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Sophra Grill
ZipPicks Awards
Best Mediterranean in Murray Hill & Kips Bay
Best Middle Eastern in Murray Hill & Kips Bay
Master Critic Review
Sophra Grill
8.2
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Opened in 2018, Sophra Grill is a compact, family-run Turkish shop turning out salads, meze, and grilled platters at prices that work for regular neighborhood lunches and weeknight dinners. The focus is on fresh salads, classic cold appetizers, and straightforward plates rather than a long night out.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mixed Appetizer, Shepherd Salad, Hummus with Babaganush
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Family-run Turkish counter spot with strong meze and salads.
Who should go: Locals craving quick, satisfying Turkish plates and salads.
When to visit: Weekday lunches and early dinners for the shortest waits.
What to order: Mixed appetizer, shepherd salad, a grilled kebab platter.
Insider tip: Build a meze-focused meal; the mixed appetizer lets you sample the hits in one order.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is metered and limited; expect to circle during peak hours. Nearby garages are the most reliable option for dinner.
Dress code: Casual—jeans, sneakers, and workday outfits all fit right in.
Noise level: Low to moderate—easy to hold a conversation without raising your voice.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during prime hours, often no wait earlier in the evening.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or just a few minutes even during the lunch rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—strong selection of salads, meze, and vegetable-based plates.
Vegan options: Moderate—several cold meze and salads work, but not a fully vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Some options available—grilled meats, salads, and certain meze; best to confirm sauces in person.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual daytime meet or low-pressure early dinner than a romantic night out—it’s relaxed and food-forward rather than atmospheric.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—Sophra Grill doesn’t operate on reservations, and turnover is quick, especially outside peak lunch hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who enjoy grilled meats, rice, and familiar Mediterranean flavors. There’s no formal kids’ menu, but portions are flexible.
Best For
Better for: Fast, affordable Turkish food with a strong emphasis on salads, cold meze, and everyday grilled plates—ideal for quick solo meals or easy weeknight dinners.
Skip if: You’re looking for a full-service sit-down experience, late-night dining, or a cocktail-driven Turkish dinner with table service.