ZipPicks Awards
Best Mediterranean in Murray Hill & Kips Bay
Best Middle Eastern in Murray Hill & Kips Bay
Master Critic Review
Turkish Kitchen
8.3
Turkish Kitchen is a classic sit-down Turkish restaurant that’s been drawing Midtown and Kips Bay diners for years with a sprawling menu of meze, grilled meats, and slow-cooked stews. High review volume across platforms reflects a dependable option for both business lunches and lingering dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Iskender Kebab, Manti Dumplings, Shepherd Salad
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Large-format Turkish menu with decades of steady neighborhood demand.
Who should go: Diners wanting a classic Turkish sit-down meal.
When to visit: Weeknights for easier reservations and unhurried courses.
What to order: Iskender kebab, manti, mixed meze sampler.
Insider tip: Use the meze section to build a shareable starter spread before mains arrive.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive, especially after 6pm; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual to business casual—jeans are fine, but many diners come straight from work or dress up for date night.
Noise level: Moderate—lively dining room energy but still easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or under 10 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—strong selection of vegetable meze, salads, and cheese-based dishes.
Vegan options: Limited—several olive oil-based meze and vegetable dishes, but many items contain dairy or yogurt.
Gluten-free options: Moderate—many grilled meats and salads work, but cross-contamination is possible with breads and shared grills.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—it's upscale without being intimidating, with a warm vibe, shareable starters, and enough buzz to keep things from feeling stiff.
Can I get a table without a reservation? At lunch and early weeknight dinners, often yes, but weekend evenings and prime dinner hours are much smoother with a reservation.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids with adventurous appetites, but the atmosphere leans adult and isn’t designed for toddlers or stroller traffic.
Best For
Better for: Refined sit-down Turkish meals, business lunches, and classic plated presentations with full service.
Skip if: You want a cheaper, ultra-casual kebab counter or a high-energy, party-style Turkish dining room.