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Pera Mediterranean Brasserie
Master Critic Review
Pera Mediterranean Brasserie
8.7
Pera Mediterranean Brasserie is a long-running Turkish-led restaurant serving charcoal-grilled meats, meze, and Eastern Mediterranean plates in a polished Midtown dining room. Open since 2006 near Grand Central, it draws both business diners and date-night crowds with its mixed grill platters, lamb adana, and full bar.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mixed Grill Platter, Lamb Adana, Crispy Phyllo Rolls
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Long-running Turkish-led brasserie pairing charcoal-grilled meats with polished Midtown dining.
Who should go: Business diners and dates seeking upscale Turkish and Mediterranean plates.
When to visit: Weeknight dinners and business lunches when the room feels lively.
What to order: Mixed Grill Platter, lamb adana, crispy phyllo cheese rolls.
Insider tip: Book ahead for larger groups or pre-theater prix-fixe menus.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is scarce in Midtown; rely on nearby paid garages on 41st–44th Streets, typically $25–$45 depending on time.
Dress code: Smart casual; button-downs, dresses, and polished denim all fit the room’s upscale brasserie vibe.
Noise level: Moderate-lively; conversation is doable at most tables, but peak dinner hours can feel buzzy.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, especially 6:30–8:30pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait, though 12–1pm can fill quickly with business diners.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection of meze, salads, and grilled vegetable plates.
Vegan options: Limited but workable—typically a couple of meze and vegetable mains can be adapted.
Gluten-free options: Several naturally gluten-free kebabs and spreads; staff is accustomed to guiding GF diners.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—dim lighting, warm service, and shareable meze make it relaxed but polished, ideal for a conversation-friendly first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weeknights before 6:30pm or after 8:30pm, but peak windows near Grand Central strongly favor booking ahead.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids who enjoy grilled meats and shareable dishes; no dedicated kids’ menu, so families with younger children may find service and pacing more adult-oriented.
Best For
Better for: Upscale presentations, polished cocktails, and a refined yet lively Midtown atmosphere suited for business dining and date nights.
Skip if: You’re seeking casual, budget-friendly Turkish food or very quiet, low-key dining—smaller neighborhood spots may fit better.