At its core is Manhattan, a densely populated borough that’s among the world’s major commercial, financial and cultural centres. Halal diners will find numerous options scattered across the city's five boroughs with Arab, Mediterranean and Gyros being the most popular cuisines.

New York City, United States

Turkish

List of the 10 best Halal places to eat Turkish in New York City

10 Best restaurants for Turkish in New York City

Cafe and grill serving homemade Turkish food

TRUVA Cafe & Grill

Very disappointed. I paid $21 for a tiny portion — just a few small pieces of chicken over rice — and not even a side dish included. On top of that, the lentil soup was $12 for a small, tiny cup. The prices are extremely high for the low quality and small portions.

I hadn’t ordered from this place in 4 years and decided to give it another chance, but nothing has improved. I highly do NOT recommend this place
Update:
I’m honestly surprised by the way the owner is responding to customers. Instead of acknowledging the mistake, you’re insisting that items were included when they clearly were not. The lentil soup normally comes with bread, so there’s no need to act like it was something extra.

A professional business should take responsibility, not talk down to customers. If this is how you handle feedback, it explains why the quality and experience have gone down.

It’s much better to fix the issue and improve the service rather than replying to people in a rude, defensive way. A respectful attitude goes a long way in running a successful restaurant

HORRIBLE! I HAVE BEEN IN NEW YORK MY ENTIRE LIFE AND THIS IS A CRAZY RIP OFF! if you want real and delicious Turkish food, there are so many better places that offer BETTER quantities, BETTER QUALITY, and simply BETTER FOOD! I paid $17 for 5 pieces of tiny shrimp and when we were asking why the price was high, the owner said “Well you don’t know what you’re eating!” Look, as a fellow New Yorker, I try to be as honest as I can for my community. I am sorry but you can get better quality and quantity in many other locations.

Excellent. Excellent. A little pricey but worth it. Very tasty food. Fresh. Juicy. Tender chicken kebab. Great atmosphere. Welcoming and attentive staffs with prompt responses when requested despite how busy the place is.

I can safely say I have finally found good lahmacun in Queens, maybe even the best I’ve had in New York. It’s a super casual place, nothing fancy, but perfect if you’re just looking for a quick and tasty bite. The food definitely hit the spot.

One thing I found a bit surprising was that the waitstaff didn’t speak any Turkish, which you don’t really expect at a Turkish spot.

First time visiting. We were a group of 4. Service was excellent. The food was delicious. From the lentil soup to the mix grill platter with different meats, the hummus and the french fries. They serve you bread as an appetizer which is tasty. They make a homemade lemonade which is very good. I would definitely come back to this place.

Truva

UberEats US

Grubhub US

DoorDash US

ISTANBLUE KEBAB HOUSE(Ave J)

ISTANBLUE KEBAB HOUSE (Ave J) is a great spot for anyone craving fresh, flavorful, and well-prepared Mediterranean food. The kebabs are consistently delicious — thhe meat is tender, juicy, and seasoned perfectly, while the portions are generous and satisfying. The sides are fresh, the rice is fragrant, and the sauces add the perfect finishing touch. Whether you order a wrap, a platter, or something grilled, the quality is always impressive.

The staff is friendly, attentive, and quick, making the entire experience smooth and pleasant. Even when the place gets busy, they handle orders efficiently and with a positive attitude. The restaurant is clean and well-kept, creating a comfortable atmosphere whether you choose to dine in or take your food to go.

ISTANBLUE KEBAB HOUSE is a reliable choice for a tasty, filling meal at a fair price. If you enjoy authentic Mediterranean flavors and great service, this spot is definitely worth a visit. Highly recommended!

The restaurant is located in the Midwood section of Brooklyn.  They prepare Turkish cuisine.  They have a nice variety of appetizers, entrees, desserts and beverages.  I ordered the ezme appetizer which was mildly spicy.  The chicken gyro and salmon shish kebob were tasty.  The islander kebob was in a platter with layers of lamb and yogurt on the side.  The pita breads were excellent.  The food was well-prepared and portions were generous.  Friendly and helpful staff.

Food was really great. I felt a bit authenticity of Istanbul. Price was really good and I love the food actually. Enough room for people to seat in there. And I like the way they decorated their meats, just like on a street or in a restuarant at Istanbul. Service was good too. I like the way they made it and it was quick other than the dishes takes longer time to cook. If you live around in Brooklyn, you must try it.

I got a chicken adana wrap, and my friend got a lamb adana wrap. They came with ranch dressing and tomato sauce dip on the side. Both were fresh and very tasty. I recommend them! Also got baklava and rice pudding for dessert. They were alright.

The experience at Istanbul Kebab House (Ave J) was a letdown from start to finish! The toilet is an absolute travesty—tiny beyond belief, forcing you to squeeze through the door sideways like a contortionist. It screams of sheer indifference to customer comfort, as if they begrudgingly slapped it together just to meet some legal requirement, checking off a box with the bare minimum effort. Inside, it’s a dreary, uninspired mess—cheap, tacky finishes and furniture that look like they were scavenged from a clearance sale. The shawarma? A measly 3 out of 5—bland and forgettable. For real flavor, nothing beats the legendary shawarma from Genatsvale in Brighton Beach; this place doesn’t even come close! Save your time and appetite for somewhere that actually cares.

Istanblue

Postmates US

Our food is healthy and flavorful, with a lot of Turkish and Eastern Mediterranean delicacies.

Turkuaz Halal Turkish Mediterranean

I stopped in for a solo dinner on a Monday, and found the atmosphere to be a charming and warm haven from the blustery night outside. The Turkish lamps give lush color and a romantic feel to the space. My waiter was friendly, and my dishes—baba ghanouj and shrimp kebab with rice—were fresh and delicious. The baba had a great texture with chunks of the roasted eggplant in it. And I appreciated that they were willing to accommodate my gluten-free needs by offering cucumber slices instead of pita. I will definitely return!

Turkuaz, A Disappointing Turkish Experience
Unfortunately, this Turkish restaurant, Turkuaz, was a disappointment overall.
The food was generally "just okay." The main letdown was the kebabs, which were not delectable at all, though I did find the chicken kebabs passable. The rice was also just average.
Beyond the flavor, the presentation of the plates wasn't good, and the hummus was very regular (nothing special). Over priced as well.

Delicious meal. I came in for business meeting on Long Island...found a good hotel deal so stayed nearby. I search 1 word, "knafeh". I found Turkuaz. Was welcomed with a smile. I ordered black olives and lamb chops. Very, very good. At the end of the meal...I ordered the knafah and oh my...the wait was worth it. Actually, one of the waiters had a great sense of humor. Maybe he knew how much I was looking forward to eating it. He came up with a frozen pan with saran wrap on it and placed it in the table. I looked at him confused. He broke out in a big smile...Just kidding...he brought out the real deal. Look at the picture...you can see how delicious it looks...tasted even better.

Place itself and atmosphere is very nice.   But the service is horrible.

The restaurant at 1230pm was basically empty.  Only 4 other people including us there.

Waiter never came to check on us.  Our drink ran out.  Never once showed up.

My son had to go and tell them to bring water and the check.

And the food was fine but no condiments were given with the food.

Really enjoyed this place. The beer selection was great — cold, fresh, and surprisingly solid for a Mediterranean spot. The atmosphere was quiet and relaxing, which made it a nice break from the usual loud bar or busy restaurant scene. The food was flavorful, portions were generous, and the staff was friendly. Great spot to unwind with good food and a beer.

A halal certificate is clearly visible on the premises of this restaurant. From the management: 'We are a fully halal restaurant. All our meats are certified halal.'

website:zabihah.com:(https://www.zabihah.com/biz/LRdQeiRhpi)

Turkuaz

Sip Sak Express Turkish Restaurant

We had such a great experience here! The food was delicious and fresh. We started with the lentil soup and in-house bread which was perfect for this cold winter day. We also tried the Lahmacun (like a meat pizza) which was a thin Chrissy but juicy appetizer. For our entrées we had the Adana kebabs that were cooked perfectly and paired well with the salad and rice.
Our server, Genghis was fantastic. He was so friendly and gave us awesome recommendations around the city, plus shared some great travel tips for our upcoming trip to Turkey. Really nice guy and super easy to talk to.
The overall ambiance was chill and welcoming. Definitely a place we’ll be coming back to!

Lovely service staff, all too happy to help. A very pleasant experience with delicious food and wines. The shrimp casserole is particularly excellent with deep and complex flavours.

Visited using a Groupon coupon so we're lucky enough to secure even better value on our meal!

Mixed grill was delicious 10/10. Service was nice. Greeted by someone at door maybe manager or owner, really friendly and answered all questions. Great hospitality.
Would be my regular spot if i lived in nyc!

Delicious and authentic Turkish restaurant (confirmed by our friends from Turkey). Our favorites were Mixed Grill where the kebabs were so tender and almond pudding which is flavorful. Food came out quick and server was attentive. Will think of this place first next time we crave delicious meat and Turkish food!

The service was amazing. Very attentive and accommodating. Kebabs were a little dry. The rest was really good. It was a quiet environment, easy to have a conversation.

The staff of this restaurant has verbally confirmed halal status.

website:zabihah.com:(https://www.zabihah.com/biz/PegGC6hz63)

Sipsak

Opera Cafe Lounge

We came out for a new treat! Love Turkish food and we drove and pick this lovely place. I’ve always pasted this restaurant always seeing it packed. Just never thought to try it til last night(Sunday 1.11.25) the bread they brought out to us was amazing, soft and warm like it was freshly made for us, waiting til we sat. Then we had the cigar rolls (feta cheese with parsley rolled in phyllo dough) with a yogurt dip, amazing, good combo of salty and sour. The yogurt clams the salty but it is so yum! Then we shared the mix meats plate. The meats on the plate are cooked so good. You taste the grill fire on the edges. I never had lamb chops before and I can say I WILL be having them again! We got it with rice and salad. The host who sat us was pleasant. Didn’t talk much but was busy and attentive. The service was great to see working. Thank you for our dining experience!

One thing that will always stand out here is excellent service. They do great at accommodating us. The food was alright and the ambiance and lighting fixtures and decor. My waiter Yaz and Jacinto were excellent.

I always enjoy going to Opera, and there are several reasons why it has become one of my favorite places to visit. Their food is consistently delicious, beautifully presented, and incredibly fresh, making every meal feel special. Whether it’s a quick bite or a full dining experience, the quality never disappoints. What truly sets Opera apart, though, is the exceptional service. The staff always makes us feel welcomed and valued, and the atmosphere is warm and comfortable. In particular, Jack has been outstanding. He is always friendly, attentive, and ready to help with anything we need. His professionalism and genuine kindness make every visit enjoyable and stress-free. It’s rare to find someone who goes above and beyond the way he does, and we truly appreciate it. These are the reasons we keep returning to Opera. It’s not just about the delicious food, but also the consistent hospitality and the overall experience that makes us look forward to every visit. It has become a place where we feel at home, and we will continue to support it because we love everything it offers.

First time trying this place and it did not disappoint! The food was delicious and very fresh—especially the lahmacun. I also loved the Turkish tea, and the desserts were amazing, with the Kunefe being a standout. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, and the staff was friendly and helpful. A great experience overall and I’ll definitely be back!

I went here for the very fisrt time on December 18th, 2025 for the Christmas dinner get together with my coworkers, and it was very pleasant experience 👌🏽 😊 I loved every bite I tried, and the service was top-notch 💯 I can see myself coming back 🤌🏾 because I don't even eat liver like that, and here,  I had more than 3 pieces!!!

Rocca Cafe & Lounge

Window seat is nice when weather is good. Decided to try the sushi and we were very very impressed. Didn’t think a Turkish restaurant would get this right but they did. Amazing. Hazelnut ice cream was one of the best ice cream I had in a long time. Sheesha - hookah was good. Vibe is fun. Had a pleasant time. The bill had a service fee on it with a notation that this is not tip. That’s crazy. They charge 15% fee which is like a tip and then you have to tip on top of that? Took off one star for that.

Great atmosphere. I went there many times
It is really perfect for everything whether breakfast, brunch or Dinner. We celebrate most of my friends BD
The food is very good and the service is nice sometimes they take long to get your food.
I loved the view as well
Very recommended!
They have smoking/non-smoking too
And sometimes they have singer/DJ in the weekends

Love this restaurant! Authentic Turkish food with good service and great atmosphere!
Good for a romantic dinner or a brunch with friends or a family event or a celebratory occasion!
Been here a number of times over the years. Most recently was for my niece's high school graduation dinner with family. The food was delicious- huge portions, definitely for sharing. The servers were attentive but not lurking. The view of the Bay was peaceful and beautiful. And we got them to bring out dessert for my niece to congratulate her and they had the perfect song all ready to go (Post Malone's Congratulations)!

Beautiful atmosphere to spend time with friends and family! Freshly cooked food; salads. Fishes are well done! Everything is must try!

Everything from reservation to dining were great experiences. Staff were courteous and pleasant. The food was delicious, the prices are very good for the amount and quality of the food. We went as a party of 5 and all were very happy about the food and the ambiance. Beautiful views of the bay. Will definitely go again!

Mediterranean dishes are served at this waterfront destination with modern decor & outdoor seating.

A taste of Turkey, along with Mediterranean options, awaits at this traditional spot with a patio.

ABA Turkish Restaurant

The food was absolutely delicious! The kebabs, chicken, and sides were all fresh, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. It’s really hard to find a place that represents Turkish cuisine this well. We enjoyed everything we ordered.

Just a small note: they forgot to include forks and spoons in the order. Other than that, everything was perfect. Still highly recommended and we’ll definitely order again! 👌🇹🇷

Aba is hands down one of the best Turkish restaurants in NYC. Their free BYOB policy is such a rare gem in the city and makes dining here even more enjoyable. We started with the cold appetizer plate, which was fresh, flavorful, and perfect for sharing. The grilled meats are the star of the menu especially the lamb adana kebab, which was juicy, tender, and perfectly seasoned. The shepherd salad was crisp and refreshing, a great balance to the rich flavors of the grill. And to finish, the baklava was absolutely delicious flaky, nutty, and just the right amount of sweet.

The service is warm, the atmosphere is welcoming, and every dish feels made with care. With the combination of incredible food and the BYOB perk, Aba is a true hidden gem I’ll be coming back to again and again.

Cute place. Pretty simple but fresh and delicious food. Friday night wasn't crowded.
I enjoy good Mediterranean food so I would definetly come back here to try more of their menu!

Really enjoyed my experience at ABA! Nice outdoors patio, wide range of authentic Turkish good and fast service. I got lentil soup, spinach borek, lamb Adana kebab, rice pudding and ended up taking a half home because it was so much! Definitely coming back!

This was my first time at ABA Turkish Restaurant with my family, and I had such a great experience! The place is really cozy and has a nice vibe. Our server was kind and made sure everything was perfect during our dinner.

We ordered the Turkish Kebab and Grilled Whole Branzini both dishes were absolutely delicious! We also had a can of soda each. The food looked amazing and tasted even better—it really felt like a treat.We Ordered Kabak Tatli and Rice Pudding was amazing 🤩
Overall, I’m really happy I came here with kids and family.The food, the service, and the whole atmosphere made this a wonderful first visit. I’ll definitely be coming back again. Highly recommend it!

French-influenced Middle Eastern fare comes in a contemporary space with reclaimed wood decor.

Au Za'atar - East Village

Great food, had 7:30 pm reservation and it was not too busy.  By the time we left it was packed, later night restaurant.  Had lots of small plates such as hummus n pita, fried cheese covered in honey, a salad and all the sauces.  Beer was Lebanese served with lemon and salted rim of glass which was PERFECT and a first for me.  The meal was the small platter which was all flavorful and well cooked.  Would certainly return, service was good as everyone works as a team.

We came here for dinner. My boyfriend and I were exploring the East Village and wanted something different so we spotted Au Za'atar and went in. We didn't make reservations but luckily we got a table right away. Started with the SAMBOUSIK LAHME as appetizer (beef-filled pastry pockets with pine nuts) and it was delicious. Then we shared the Mixed Grill Platter Supreme (Shish Tawook, Filet Mignon, Chicken & Beef Kafta kebabs with hand-cut frites). It's big enough for two and full of flavor. After eating we got their dessert. We ordered chocolate salted caramel soufflé that wasn't too sweet. We also tried their cocktail Karkade. It's a refreshing hibiscus drink. Service was friendly and the vibe was great. This is
a great spot for tasty Lebanese/Middle Eastern food in the East Village

Food, ambiance and service all 10/10!!

The non-alcoholic frozen watermelon juice was the best thing I’ve ever had..

The lamb shank melted off the bone— so incredibly flavorful. Spicy hummus was amazing. Some of the best rice I’ve ever had. Our server Olivia was so welcoming, warm and sweet! She made the dinner even better, not overbearing but was there to bring us anything we needed as well as some awesome recommendations.

Cannot wait to come back!

had an amazing first time at au za’atar!

- baba ghanoush: but too much lemon juice but still delicious with the fresh pita
- chicken soup: too salty for my taste but definitely hearty
- spicy falafel: a MUST!!
- beef salad: beautifully roasted with chèvre cheese
- shish tawook: tender roasted chicken cubes with fluffy spiced rice. came with a big spicy jalapeño haha

the space was intimate and service was friendly & quick!

AMAZING experience! The host, and server experience was top notch. They make you feel special. My husband has been here once before and he was excited to take me, I didn't have much of an expectation but they blew me away! My only point is who expensive they are but no stars taken away for that. Food comes out fresh, and I appreciate that they tell you it will take maybe even 30min to come. So I was well prepared and not asking questions. They ask you if you'd like appetizers meanwhile. I just always love transparency. We ordered the platter, and it didn't fill us enough so we ordered a second platter too. Thank u for a great experience, I would love to come back!!

Au Za’atar

This simple halal restaurant serves Turkish & other Mediterranean specialties like kebabs & hummus.

Istanbul Kebab House

My Mom, Dad and nephew went there today for lunch. They were extremely pleased with everything! My Mom noted that the restaurant was very clean and the food was absolutely delicious. I'm in Austin, TX and they called me asking for help finding an Indian restaurant nearby 45th St., which is where their hotel is at. But, I know their taste and know that they really love cubed lamb kabob so I broadened my search to include Türkiye cuisine. I found Istanbul Kebab House near to their location and hoped for the best. Thankfully, they were more than pleased and are going back for seconds in two days this coming Saturday! Thank you for treating my family like your family and I only wish that I too could have been there. 12/18/25

12/20/25 UPDATE:
My family visited a 2nd time and once again told me that the food is amazing and the service was outstanding. They will be returning next year or sooner if possible! They mentioned to me that your dessert is so delicious! Thank you again.

I went here in a hurry to avoid the rain and fill my hungry stomach. I was drenched in the rain at the time, so I thought I might be worried about the inside of the store getting wet, but they treated me very kindly. I was so happy that the owner was so kind. It was my first time experiencing this kind of feeling abroad, and I was grateful.

After searching for good halal food for the past two days, I finally found this gem! We ordered chicken shawarma, lamb shawarma, and a mixed platter — every dish was full of flavor and absolutely delicious. The meat was juicy and well-seasoned, and the portion sizes were great for the price.

The restaurant is clean, staff are friendly, and the service was quick. Overall, it was a fantastic experience and definitely value for money. Highly recommended if you’re craving authentic Turkish or Mediterranean halal food!

Please visit!! We had the chicken and lamb shish kebabs, both full of flavor and perfectly spiced, with portions that were much larger than expected. The fries were well-seasoned and tasty, though I’d recommend trying more of their traditional dishes over the American-style sides. The Russian soda had a minty taste that wasn’t quite for me, but it was interesting to try. What truly stood out was the service—our waitress, whose name I didn’t catch, was incredibly kind, social, and attentive. She made the whole experience even better, and I sincerely pray Allah blesses her with good health and wealth.

Great food, big portions and friendly staff!

Adel's Famous Halal Food

I usually avoid trendy food spots with long lines, but this one completely changed my mind. The flavors were rich, bold, and absolutely unforgettable. The garlic and spicy sauces took everything to the next level—creamy, tangy, and perfectly balanced. The serving size was massive; easily enough for two people to share without feeling shortchanged. Every bite tasted freshly made and full of authentic spices. You can tell they take pride in quality and consistency. The staff were friendly, the line moved fast, and the food was worth every minute of waiting. I’m already planning my next visit for another plate!

Absolutely amazing!! Must try if you’re in nyc. Got the Adels famous chicken over spicy rice bowl and again, it was phenomenal. It was very flavorful and fulfilling. Do not forget the spicy sauce on the side! Absolutely worth the approximately 30 minute wait in line. Do not let the wait scare you away. It’s definitely worth it! It’s hard to find seating nearby and no parking space nearby.

I finally tried Adel’s Famous Halal after hearing so much about it, and while the food was decent, it didn’t completely live up to the hype. The flavors were good and everything was cooked well enough, but nothing really stood out in the way I expected based on all the buzz.

The portions were fair and the seasoning was solid, but the overall experience felt more “okay” than exceptional. It wasn’t bad by any means—just not the unforgettable meal it’s often made out to be. For a place with such a big reputation, I expected more depth in the flavor and a bit more freshness in the overall presentation.

Service was quick and the staff were friendly, which definitely added to the positive side of the visit. If you’re nearby and craving halal, it’s a decent option. But is it worth going out of your way for or calling it “famous” level? Not really, at least based on my experience.

In short, good food, but definitely overhyped.

Adel’s Famous Halal Cart is easily one of the best halal carts I’ve ever tried. I’ve had halal food in North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and several spots around Midtown NYC, but this one truly stands out. I finally understand the hype!

We visited during the holiday season and got there around 5:30 PM — the line started forming even as the truck was still being moved into place. Despite the crowd, the service was quick, and the portion sizes were amazing for the price. I got two chicken‑over‑rice plates for $24.36, which felt like a great deal.

They do offer an order‑ahead option, though the price is slightly higher. If you’re visiting NYC, you absolutely have to try this cart — or order ahead if you want to skip the line. The white sauce they serve with the fries is the real star… incredibly tasty!

Make sure to get in line early and enjoy the food!

This is the newest talk of the town halal cart in Mid Town Manhattan on 6th Avenue. The Food is really good, the menu is simple and straightforward, they have beef, lamb, and chicken in meat, and falafel in vegetarian option. The most famous part about this place is the wait, it takes minimum of 25 minutes waiting in the queue, while on weekend nights it easily reaches up to one hour. Please be prepared to order as they are in a rush to take order, but amazingly they always get your order right. Both cash and card (contactless) payments are accepted, though paying by cash is cheaper. The order taker and server can be nice or rude depending on their mood and your style of ordering. Both are efficient nonetheless. They charge additional money for extra sauces. The only downside is that the base of rice bowl is layered up with Pita that means lesser rice, though quantity of meat is decent. Plenty of outdoor seating option available around the area. Paid street parking by is available on both adjoining streets as well as 6th Avenue after 6 PM Daily and all day Sunday.

10 Best restaurants for Turkish in New York City

Halal Turkish in New York City