Turkish cuisine for a celebratory dinner...

[RebelWithaCause]

Looking for buy a gift certificate for two newleyweds who LOVE Turkish food.
Anywhere in the city is fine...They live in Gramercy and go to Sahara all the time, so I was looking for something similar in food quality...Thanks!

[Motosport]

We like Ali Baba on 34th St.
If they like Turkish food they will also love Byblos on Madison and 28th. Authentic lebanese/Syrian food in a very nice space. One of our all time favorites!!

[thegforceny]

I second Ali Baba. They have a roof terrace that is pleasant. nice selection of Turkish wines, reasonable prices, friendly, even warm service.

Go there 3 times and you're practically family. I mean, unless EVERYONE gets a rose made out of a paper napkin like I do?

[RebelWithaCause]

ha! ok...well I'm glad I have a couple options. Thanks friends.

[rose water]

I loved Ali Baba when I worked in the area 10 years ago, but on my last trip there, the food was only so so and the service atrocious. We ordered light, and they were really hostile about it (despite the fact that the restaurant was pretty empty, and you'd think they'd want my over tired preschooler out of there as efficiently as possible). Disappointing dried out bread with the apps, and I know how good their bread can be...

[Riverman500]

I actually went to Ali Baba last night. I agree with your impression about the food, i.e. it was so so and nothing like the excellent meal I had there eight years ago, though service was friendly.

[LeahBaila]

Third.

[RGR]

Turkish Kitchen has been our favorite for many years. We had dinner there two weeks ago. As always, the food was perfectly prepared and delicious. They've redone the decor to tone down the red a bit. Very attractive.

Turkish Kitchen photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/11863391@N03/sets/72157630930123048/

ETA: We tried Sahara twice when it first opened. Imo, Turkish Kitchen is superior.

http://thewizardofroz.wordpress.com

[Bob Martinez]

Strongly second Turkish Kitchen.

Another good choice is the Greenwich St. location of Turks & Frogs. Elegant place.

http://www.turksandfrogs.com/tribeca/...

[RebelWithaCause]

Turks and frogs: it's a nice place, but is the food good?

[Bob Martinez]

I wouldn't have recommended it if I didn't think so.

[RebelWithaCause]

well ok then. thank you.

[Bob Martinez]

Tastes can vary of course. I've had a lot of good meals at T&F and I've also had a lot of good meals at Turkish Kitchen. Based on the things I regularly order(and those are different for each person) I'd give a slight edge on food to TK and a major edge to T&F in decor and ambiance. Either is a good choice.