Seemor
NAR Modern Turkish CuisineB+Worth Trying
34 E 20th St #3, New York, NY 10003
· Turkish restaurant, Mediterranean restaurant, Restaurant
· 4.7/5 Google (596 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout
Modern Turkish spot with standout manti, kebabs, and octopus, stylish ambiance, but small portions and uneven service at peak times; strong owner engagement and creative menu justify prices for enthusiasts.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
NAR Modern Turkish Cuisine delivers solid neighborhood dining with strong food quality anchored by standout manti, pistachio lamb, and octopus, plus stylish contemporary design that appeals to date-night crowds. However, inconsistent execution during peak service—including pacing delays and portion variance—and small portions relative to pricing prevent a higher grade. The restaurant excels on calmer nights but shows reliability gaps when busy, making it a worthwhile destination for Turkish enthusiasts willing to time their visits strategically.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels modern and welcoming, with plush blue seating and a gentle buzz that suits dates and small groups. Guests describe servers as warm and attentive on calmer nights, and one diner shared, "They paced our courses so we could talk." However, peak times can bring slower refills and tighter tables. The cooking leans elevated Turkish, not gimmicky: hand-minced lamb with pistachio, silky manti in yogurt-mint sauce, and tender octopus with tarama. The culinary approach leans contemporary and produce-driven: thoughtful updates to classics, polished plating, and bright acidity. Portions skew refined rather than hearty, which delights some and frustrates bigger appetites. Families will find familiar anchors like chicken shish, fries, hummus, and salads. The Turkish breakfast is generous in variety but can feel dairy-heavy and space-limited at small tables. There is no noted kids menu; conservative eaters may prefer simpler mezes and grilled items over bolder dishes.
At a Glance
- Manti, pistachio lamb kebab, and octopus draw consistent praise
- Stylish room and engaged ownership with high response rate
- Portions run small for the price, especially at brunch and on busy nights
- Service can lag at peak times; pacing and refills inconsistent
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- modern_take_on_turkish_classics
- strong_meze_program
- engaged_ownership
What People Love
- Silky, deeply flavored manti
- Hand-minced pistachio lamb kebab
- Tender, well-seasoned octopus
- Polished, modern ambiance that still feels cozy
Points of Concern
- Pricing is high and portions can feel modest for mains and breakfast
- Service inconsistencies at peak times: delays, refills, and pacing issues
- Event and Restaurant Week menus have limited choices and occasional mismatches from online listings
- Creative/fusion menu may not suit conservative palates or picky eaters
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$70-92 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Start with muhammara or lentil kofte, then share Nar Kebab and manti; add burned rice or broccolini to round portions
- Seafood fans: octopus appetizer then sea bream with lemon-caper sauce
Perfect For
- Date night with modern Turkish flavors
- Weekday lunch or prix-fixe explorers
- Food lovers seeking elevated meze and kebabs
- Small celebrations where ambiance matters
Location Insights
Area: Flatiron: stylish, office-heavy by day, date-night and destination dining by evening; mix of locals and visitors.
Safety: Generally safe, well-lit, high foot traffic; typical Manhattan street activity.
Nearby: Near Madison Square Park, Gramercy, Fifth Ave retail; strong restaurant cluster and bars.
GramercyGramercy offers a refined dining scene with a blend of upscale restaurants, casual eateries, and trendy bars. The neighborhood is known for its quiet, tree-lined streets and a strong sense of community, attracting diners who appreciate a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere.
Stuyvesant ParkThis micro-neighborhood centers around Stuyvesant Park, offering a peaceful enclave with boutique dining options and neighborhood-focused establishments, favored by those who enjoy a calm setting close to the city's energy.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday
Tuesday12:00–15:30, 17:00–22:30
Wednesday12:00–15:30, 17:00–22:30
Thursday12:00–15:30, 17:00–22:30
Friday12:00–15:30, 17:00–23:00
Saturday11:00–15:30, 17:00–23:00
Sunday11:00–15:30, 17:30–22:30
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout
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