I hold the Turkish/Mediterranean restaurant Akdeniz very close to my heart. Not only is it close to my heart, it's close to my home. In fact, I live above it. This is a good thing though, for the food at Akdeniz is excellent!

I have been consuming these Turkish delights since the place opened, and every meal has been great! Last night I decided to eat in the restaurant (as opposed to taking it upstairs to my apartment) for your benefit, so I could properly write about the experience.

An appetizer of Humus ($5.95), chickpeas & tahini paste seasoned with garlic and olive oil, was silky, creamy, delightful, and great! Served with some nice bread, it's hard to stop eating

I also ordered my favorite dish at Akdeniz, the Sultan's Delight, a classic Ottoman dish made with chunks of lamb over smoked eggplant puree. I love this dish! The lamb is juicy and tender, the eggplant puree is flavorful and wonderful. It's a fabulous dish I recommend everyone order!

End your meal with a superb rice pudding ($5.95) and all your Turkish desires will be satiated for the night!

Akdeniz is not only a great place to go for pre-theater, it's a great place to go any time. So for some of the best Turkish delights in town, Akdeniz is where you should call home, I know I do. And if you go, feel free to come upstairs and say hello, I'll show you some magic!

Akdeniz
19 W. 46th St. (bet. 5th and 6th ave)
New York, NY 10036
212-575-2307