NAR Review: Modern Turkish Fine Dining in Manhattan Worth Trying?

If you're looking for a modern Turkish restaurant in New York City, NAR is one place you should add to your list. Located in Manhattan's Flatiron District, this upscale restaurant serves authentic Turkish food with beautiful presentation and excellent service. I visited during NYC Restaurant Week and enjoyed a three-course dinner featuring a unique Zucchini Blossom appetizer, the restaurant's signature Nar Kebab, and a delicious dessert called the Istanbul Dream. Every dish was well prepared, and the experience made me realize that Turkish food can be much more than just kebabs and grilled meat.

Jump to:

• Watch My Experience
• Why I Decided to Visit NAR
• A Modern Vibe That Breaks the Mold
• How to Get There
• A Nice Way to Start the Meal
• What I ordered for Dinner
• Is It Worth the Price Tag?
• Would I Come Back?
• Frequently Asked Questions

Watch My Experience

Check out my quick video breakdown featuring a close-up look at these modern Turkish dishes, capturing the presentation of the meal and the comforting textures:

Why I Decided to Visit NAR

One of my favorite things about NYC Restaurant Week is that it gives me the chance to try spots that I normally wouldn't visit because of the price tag. This time, I booked a table at NAR.

I've eaten plenty of Turkish food over the years, but most of the places I visit lean very traditional. After scrolling through NAR's menu and seeing photos of the space, I had a feeling this place would be a little different. I'm glad I was right.

A Modern Vibe That Breaks the Mold

The first thing I noticed when I walked inside was the atmosphere. If you're expecting the usual carpets, lanterns, and traditional Turkish decorations, this isn't that kind of joint.

Instead, NAR goes for a sleek, elegant, and upscale design. Everything feels clean, stylish, and incredibly well put together. Personally, I think this restaurant is perfect for a date night, celebrating an anniversary, or even a business dinner. I probably wouldn't bring young children here; the vibe is definitely geared toward adults who want to slow down and enjoy the meal.

As the night went on, the dining room got packed. If you're planning to visit, definitely lock down a reservation ahead of time.

Fine dining prices mean fine dining expectations. Thankfully, the service absolutely nailed it. The staff were friendly, professional, and attentive throughout the evening without being overbearing. Our drinks and food arrived at a comfortable pace, and nobody rushed us through dinner. Sometimes great service elevates the whole meal, and the team here did an excellent job.

How to Get There

NAR is located at: 34 E 20th St #3, New York, NY 10003

The easiest way to get here is by subway. Take either the F Train or the W Train and get off at 23 Street Station. From there, it's only about a 5 to 10-minute walk to the restaurant.

Since this is the Flatiron District, parking can be difficult and expensive. I recommend taking the subway or using Uber if you're coming from another part of the city.

A Nice Way to Start the Meal

Before the actual appetizers arrived, they brought out complimentary crispy flatbread and green olives soaked in olive oil and spices. I always love little touches like this. The bread was light and crispy—perfect for snacking while waiting for the main events—and the olives were simple but delicious.

What I ordered for Dinner

Zucchini Blossom

For my appetizer, I ordered the Zucchini Blossom. Honestly, I had never tried one before, so I wasn't totally sure what to expect. This one came stuffed with Kashkaval cheese and was served alongside a smoked paprika aioli. After the first bite, I completely understood the hype.

The cheese was incredibly creamy without feeling heavy, and the paprika aioli added a great layer of flavor without overpowering the dish. The delicate crunch of the fried exterior perfectly holds in the warm, savory filling. If you love this style of stuffed Mediterranean comfort food, it immediately brings to mind the phenomenal, home-style stuffed Kousa at Balade Lebanese Restaurant in the East Village. But where Balade leans into rich, slow-simmered comfort, this Turkish version keeps things incredibly light, crisp, and vibrant.

What surprised me most was how light it tasted. It wasn't packed with heavy spices; instead, the flavors were balanced and elegant. This quickly became one of my favorite appetizers in the city. If I come back, I’m ordering this again without thinking twice.

The Star of the Show: Nar Kebab

Now let's talk about the absolute highlight of the night. The Nar Kebab was phenomenal. It’s made with incredibly juicy minced lamb and served with smoked yogurt, pomegranate, confit tomatoes, peppers, and crispy flatbread.

The lamb was perfectly cooked and remarkably juicy. It wasn't overloaded with heavy spices, which I actually appreciated because it let the natural flavor of the meat stand out. The smoked yogurt added a rich, slightly smoky creaminess, while the pomegranate seeds gave it a punch of sweetness that worked beautifully. If someone asks me what they should order at NAR, this is my answer every single time.

Note: I wanted a little something extra to pair with the meat, so I ordered a side of Baldo rice with chickpeas. It runs an extra $12 since it isn't on the Restaurant Week menu, but it was worth it. The rice was soft, fluffy, and the perfect neutral base to soak up the rich juices and smoked yogurt from the kebab.

Istanbul Dream (Pistachio Cheesecake)

By the time dessert arrived, I was completely stuffed. But after taking one bite of the Istanbul Dream, I suddenly found some extra room. At first glance, it looks just like a standard cheesecake. But it's actually built with a crispy kadaifi crust, creamy mascarpone cheese, and bitter chocolate. I loved that it wasn't a total sugar bomb. The mascarpone kept it rich and velvety, while the bitter chocolate balanced out the sweetness perfectly. It was the absolute perfect finish to the meal.

Is It Worth the Price Tag?

Let’s be real: NAR is not a cheap date. If you're ordering strictly off the regular menu, the bill adds up fast. Here’s a quick look at the baseline for this exact three-course meal:

• Zucchini Blossom: $24
• Nar Kebab: $40
• Istanbul Dream: $20

That hits $84 before you even factor in drinks, tax, tip, or that $12 side of Baldo rice. However, visiting during NYC Restaurant Week makes it a total steal. I originally timed my visit when the fixed menu was $45, though keep in mind prices shift—the menu sits closer to $60 now, which is still a massive discount compared to ordering a la carte. If you're thinking about trying NAR for the first time, timing it with Restaurant Week is easily the best way to do it.

Would I Come Back?

Definitely. There are still plenty of dishes on the menu I want to explore, especially their other lamb and seafood options. The presentation, the quality of the ingredients, and the sheer attention to detail made the night feel like an event. If you're looking for a quick, cheap plate of street-style meats, there are plenty of other spots around the city for that. But if you want a refined Turkish dining experience that slows you down and gives you something unique, put NAR on your shortlist.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is NAR expensive?
Yes, it’s a fine dining establishment, so the regular a la carte menu is on the pricier side. Hitting them up during Restaurant Week is the best way to experience it at a discount.

Do I need a reservation?
Highly recommended, especially if you're trying to snag a prime dinner slot or visiting during peak Restaurant Week dates.

Is NAR good for a date night?
Absolutely. The elegant layout, dim lighting, and attentive service make it a fantastic spot for couples.

What's the absolute must-order dish?
Hands down, the Nar Kebab. The lamb is insanely juicy, and the combo of smoked yogurt and pomegranate is tough to beat.