk, egg, rice and sugar
Milk Custard (Kazandi̇Bi̇)$9.85
Caramelized milk pudding, baked in oven and topped with cinnamon
Cream Caramel$9.85
Baked milk mixture in the oven with caramel sauce
Ross Round Comb Honey$16.45
Our own product. Local raw comb honey

What 33 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.4

4.4 based on recent ratings

4.4Food
4.6Service
4.4Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Sort by

Filters

MS
MarySunshine
New York Area
22 reviews
5.0
22 reviews
Dined on May 8, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
We haven't dined here since before Covid-19 shut down our world. We liked it before that, and decided to have a nice Mother's Day dinner. Sahara's has redecorated the interior of the restaurant since our last visit, and it is very attractive and comfortable. We ate early, but by 8pm the restaurant was half full and the sound level was still pleasant. The food was fabulous and the servers were friendly and attentive without being intruding. We will certainly eat here again soon!
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on May 8, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food and service was awesome. We had gone for a Mother's Day lunch. Our server took very good care of us. Fresh bread was constantly replenished. The Iskender kebab, lamb kofte and zucchini pancakes were impeccably prepared. The eggplant, tabouleh and shepherd's salads were fresh and delicious. The Turkish coffee and tea, rice pudding, and especially the knufeh were outstanding. Highly recommend Sahara's for their dine in and take out experience. Will definitely come back again.
m
minerva
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 15, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Good food, great service, very comfy. One of our favorite spots in the neighborhood.
H
Hayfers
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 27, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
It was really good. The food is amazing. The food and price balance is the best.
BP
BryantP
New York Area
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on March 27, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Nice size portions. Very good food. Friendly, attentive service. Comfortable ambiance. We 'll be back.
MN
MichaelN
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 22, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food, great service, good atmosphere. Not too loud.
JK
JoanK
New York Area
24 reviews
5.0
24 reviews
Dined on March 5, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Enjoyed our dinner at Sahara’s. The small appetizer platter was plentiful. Our main dishes were very tasty.
PZ
PrettyboyZiah
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 3, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was amazing and service was exceptional. Highly recommend for dinner dates , family nights , and a quick eat with friends . This is some of the best Turkish food I’ve had and a hidden gem. Will return agian 💯
M
Manhattanite
New York Area
118 reviews
vip
3.0
118 reviews
Dined on January 31, 2022
overall3food3service5ambience4
We met here for lunch (due to its proximity to NYU schools & facilities on 1st Ave). We ordered the appetizers, salmon entree & gyros. The salmon was delicious. However, the meats of the open gyro dish with rice were dry. We asked for white sauce to moisten it & add flavor. We also ordered a dessert that had a gelatinous texture which we didn’t like. The Turkish coffee was good. Attentive staff. Lovely, relaxing Turkish atmosphere. Very clean. They confirmed our covid vaccination status.
m
mktk
New York Area
35 reviews
vip
5.0
35 reviews
Dined on December 18, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food & service very good but since there were very few diners it was wonderfully quiet. They do have music playing but it was at the right level and the appropriate type of music for a turkish restaurant.
BE
BELLE
New York Area
49 reviews
vip
5.0
49 reviews
Dined on November 28, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food!!
WT
WorldTraveler
New York Area
37 reviews
vip
5.0
37 reviews
Dined on November 13, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
What a gem. Authentic food, served generously and graciously, with softly lilting Turkish music in the background. Very fair prices. Simple but lovely decor.
d
denniss
New York Area
37 reviews
vip
5.0
37 reviews
Dined on November 11, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
So pleased this neighborhood restaurant has received their liquor license and finished their remodeling. All of these improvements have not affected the exceptional quality of their food. DMS
PI
PIERREV
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 26, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience4
The food here was terrific and the service excellent. Tuesday was a great evening to come.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 16, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
We loved our experience here. We came in for lunch after visiting some friends in Manhattan. We began with zucchini pancake, cigar rolls, and hummus. The zucchini pancakes were so soft and yummy. The cigar rolls were filled with cheese that was delicious. The hummus was also unique and served with olive oil and Turkish pita bread. For our meals, my friend ordered the lamb shish and I ordered the chicken shish kebab Which came with rice and grilled vegetables. Both meals were excellent, perfectly cooked. They also have wine selections, and the price is reasonable. We were amazed by the flavors, beautiful dishes, and excellent service. Also, Their decoration is so cute! Overall, such an amazing restaurant. We will be back for sure, without a doubt.
I
Irada
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 15, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
I ve been going to Sahara for many years whether it’s for dining in or takeout. Food is great, staff is so friendly and accommodating, it is clean, and the prices are reasonable, totally worth it. A great place for a big party too.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 15, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
I have been a big fan of Sahara’s for a few years now. It was again another pleasant experience and the food is always absolutely delicious. Service was excellent and my business guest was very impressed and stated he will visit this restaurant with his family. It was a quite lunch experience for a business meeting. I plan to request catering here as well in the near future. Thank you so much.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 13, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
I had a great experience eating here. The food was fantastic. We had the lamb shank and it was delicious and authentic. This is definitely an Instagram worthy place with the decor. The staff was really kind. Our server Busra was hilarious and attentive. Definitely worth a visit!
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on October 13, 2021
overall1food1service1ambience1
Bad experience. Star -5
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 10, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
It was a perfect night for us. I had mix grill which was delicious and my friend got a sea bass that looked mouth watering. Also we shared a eggplant salad, actually we shared everything because all of them were delicious😋. Also I loved the pillow ceiling 😍. The playlist was authentic and I really enjoyed it 😌.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 7, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
I preferred Sahara’s Turkish Cuisine for the lunch with my colleagues . I had mediterrian salad and grilled salmon .The food was absolutely wonderful, from preparation to presentation, very pleasing. We especially enjoyed the nice and cozy atmosphere and wonderful staff. They are so helpful and kind. I warmly recommend this place. Try mix appetizer plates and mixed grill too and of course the tea afterwards.We will surely visit here next time.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 6, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
I am glad that Sahara’s is back to open table. It was a lovely family gathering with delicious food (as always), and I must say the new atmosphere made us so happy- kilim decor on a ceiling was a nice touch ✌🏼
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 5, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
Loved the new atmosphere! it makes such a difference. staff was friendly as always, offered their fresh Turkish semavar tea after a delicious meal. my friends were really into the new decor. fun night!
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 4, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
With the new ambiance and decor Sahara’s offers stunning dine in experience. Especially the Turkish & Anatolian themed pillow decor on the ceiling is worth to see. The food was delicious and plenty. I highly recommend their mixed cold appetizer plate and lamb chops. Would definitely come back very soon.
B
Bobb
New York Area
75 reviews
vip
5.0
75 reviews
Dined on January 18, 2012
overall5food5service5ambience4
We're soon visiting Turkey and, though we've eaten Turkish food, have never been guided through the cuisine. The food was as good as the extremely helpful service!
BS
BarbaraS
Exclusive
15 reviews
4.0
15 reviews
Dined on December 29, 2011
overall4food4service5ambience3
Right across from Kips Bay movie house, so it's a nice pre- or post-movie place.
GM
GatorMD
Miami
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on October 18, 2011
overall5food5service4ambience4
Amazing Lamb shank and lamb chops.
BG
BarbieGirl
New York Area
96 reviews
vip
3.0
96 reviews
Dined on September 7, 2011
overall3food4service3ambience3
I have already written that I had a problem with the restaurant acknowledging my Open Table reservation.
GM
GatorMD
Miami
8 reviews
vip
4.0
8 reviews
Dined on August 15, 2011
overall4food4service3ambience3
Very good Turkish food. Lamb is great! Salads are great as well.
J
Johnawc
Jacksonville
126 reviews
vip
5.0
126 reviews
Dined on July 7, 2011
overall5food5service5ambience4
I love Turkish food and i seek it out when traveling as it is rare in Florida. This is hands down the best Turkish meal that I have had in the US. In fact the food compared favorably to many of the Turkish restaurants in London and even Istanbul. Do not miss the sliced lamb or the lamb meatballs. They are VERY flavorful and well prepared. The lamb chops are not to be missed either. If you go hungry, the mixed grill is well worth while. I was there on a Thursday night and it was very quiet, but in talking with the owner, I found that weekend reservations are prudent. As far as service went, I could not have asked for better. Again, it was a slow night so the staff was not heavily taxed, but when I needed something, there they were.
GT
GTG16
New York Area
20 reviews
4.0
20 reviews
Dined on May 8, 2011
overall4food4service4ambience3
This is a favorite place of mine for fresh food and good every time. It is a place where you can have a conversation and actually hear people talk with you.
T
Travelingwoman
New York Area
45 reviews
vip
4.0
45 reviews
Dined on April 14, 2011
overall4food4service4ambience3
We keep coming back because you can sit as long as you like and it is not noisy. The food is super fresh and priced very reasonably.
GK
GailK
New York Area
7 reviews
4.0
7 reviews
Dined on March 27, 2011
overall4food4service3ambience4
I love the food at Sahara's Turkish Cuisine. This is a great spot for the neighborhood. Service, while typically good, was a little spotty the last time I went (even though it wasn't very crowded). But overall, I highly recommend if you want good Turkish food. The lamb kebabs and the shwarma are wonderful.

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
Physical distancing
- Distancing maintained in common areas

Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
- Staff is vaccinated

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from Sahara's Turkish Cuisine using the Order Online button. Sahara's Turkish Cuisine also offers delivery in partnership with Postmates and Uber Eats. Sahara's Turkish Cuisine also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (212) 532-7589.

Sahara's Turkish Cuisine is rated 4.4 stars by 33 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.