ZipPicks Awards
Best Mediterranean in Murray Hill & Kips Bay
Best Middle Eastern in Murray Hill & Kips Bay
Master Critic Review
Sahara's Turkish Cuisine
8.5
Family-run since 2002, Sahara’s fills a long Kips Bay dining room with meze platters, charcoal-grilled meats, and a steady hum of birthday dinners and big-group celebrations. Its combination of longevity, warm service, and generous portions has made it a neighborhood standby for Turkish feasts.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mixed Cold Appetizer Plate, Iskender Kebab, Kunefe
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Long-running Turkish spot with big platters and family-style hospitality.
Who should go: Families and groups planning a casual Turkish feast.
When to visit: Weekend evenings for a lively, celebratory dining room.
What to order: Mixed meze plate, iskender kebab, kunefe dessert.
Insider tip: Order a mix of cold and hot meze for the table before committing to mains.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive after 6pm; nearby paid garages on 2nd and 3rd Avenue are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans are fine, but many diners lean slightly dressy for dinner.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—easy to talk at smaller tables, but larger group energy raises the volume as the night goes on.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak hours (7–9pm).
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or a short 5–10 minute wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—strong selection of vegetable meze, lentil soup, falafel, and eggplant-based dishes.
Vegan options: Limited but workable—several cold meze, salads, and bean-based options fit vegan diets.
Gluten-free options: Many grilled meats and rice-based dishes are naturally gluten-free, but cross-contact is possible—confirm with staff.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a relaxed, food-focused date than something intimate—great if you want to share plates and talk over a lively backdrop.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially on weeknights, but weekend dinners are busy and reservations are strongly recommended for groups.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—welcoming to families with spacious tables, shareable food, and familiar options like grilled chicken and rice for younger kids.
Best For
Better for: Big-group Turkish feasts, generous portions, and old-school hospitality that feels warm and celebratory.
Consider Alternatives If: You want a quiet, romantic room or a tightly modern, upscale dining experience.