A la Turka
Upper East Side-Lenox Hill-Roosevelt Island, New York City
Restaurant in New York City, United States
Book with PearlThe Read
Price
$30–50per person
Dress
Casual
Why go
A la Turka is a practical Upper East Side choice for a sit-down meal when convenience matters more than chasing a destination reservation. Book it for an easy neighborhood dinner, but cross-shop nearby peers if the group wants a clearer Thai, Persian, Belgian-casual, or bar-food brief.
About A la Turka
A la Turka is a New York City restaurant open daily from 11:15 AM to 10:45 PM, with a casual dress code.
A practical listing for hours and dress code
The clearest reason to keep A la Turka on a New York City shortlist is scheduling: the hours are the same every day, from 11:15 AM to 10:45 PM. The dress code is casual, which makes it easier to consider for a low-formality meal plan.
For alternatives to compare in New York City, consider Up Thai, THEP Thai Restaurant, J.G. Melon, Persepolis, or B. Cafe.
Who should choose it, and who should cross-shop
Choose A la Turka when the basics fit your plan: New York City, casual dress, and daily hours from 11:15 AM to 10:45 PM.
For broader planning, use the New York City restaurants guide if this is one stop in a larger dining shortlist. If the evening needs a second venue, the city guides for bars, hotels, experiences, and wineries are better planning tools than overloading one restaurant listing.
Quick reference: A la Turka is a New York City restaurant with casual dress and daily 11:15 AM–10:45 PM hours.
Planning details
- Hours
- Monday: 11:15 AM–10:45 PM · Tuesday: 11:15 AM–10:45 PM
- Location
- 1417 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10021
- Reservations
- Book on the venue's website
- Website
- alaturkanyc.com
- Phone
- +12127442424
The take
The Take
The Vibe
A la Turka sits firmly in the Upper East Side’s quieter, neighborhood register. The room favors comfortably textured surfaces and a service rhythm geared to regulars rather than spectacle; guests arrive without fanfare and the restaurant 'absorbs them without ceremony.' The emphasis here is culinary rather than decorative, the interior signals the kitchen is the point, so the experience feels warm and dependable rather than trendy. Expect a steady, classic neighborhood energy that prioritizes consistent cooking and familiarity over being designed for social-media moments.
Best For
This is the kind of neighborhood Turkish restaurant well suited to group dinners, family meals and relaxed gatherings. A la Turka’s longevity and consistency make it a reliable spot for people who live nearby or visitors seeking a no-frills, comforting meal. Because the room accommodates regulars without reservation and emphasizes hearty, technically grounded cooking, it works well for casual hangouts and uncomplicated group dining where familiar favorites and sharing plates anchor the evening.
Ordering Tips
Start with the place’s signature kebabs: the Chicken Shish Kebab and the Lamb Adana Kebab are called out specifically and exemplify the kitchen’s focus. Because the menu emphasizes Ottoman techniques, slow-cooked meats and careful charcoal heat management, look for grilled and slowly braised preparations that showcase those methods. Opt for dishes that foreground the charcoal or long-cooked meats, and treat the meal as a straightforward celebration of Turkish technique rather than a parade of trendy tasting-menu inventions.
Venue details
Ambiance
Lively and cozy with an authentic Bosphorus vibe, featuring family recipes and energetic dining.
Tags
Vibe
Best For
Experience
At the Table
- Dress Code
- Casual
- Noise Level
- Lively
- Service Style
- Upscale Casual
- Meal Pacing
- Standard
- Capacity
- Medium
- Kitchen
- Traditional
- Menu Format
- A la carte
- Dietary
- Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten-free options
Signature Dishes
- Chicken Shish Kebab
- Lamb Adana Kebab
Know before you go
Know Before You Go
- Getting there
- 1417 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10021
Planning details
Hours
- Monday
- 11:15 AM–10:45 PM
- Tuesday
- 11:15 AM–10:45 PM
- Wednesday
- 11:15 AM–10:45 PM
- Thursday
- 11:15 AM–10:45 PM
- Friday
- 11:15 AM–10:45 PM
- Saturday
- 11:15 AM–10:45 PM
- Sunday
- 11:15 AM–10:45 PM
Location
Also consider
Also Consider
- Up Thai, Notable alternative
- THEP Thai Restaurant, Notable alternative
- B. Cafe, Notable alternative
- J.G. Melon, Bar Food, Bar Food
- Persepolis, Persian, $$
Restaurant context
How it compares on the Upper East Side
A la Turka is the easier pick when the priority is a relaxed sit-down meal without making the reservation the center of the night. Up Thai and THEP Thai Restaurant are stronger choices when the group specifically wants Thai food; choose them for a more cuisine-led dinner rather than a general neighborhood table.
Persepolis has the clearest value signal in this set because its Persian, $$ positioning gives diners a better read on spend before committing. A la Turka works better when the group is prioritizing convenience and a full-service meal over a tightly defined price-and-cuisine brief.
For a more casual night, J.G. Melon is the better bar-food call, especially if the group wants a burger-and-drinks mood instead of a longer dinner. B. Cafe is the better cross-shop when ambiance matters and the group wants an alternate neighborhood sit-down option rather than a specific cuisine target.
Explore New York City
Around this place
Discover more on Pearl
Unlock the full A la Turka guide in Pearl, including awards, comparisons, FAQs, planning details, and nearby places.
Compare A la Turka
| Venue | Location | Cuisine | Price | Awards |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A la Turka | New York City | No published awards | ||
| Up Thai | New York City | No published awards | ||
| THEP Thai Restaurant | New York City | No published awards | ||
| B. Cafe | New York City | No published awards | ||
| J.G. Melon | New York City | Bar Food | 2026 OAD Cheap Eats in North America Recommended2025 Michelin Plate2024 OAD Cheap Eats in North America Ranked · #3522023 OAD Cheap Eats in North America in Recommended | |
| Persepolis | New York City | Persian | $$ | 2025 Michelin Plate2024 Michelin Plate |
.png?width=1200&quality=80)
How A la Turka NYC compares with similar nearby venues.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What should a first-timer know about A la Turka?
A la Turka is in New York City. It is open daily from 11:15 AM to 10:45 PM, and the dress code is casual.
