Seemor

Sahara's Turkish CuisineB+Worth Trying

Name: Sahara's Turkish Cuisine
Address: 513 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10016, New York, United States
Rating: 4.6

513 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10016 · Turkish restaurant, Caterer, Halal restaurant · 4.6/5 Google (1056 reviews)

Reservations · Delivery · Takeout

Lively Turkish spot with flavorful kebabs, generous mezze, and warm service; some delivery/service inconsistencies and a few authenticity quibbles to note.

Why it gets a B+ for overall quality

Sahara's Turkish Cuisine delivers solid neighborhood dining with strong food quality anchored by well-executed kebabs and generous mezze, supported by friendly, attentive service and appealing Turkish-accented decor. However, inconsistent execution with occasional dry meat or weak seasoning and recurring delivery service issues prevent a higher grade. The warm, welcoming atmosphere makes it a worthwhile destination for Turkish cuisine enthusiasts seeking authentic flavors in a relaxed setting.

Restaurant Summary

The room feels warm and cozy with Turkish accents and a relaxed pace where servers do not rush you. Diners describe it as a neighborhood gem, with one saying, "We felt welcomed from the start and lingered happily." Service is often friendly and attentive, though delivery and phone interactions can be inconsistent. Cooking leans traditional—think grilled kebabs and vibrant meze—with lamb chops, Adana, and generous cold appetizers leading the praise. Flavors usually land rich and comforting, supported by fresh-baked bread and olive oil. A few diners encountered off nights with dry meat or milder seasoning, and opinions on Iskender and baklava vary by expectation. Families fit right in. Kids have responded well to chicken shish, lentil or chicken soup, rice, and simple salads. There is no formal kids menu, but the menu’s approachable dishes, rice sides, and friendly staff make it easy to order for younger palates.

At a Glance

Generous, flavorful mezze and well-cooked kebabs
Warm decor and welcoming, unhurried service
Delivery and phone service can be unreliable or curt
Occasional inconsistencies with seasoning or meat doneness
Good options for vegetarians, vegans, and halal diners

What Sets It Apart

broad_vegan_friendly_mezze
neighborhood_family_appeal
traditional_turkish_desserts

What People Love

Feeling genuinely welcomed and unhurried
Tender lamb chops and juicy Adana
Bread and olive oil to start the meal
Traditional desserts and Turkish coffee
Generous portions for the price

Points of Concern

Delivery and phone service issues reported by several diners
Occasional dry or bland meat and uneven seasoning
Rigid policy on wraps for dine-in frustrated some guests
Dessert timing can be slow and knafeh pricing felt high to one diner

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleTable Service Average Cost$42-60 per person ReservationsRecommended

What to Order

Start with Mixed Cold Meze Platter ($25.95) for variety
Pair Chicken Shish Kebab ($25.95) with Shepherd Salad ($13.95 small)
Vegetarians: Falafel Dinner ($19.95) or Vegetable Casserole ($22.95)

Perfect For

Sharing mezze and kebabs with friends
Casual family dinners
A comforting neighborhood meal
Out-of-town visitors seeking Turkish classics

Location Insights

Area: Residential-meets-commercial strip near hospitals and offices; casual local crowd with steady foot traffic.

Safety: Generally safe, well-lit streets with frequent pedestrians, typical for Midtown East/Kips Bay.

Nearby: Near NYU Langone and 2nd Ave corridor; mix of neighborhood eateries, bars, and services.

KoreatownKoreatown is a vibrant dining hub famous for its Korean BBQ, casual eateries, and late-night food scene. The area is lively with a mix of locals and visitors seeking authentic and trendy dining experiences in a compact, walkable setting.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday11:00–23:00 Tuesday11:00–23:00 Wednesday11:00–23:00 Thursday11:00–23:00 Friday11:00–23:00 Saturday11:00–23:00 Sunday11:00–23:00

Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout

View full analysis on Seemor →