Pasha Turkish Restaurant

The decor in this Upper West Side Turkish "brassiere" was nice, relaxing and a great environment to dine. We had a great corner table and the server seemed very nice. However, he didn't know too much about the Turkish wine we ordered, though he did say it was close to the taste of a Pinot Noir, which, in fact, it was. I was impressed with the wine and it was only $54. It was a 2004 Kavaklidere. There were other wines similar to a Bordeaux for about $34. For the level of quality and given it was sold at a restaurant, I thought the price was reasonable for the bottle. I ordered the lamb shank which was not that impressive. It was not as tender as I had expected, I was looking for a texture similar to an Oso Buco. The eggplant appetizer was a puree, again not expected, and it have the texture or the flavors I expected. The yogurt lamb was fanatastic and would recommend it over the shank. The grilled eggplant was cooked to perfection that accompanied my shank. The highlight of the evening was the baklava with whipped cream. This was truly the best baklava I've ever had. It was not as sweet as most baklavas and had great balance of nuts and honey. Texture was perfect. I'd go back just for that. The Turkish coffee is made in a machine and not made in the traditional "gizvit", which lent to a blander flavor. The prices are very, very reasonable with entrees generally under $20. Not a hip and young foodie crowd, most of the patrons much older than I had expected which lends me to believe that this restaurant had been serving good food for a while and it's not a fly by night trendy place that will vanish after the current food craze is over. Overall, not terribly impressed but impressed enough to go back if I have a craving for grilled lamb or chicken. For great lamb or chicken, I still think the food stand on 6th and 53rd is the best in Manhattan. And for the money ($5), you'll get more flavors and food than you expect. Pros: Baklava, wine Cons: Nothing unique more

The decor in this Upper West Side Turkish ""brassiere"" was nice, relaxing and a great environment to dine. We had a great corner table and the server seemed very nice. However, he didn't know too much about the Turkish wine we ordered, though he did say it was close to the taste of a Pinot Noir, which, in fact, it was. I was impressed with the wine and it was only $54. It was a 2004 Kavaklidere. There were other wines similar to a Bordeaux for about $34. For the level of quality and given it was sold at a restaurant, I thought the price was reasonable for the bottle. I ordered the lamb shank which was not that impressive. It was not as tender as I had expected, I was looking for a texture similar to an Oso Buco. The eggplant appetizer was a puree, again not expected, and it have the texture or the flavors I expected. The yogurt lamb was fanatastic and would recommend it over the shank. The grilled eggplant was cooked to perfection that accompanied my shank. The highlight of the evening was the baklava with whipped cream. This was truly the best baklava I've ever had. It was not as sweet as most baklavas and had great balance of nuts and honey. Texture was perfect. I'd go back just for that. The Turkish coffee is made in a machine and not made in the traditional ""gizvit"", which lent to a blander flavor. The prices are very, very reasonable with entrees generally under $20. Not a hip and young foodie crowd, most of the patrons much older than I had expected which lends me to believe that this restaurant had been serving good food for a while and it's not a fly by night trendy place that will vanish after the current food craze is over. Overall, not terribly impressed but impressed enough to go back if I have a craving for grilled lamb or chicken. For great lamb or chicken, I still think the food stand on 6th and 53rd is the best in Manhattan. And for the money ($5), you'll get more flavors and food than you expect. Pros: Baklava, wine Cons: Nothing unique more

I love this restaurant very much. They have great food, excellent and friendly service, very good cozy place, and very good looking men. One thing that I do not like and do not understand why the hell do they play Spanish music. It's a Turkish restaurant after all. I would even understand lounge or english music but not Spanish. Please stop Salsa music at this great place. Pros: Great food, great people, Cons: Bad music, spanish music more

I love this restaurant very much. They have great food, excellent and friendly service, very good cozy place, and very good looking men. One thing that I do not like and do not understand why the hell do they play Spanish music. It's a Turkish restaurant after all. I would even understand lounge or english music but not Spanish. Please stop Salsa music at this great place. Pros: Great food, great people, Cons: Bad music, spanish music more

This restaurant has delicious food freshly prepared. I have tried almost everything on their menu and think this is one of the top Turkish restaurants in the city. Definitely worth a try. more

We held a work event there with over 20 people. We didn't have a final head count until the last minute and they were very relaxed and accommodating about this. We felt as if we had our own wait staff. We never had to ask for anything-they always seemed to be there with water, more bread and wine. The service was outstanding, the food was excellent, and the atmosphere was cozy and comfortable. Everyone had a fantastic time-and didn't want to go home! I never write reviews but feel Pasha deserves the highest recommendation! more

We held a work event there with over 20 people. We didn't have a final head count until the last minute and they were very relaxed and accommodating about this. We felt as if we had our own wait staff. We never had to ask for anything-they always seemed to be there with water, more bread and wine. The service was outstanding, the food was excellent, and the atmosphere was cozy and comfortable. Everyone had a fantastic time-and didn't want to go home! I never write reviews but feel Pasha deserves the highest recommendation! more

I love this restaurant for few reasons. Very good food, very good & friendly service, and very attractive atmosphere. And you get all this with very reasonable price. One more thing, attractive people at the door. ;) Pros: Food, Service, Bar Cons: Very busy at Fridays, Saturdays. more

I love this restaurant for few reasons. Very good food, very good & friendly service, and very attractive atmosphere. And you get all this with very reasonable price. One more thing, attractive people at the door. ;)\r Pros: Food, Service, Bar Cons: Very busy at Fridays, Saturdays. more

I have been at Pasha 2 times and never get regret.The first time was on Saturday,it was so busy we were be waited at the door for a while but when we sat and got the Manti , forgat all our long waiting time.The second time was on Tuesday ,it was the best time , not so crowded ,we were seated at the best table by pretty Turkish girl who has the greatest smile I have ever seen . Waiters are so kind and friendly ,You must make reservation ;otherwise you can wait at the door, but weekdays are the best .non waiting,the best welcomed and food.I will be there next wednesday and try tavuk gosu kablama and kaskul . more

I have been at Pasha 2 times and never get regret.The first time was on Saturday,it was so busy we were be waited at the door for a while but when we sat and got the Manti , forgat all our long waiting time.The second time was on Tuesday ,it was the best time , not so crowded ,we were seated at the best table by pretty Turkish girl who has the greatest smile I have ever seen . Waiters are so kind and friendly ,You must make reservation ;otherwise you can wait at the door, but weekdays are the best .non waiting,the best welcomed and food.I will be there next wednesday and try tavuk gosu kablama and kaskul . more

I've been to Pasha on several occassions and while the service is sometimes uneven, the food has been consistently good and satisfying. I've had the chicken stuffed with pistachios (?) and some of their lamb dishes. The desserts are very good and of course I recommend the Baklava. The wine list is decent (not the best) but it works. The waitstaff is generally friendly but needs more polishing. Please don't get me wrong, they are not rude in any way, but there are moments when they seem to rush in between courses and can't wait to take that plate away from you. They have a nice bar upfront that may be a good setting for cocktails/drinks even if you don't decide to eat there. Pros: Appetizing food and great desserts. Cons: Uneven service more

I've been to Pasha on several occassions and while the service is sometimes uneven, the food has been consistently good and satisfying. I've had the chicken stuffed with pistachios (?) and some of their lamb dishes. The desserts are very good and of course I recommend the Baklava. The wine list is decent (not the best) but it works. The waitstaff is generally friendly but needs more polishing. Please don't get me wrong, they are not rude in any way, but there are moments when they seem to rush in between courses and can't wait to take that plate away from you. They have a nice bar upfront that may be a good setting for cocktails/drinks even if you don't decide to eat there. Pros: Appetizing food and great desserts. Cons: Uneven service more

This restaurant envelops you into a warm and exotic atmosphere the minute you walk through the door. You feel as if you are no longer in NYC and have been transported to Istanbul. The staff are well versed on the offerings and extremely attentive. All this combined with exquisetly prepared and presented food works well to create a wonderful dining experince. I highly recommend this restaurant. more

This restaurant envelops you into a warm and exotic atmosphere the minute you walk through the door. You feel as if you are no longer in NYC and have been transported to Istanbul. The staff are well versed on the offerings and extremely attentive. All this combined with exquisetly prepared and presented food works well to create a wonderful dining experince. I highly recommend this restaurant. more

as long time resident of the west side , i wanted to try this restaurant with 2 of my friends visiting from LA on a friday night.The whole nightmare started the moment we walked in .There was no one at the door to greet and seat us , as i was trying to see if anyone can help us to seat , a middle eastern looking man with a thick 5 o'clock shadow came up to the front ,without a smile or saying hi, grabbed some menus and seated us .When i asked for a different table than the one we had been seated , he came back with the biggest attitude ,reluctant to give us an other table although the restaurant was empty.Since it was our first experience with this cuisine , i asked for some recommendations from our waiter .First he showed no interest in telling us a little bit about the dishes then, he pointed out a few of his favorite ones .As i was ordering my food , i asked a few questions about the wine list ; boy had no clue !!! Not only had he lack of english ,he didnt know anything about the turkish wines they serve at all!!! The last straw on the camel's back was the little mickey m-ice we all saw peeking at us around the corner by the flowers in the main dining room.By that time i had already made up my mind that i wasnt going to stick around for dessert.Even though it took more than 10 minutes to get my waiter's attention to get the check ,we were finally out of this place and I AM NEVER GOING BACK!!! if you are smart , you would do the same Cons: lack of service, bad management more

as long time resident of the west side , i wanted to try this restaurant with 2 of my friends visiting from LA on a friday night.The whole nightmare started the moment we walked in .There \r was no one at the door to greet and seat us , as i was trying to see if anyone can help us to seat , a middle eastern looking man with a thick 5 o'clock shadow came up to the front ,without a smile or saying hi, grabbed some menus and seated us .When i asked for a different table than the one we had been seated , he came back with the biggest attitude ,reluctant to give us an other table although the restaurant was empty.Since it was our first experience with this cuisine , i asked for some recommendations from our waiter .First he showed no interest in telling us a little bit about the dishes then, he pointed out a few of his favorite ones .As i was ordering my food , i asked a few questions about the wine list ; boy had no clue !!! Not only had he lack of english ,he didnt know anything about the turkish wines they serve at all!!!\r The last straw on the camel's back was the little mickey m-ice we all saw peeking at us around the corner by the flowers in the main dining room.By that time i had already made up my mind that i wasnt going to stick around for dessert.Even though it took more than 10 minutes to get my waiter's attention to get the check ,we were finally out of this place and I AM NEVER GOING BACK!!! if you are smart , you would do the same \r Cons: lack of service, bad management more

Went here on a lazy Sat afternoon looking for a place to have lunch. We checked out other restaurant menus along the way, but wanted to go somewhere we could sit outside w/o being in a high traffic environment. \r \r Service was pleasant enough and got what we needed.\r \r What was fantastic was the food. It was served promptly on cute clay dishes, though some were chipped it just added to the rustic feel. All three of us ordered the pre-fixed, shared a bottle of wine, and enjoyed this fantastic meal for $130 including tip! For three people to get a very tasty three course meal that offered a variety of (choice of salads, hummus...etc. for apps and different types of chicken, lamb or fish as entrees) options, it was a great deal. The portions were just right and I didn't feel hungry or overwhelmed by meal.\r \r In addition to the food, I really liked the setting. When you walk in, there is a dimly lit bar that leads to another room. It felt like you walked into someone' livingroom. It was great catching up with my girlfriends over a nice meal, a good bottle of wine, in a setting where it wasn't noisy, we weren't rushed, and had a chance to enjoy the sun w/o all the sidewalk traffic. This is nice for a small group, but do not recommend for groups over 4. The outdoor terrace will not accomodate. Pros: Pre-fixed, cozy environment, offers outdoor seating Cons: Very small outdoor space more

Went here on a lazy Sat afternoon looking for a place to have lunch. We checked out other restaurant menus along the way, but wanted to go somewhere we could sit outside w/o being in a high traffic environment. Service was pleasant enough and got what we needed. What was fantastic was the food. It was served promptly on cute clay dishes, though some were chipped it just added to the rustic feel. All three of us ordered the pre-fixed, shared a bottle of wine, and enjoyed this fantastic meal for $130 including tip! For three people to get a very tasty three course meal that offered a variety of (choice of salads, hummus...etc. for apps and different types of chicken, lamb or fish as entrees) options, it was a great deal. The portions were just right and I didn't feel hungry or overwhelmed by meal. In addition to the food, I really liked the setting. When you walk in, there is a dimly lit bar that leads to another room. It felt like you walked into someone' livingroom. It was great catching up with my girlfriends over a nice meal, a good bottle of wine, in a setting where it wasn't noisy, we weren't rushed, and had a chance to enjoy the sun w/o all the sidewalk traffic. This is nice for a small group, but do not recommend for groups over 4. The outdoor terrace will not accomodate. Pros: Pre-fixed, cozy environment, offers outdoor seating Cons: Very small outdoor space more

I discovered Pasha several months ago with a friend and we have gone almost weekly except during the summer. We LOVE the food, expecially the Menti, calamari and the baby lamb chops are to die for. Our favorite waiter Edu is a doll, very attentive and friendly (and cute too). We've tried a few others but keep going back to Pasha. Pros: Wonderful food, excellent service Cons: pricy more