Sahara's Turkish Cuisine

4.3

96 Reviews

$30 and under

Turkish

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 25, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 1 time today

Experiences are available.

Charming
Neighborhood gem
Vegetarian-friendly

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.

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Turkish, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern
Hours of operation
Daily 11:00 am–10:15 pm
Phone number
(212) 532-7589
Website
http://www.saharasturkishcuisine.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Catering
Highly rated catering menu is available.
Private party facilities
We have pre-fixed menus for any type of private event.

Location
513 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Neighborhood
Kips Bay
Cross street
28th & 29th on 2nd Ave.
Parking details
Street Parking
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Delivery, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Kosher, Non-Smoking, Takeout, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

Date-Night Special at Sahara's Turkish Cuisine
$120.00 per party
Multiple dates available
Indulge in an unforgettable evening with our Date-Night Special at Sahara's Turkish Cuisine. Delight in the choice of any two appetizers and any two main courses from our exquisite menu, each crafted with authentic Turkish flavors and the freshest ingredients. Accompany your meal with a bottle of select wine, chosen to perfectly complement your dishes. Experience the unique ambiance of our restaurant, where traditional Turkish decor meets modern elegance, creating a warm and intimate setting ideal for a romantic night out. Our attentive staff and the cozy atmosphere ensure an exclusive dining experience that will make your date night truly special.
Sahara's Luxury Oasis
$75.00 per person
Multiple dates available
One Small Mix Cold Appetizer for every four people. Choice of any main course (except mixed grill) or one mixed grill for every two people. Unlimited Wine, Beer, and Cocktails.
Sahara's Sahara's Gourmet Escape
$65.00 per person
Multiple dates available
One Small Mix Cold Appetizer for every four people. Choice of any main course (except mixed grill) or one mixed grill for every two people. Unlimited Wine and Beer

Offers

Bites & Brews: Appetizer & Drink Special!
Multiple dates available
Sun - Sat - 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Unwind with our Bites & Brews special! Enjoy a delicious appetizer paired with your choice of beer or wine in our warm, inviting atmosphere. Perfect for a relaxing late afternoon, our unique happy hour offers a delightful culinary experience you won't find anywhere else. Monday through Friday, 4pm to 6pm.

HUMMUS$9.95
Chickpeas and tahini paste seasoned with garlic and olive oil
CACIK$9.95
Finely chopped baby cucumbers blended with garlic yogurt, dill and mint
EGGPLANT SALAD$9.95
Char-grilled eggplant with peppers, parsley and lemon juice
TABULEH$9.95
Cracked wheat mixed with parsley, scallions, red pepper and dill
SOSLU PATLICAN$9.95
Cracked wheat mixed with parsley, scallions, red pepper and dill
BABAGANOUSH$9.95
Char-grilled smoked eggplant puree, flavored with tahini, garlic, olive oil and lemon
TARAMA$10.95
Red caviar whisked into a light mousse with olive oil and lemon juice
LEBNI$10.95
Thick homemade yogurt with walnuts, garlic and dill
STUFFED VINE LEAVES$11.95
Fresh vine leaves stuffed with rice, pine nuts and currants cooked in olive oil
PİLAKİ$11.95
Red kidney beans tossed with olive oil and lemon
EZME$11.95
Spicy chopped vegetables mixed with walnuts, garlic, paprika, olive oil, and lemon juice
ÇİĞ KÖFTE$13.95
Vegan meatballs; made from bulgur, local sipces, onion, tomato and pepper pastes, garlic, pomegranate molasses, lemon juice.
MIXED COLD APPETIZER$22.95
Combination of our cold appetizers
- SMALL$18.95
- LARGE$28.95

HOT APPETIZERS

FALAFEL$10.95
Chickpeas, celery, parsley, garlic and carrots served with tahini sauce
CHEESE PASTRIES$12.95
Crispy phyllo scrolls stuffed with feta cheese and cooked until golden brown
MÜCVER$13.95
Pan-fried zucchini pancakes served with homemade garlic yogurt sauce on the side
PASTRAMI CIGARS$13.95
Crispy phyllo scrolls stuffed with beef pastrami, red pepper, mushroom, onion and cheese
FRIED CALAMARI$15.95
Fried calamari with a sauce of lemon, olive oil, garlic and walnuts
ARNAVUT CİĞERİ$15.95
Pan-fried calf livers with onion, tomato and parsley

SALADS

SHEPHERD SALAD$11.95
Fresh chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, parsley and onion tossed in extra virgin olive oil and wine vinegar
- small$9.85
- large$16.45
MEDITERRANEAN SALAD$11.95
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$12.95
White beans with vine ripened tomatoes, red onion and parsley in an olive oil vinaigrette
AEGEAN SALAD$14.95
Mixed greens under chickpeas, onions, cucumber, vine ripened tomatoes and feta cheese in a lemon olive oil dressing
DRY FIG SALAD$17.95
Sun dried Turkish figs, walnuts and red pepper tossed in balsamic vinaigrette and served on a bed of greens and tomatoes
SEAFOOD SALAD$19.95
Poached calamari and shrimp served on a bed of greens, red onion, tomatoes and parsley

SOUPS

RED LENTIL SOUP$10.95
Pureed red lentils, carrots, potatoes and authentic spices garnished with chopped mint and served with lemon wedge
CHICKEN VEGETABLE SOUP$12.95
Pieces of chicken slowly simmered with celery, carrot, potatoes and onions. Served with a lemon wedge

VEGETARIAN ENTREES

BABY OKRA$19.95
Baby okras cooked with tomatoes, onions and lemon juice, served with rice
FALAFEL DINNER$19.95
Chickpeas, celery, parsley, garlic, onion and tomatoes served with tahini sauce, vegetables and rice
MÜCVER DINNER$19.95
Pan-fried zucchini pancakes served with homemade yogurt sauce, vegetables and rice
VEGETABLE CASSEROLE$20.95
Mixed sautéed vegetables baked in tomato sauce, served with rice

SEAFOOD

TILAPIA$16.95
Pan-seared tilapia fillet served with a green salad and rice; topped with lemon, parsley, olive oil sauce
GRILLED SALMON$26.95
Char-grilled marinated seared Atlantic salmon, served with green salad and rice
SHRIMP CASSEROLE$27.95
Baked shrimp, mushroom, red pepper, onions and tomatoes casserole; topped with melted cheese and served with rice
SHRIMP KEBAB$28.95
Char-grilled marinated shrimps and vegetables, served with rice
BRANZINI (SEA BASS)$30.95
Grilled whole fish of Mediterranean Sea Bass drizzled with lemon juice and olive oil; served with green salad and lemon

POULTRY

Chicken Shish Kebab$22.95
Char-grilled marinated cubes of chicken, served with broccoli, grilled tomato, pepper and rice
Adana Kebab Chicken$23.95
Finely minced chicken, seasoned with peppers and parsley, grilled on a skewer and served with broccoli, grilled tomato, pepper and rice
Grilled Chicken Wings$24.95
Char-grilled barbecue marinated chicken wings, served with lettuce, onions, red cabbage, grilled tomato, pepper and rice
Chicken Chops$25.95
Char-grilled marinated chicken thighs, served with broccoli, grilled tomato, pepper and rice
Chicken Sautee$25.95
Small pieces of chicken cutlets sautéed In butter with garlic, onions, red pepper, mushroom, fresh tomatoes in homemade tomato sauce
Hünkar Beğendi̇ Chicken$26.95
Chicken shish served over puree eggplant cooked with milk and kashkaval cheese, topped with homemade tomato sauce; served with grilled tomato and pepper

LAMB & BEEF

GYRO$23.95
Marinated baby lamb grilled on revolving upright skewer, very thinly sliced and served with broccoli, grilled tomato, pepper, and rice
MANTI$23.95
Steamed lamb dumplings, topped with homemade garlicky yogurt and red pepper sauce, mint and sumac
KÖFTE$25.95
Char-grilled lamb meatballs, served with broccoli, grilled tomato pepper, and rice
ADANA KEBAB LAMB$25.95
Finely minced lamb, seasoned with peppers and parsley, grilled on a skewer and served with broccoli, grilled tomato, pepper and rice
İSKENDER$26.95
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
EZMELİ KEBAB$27.95
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$29.95
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
BEYTİ KEBAB$27.95
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$29.95
Char-grilled marinated cubes of baby lamb, served with broccoli, grilled tomato, pepper and rice
LAMB SHANK$31.95
Lamb shank cooked slowly in the oven until it is fork tender, wrapped in eggplant; served with rice and grilled tomato, pepper
LAMB CHOPS (PİRZOLA)$33.95
Char-grilled grass fed baby lamb chops, served with broccoli, grilled pepper, tomato and rice
MIXED GRILLED KEBAB$37.95
Combination of chicken, lamb, lamb chop, meatball and gyro kebabs; served with broccoli, grilled tomato, pepper and rice
HÜNKAR BEĞENDİ LAMB$33.95
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$32.95
Char-grilled marinated skirt steak, served with broccoli, grilled tomato, pepper and rice

What 96 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.3

4.3 based on recent ratings

4.4Food
4.4Service
4.1Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

96 Reviews

F
Fay
New York City
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 1
2. Food 1
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 1
We reserved a table for 5 for dinner. From the onset, the service was subpar. We started off with appetizers and drinks and unfortunately the drinks were made incorrectly. They felt watered down and flat. The appetizers were very small portion given we ordered the large mixed platter. The entrees were dry and lacking flavor. The chicken, lamb and beef were very dry and chewy. We were not given any kind of sauce to go with the entrees until we requested to which we got plain yogurt in a small bowl! We were served by 4 different people as the original server took the order and went to lunch and the 2nd person who took over seemed annoyed when one of us called her over to order another drink. We eneded up not enjoying our meals as they were dry and flavorless. We asked for the check and of course they charged us for a wine bottle $45 which we never ordered. Unfortunately, we did not see this mistake until after we left the restaurant. Overall, it was a terrible experience and I do not recommend this restaurant. I have dined at many Turkish restaurants and have had great food and service and this place was simply just terrible.
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T
Timothy
VIP
New York City
186 reviews
4.0
186 reviews
Dined on December 15, 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 3
Delicious food, large number of typical Turkish dishes, great selection of Raki and wines. Very enjoyable!
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B
Brian
New York City
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on November 9, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
My experience at this restaurant was awesome. We receded under a minute. The dinner came out about maybe 20 minutes later with the appetizers after ordering, but it was well worth it. We got the Mezze platter. It had all eight apps in a small portion, so A scoop of every appetizer best way to sample the whole menu for the apps. Shaven Lamb with the sauce was great a entre.
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S
Shahzad
Washington DC
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on October 12, 2024
1. Overall 1
2. Food 1
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 1
Bad experience with food taste and quality and when I return something that was made wrong based on Manu they still charged me.
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A
Alicia
New York City
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 7, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Food was amazing! Staff was very attentive and patient with our kids who don’t always making dining out easy! It was a wonderful family dinner!
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S
Sam
Los Angeles
20 reviews
5.0
20 reviews
Dined on September 26, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The food was really good and the service was wonderful very friendly people
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M
Marcia
New York City
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 18, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
My friend and I went to Sahara's Turkish Cuisine yesterday and ordered the $22.95 luncheon. We loved the food and the atmosphere. I had dined here before but my friend had her first visit and she planned to be back for dinner with her boyfriend food here is always excellent and the help very attentive but gives you space to speak with your dinner companions.
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A
Ahsan
New York City
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 7, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The food was mouth-wateringly tasty. Well presented. Only the tables were a little small.
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K
Keene
VIP
New Orleans
65 reviews
5.0
65 reviews
Dined on September 7, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We stumbled upon this gem of a restaurant. Sahara's had everything we look for - small, quiet, great service, and food that someone cared about in preparing it. The lamb dishes are excellent. The vegetable dishes are varied and creative with just the right spices. Highly recommended.
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L
Lisa
New York City
39 reviews
2.0
39 reviews
Dined on August 25, 2024
1. Overall 2
2. Food 3
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 3
I booked my reservation based on reviews as I was looking for a restaurant in a certain part of town. Apparently there was a LARGE party taking over almost the whole place with a few tables in the front for the general public. Everything was good until the birthday person with the large party started talking and took about a half hour. The restaurant isn’t large and the servers didn’t come to my table to check in to see if I wanted dessert which I did. There was also another table near me (not with the party) who wanted dessert. The server said the kitchen was closed and the person said that the waiter never showed up to ask and they wanted dessert. The waiter brought the dessert for that table. If there is a party that takes over 90% of your space, then don’t seat the public if you can’t service the tables properly. I prefer quaint neighborhood places over large restaurants and wouldn’t go back based on my experience.
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FAQs

Sahara's Turkish Cuisine 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 4.3 stars by 96 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 25, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 1 time today

Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

513 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016

Additional information

Cross street
28th & 29th on 2nd Ave.
Neighborhood
Kips Bay
Hours of operation
Daily 11:00 am–10:15 pm
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Turkish, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Street Parking
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Delivery, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Kosher, Non-Smoking, Takeout, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.saharasturkishcuisine.com/
Phone number
(212) 532-7589
Catering
Highly rated catering menu is available.
Private party facilities
We have pre-fixed menus for any type of private event.

Sahara's Turkish Cuisine

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Date-Night Special at Sahara's Turkish Cuisine

Sahara's Luxury Oasis

Sahara's Sahara's Gourmet Escape

Bites & Brews: Appetizer & Drink Special!

COLD APPETIZERS

HUMMUS$9.95

CACIK$9.95

EGGPLANT SALAD$9.95

TABULEH$9.95

SOSLU PATLICAN$9.95

BABAGANOUSH$9.95

TARAMA$10.95

LEBNI$10.95

STUFFED VINE LEAVES$11.95

PİLAKİ$11.95

EZME$11.95

ÇİĞ KÖFTE$13.95

MIXED COLD APPETIZER$22.95

HOT APPETIZERS

FALAFEL$10.95

CHEESE PASTRIES$12.95

MÜCVER$13.95

PASTRAMI CIGARS$13.95

FRIED CALAMARI$15.95

ARNAVUT CİĞERİ$15.95

SALADS

SHEPHERD SALAD$11.95

MEDITERRANEAN SALAD$11.95

PİYAZ$12.95

AEGEAN SALAD$14.95

DRY FIG SALAD$17.95

SEAFOOD SALAD$19.95

SOUPS

RED LENTIL SOUP$10.95

CHICKEN VEGETABLE SOUP$12.95

VEGETARIAN ENTREES

BABY OKRA$19.95

FALAFEL DINNER$19.95

MÜCVER DINNER$19.95

VEGETABLE CASSEROLE$20.95

SEAFOOD

TILAPIA$16.95

GRILLED SALMON$26.95

SHRIMP CASSEROLE$27.95

SHRIMP KEBAB$28.95

BRANZINI (SEA BASS)$30.95

POULTRY

Chicken Shish Kebab$22.95

Adana Kebab Chicken$23.95

Grilled Chicken Wings$24.95

Chicken Chops$25.95

Chicken Sautee$25.95

Hünkar Beğendi̇ Chicken$26.95

LAMB & BEEF

GYRO$23.95

MANTI$23.95

KÖFTE$25.95

ADANA KEBAB LAMB$25.95

İSKENDER$26.95

EZMELİ KEBAB$27.95

LAMB SAUTEE$29.95

BEYTİ KEBAB$27.95

LAMB SHISH KEBAB$29.95

LAMB SHANK$31.95

LAMB CHOPS (PİRZOLA)$33.95

MIXED GRILLED KEBAB$37.95

HÜNKAR BEĞENDİ LAMB$33.95

GRILLED SKIRT STEAK$32.95

Overall ratings and reviews

FAQs

Does Sahara's Turkish Cuisine offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Sahara's Turkish Cuisine restaurant rated?

Is Sahara's Turkish Cuisine currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information