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Tava Turkish and Mediterranean
Master Critic Review
Tava Turkish and Mediterranean
8.5
A casual Turkish-focused spot on 5th Avenue, Tava anchors Park Slope’s Middle Eastern scene with mezze spreads, lahmacun, and mixed grills backed by steady neighborhood traffic. Diners lean on it for reliably seasoned kebabs, pide, and generous platters that work as well for weeknight dinners as low-key celebrations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mixed Grill platter, Adana kebab, Lahmacun flatbread
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.7
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Full-service Turkish kitchen with strong grills and mezze on 5th Avenue.
Who should go: Groups and couples craving classic Turkish platters.
When to visit: Prime early evenings or weekend dinners with a reservation.
What to order: Mixed Grill, Adana kebab, lentil soup.
Insider tip: Use the mixed grill to sample multiple kebabs without over-ordering.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on 5th Avenue and nearby side streets is limited and tight after 6pm; no dedicated lot or valet.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; jeans and comfortable attire are fully appropriate.
Noise level: Moderate—conversation is generally easy, though peak weekend hours can get lively.
Weekend wait: 20–35 minutes without a reservation during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; seating is immediate.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong options including mezze, salads, vegetable pide, and lentil soup.
Vegan options: Moderate—mezze like hummus, baba ghanoush, and some salads qualify, but mains are limited.
Gluten-free options: Several kebabs, dips, and salads are naturally gluten-free, though no designated GF prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—Tava’s warm service, comfortable room, and shareable mezze create an easy, low-pressure setting without feeling too casual.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes for small parties, especially before 6:30pm or on weeknights; weekends benefit from booking ahead to avoid short waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—family-friendly with spacious tables, mild kebab options, and quick service; best for ages 4+.
Best For
Better for: Generous platters, mixed grills, and classic Turkish comfort executed consistently at approachable prices.
Skip if: You want upscale ambiance, rarer regional Turkish dishes, or a quieter, more intimate dining room.