I have been to slot of Middle Eastern restaurants in nyc and NJ area that are rated very high this place is the best place i have ever been to i love it will be back for sure its worth coming from Staten Island just to eat there read more

The Bosphorus, the 32-kilometer (20-mile)-long north-south strait, has been a waterway of the highest importance since ancient times in Turkey. Its English name comes from a Greek legend: Zeus had an affair with a beautiful woman named Io. When Hera, his wife, discovered his infidelity, she turned Io into a cow and created a horsefly to sting her on the rump. Io jumped clear across the strait. Thus, "bous" = "cow" and "poros" = "crossing place": Bosphorus = "crossing place of the cow." Located off of busy Franklin Avenue in Nutley, my partner, our friends, and I have decided on our dinner at this family-owned-and-run BYOB establishment, which has been open since 1995. A reservation was made for a party of 4 by calling their restaurant. Upon arrival after three years, we were welcomed by Nora, the owner, and made our way to a table by the piano inside, evoking a cozy, thoughtfully designed, upscale vibe with music playing softly. Their menu features Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine. For starters, we decided on the Puffed Rill Pastry and Grape Leaves. Our main meal consisted of all lamb dishes (Lamb Shish Kebab, Beyti Kebab, Lamb Chops, and Lamb Sauté). Our food was fresh, well seasoned, and cooked to perfection, accompanied by a beautifully presented dish. Everything was authentically made with love here. Wish we could have stayed for dessert, as they looked amazing, but some of us were in a rush. It's definitely on the higher end cost but worth the taste. Our visit ended with a hug and a piece of candy. read more

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I am delighted with both the food and atmosphere at this classy Turkish place. Everything is prepared fresh from scratch including delicious fish, either whole or fillet. The lentil soup and falafel are consistently tasty. The chef and owner always assist you personally. I also have met diners from all over the world speaking different languages. The lemonade and kazan dibi dessert, or baklava if you prefer, are also highly recommended. I make sure to go here often. read more

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The food was delicious and full of flavor, and the service was excellent. The chef is a true hostess, making the experience feel warm and welcoming. I stopped by for a quick bite after grocery shopping, but I definitely need to come back with more time to explore and try other dishes on the menu. Can't wait for my next visit! read more

The Bosphorus - Mediterranean Near Me - Nutley, New Jersey

We reserved a Saturday lunch spot here. Upon arrival there was only one other party in the restaurant. But the restaurant had an amazing pleasant interior. Very well decorated. The menu was exciting, full of great Turkish dishes. We started with the calf liver. My most favorite item of the day. It tasted so good. Then we had calamari and grilled octopus. Again both were amazing quality. Then we had mixed kebab platter. All the meats were tender. Loved the bread and rice. Finally we also had grilled Branzino. The filet was moist and delicious. There was only one lady who was hosting, waitressing and cooking partially as well. Even though the food was fantastic, the service was little abrupt. Some our dishes also took really long time. It's really pricey as well. They also charge $2 per water bottle that they serve instead of tap water. So I made sure we took our remaining water with us, not to waste them. read more

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A nice Turkish restaurant located in a plaza next to one of the main area in Nutley NJ. Very chic and relaxing atmosphere inside. Bathroom is clean. I like everything we ordered, especially the chicken from the mix platter and Bronzino. The chicken is tender and flavor. Fish is pan seared nicely with crispy skin. It's only 1 lady running the front and the chef in the kitchen. It took some time for good to come out. read more

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This place is amazing! It has excellent service and a great atmosphere. Went here on a Sunday morning around 11 and it was empty. I ordered a Turkish coffee that was strong and delicious. I had their lentil soup which came with all the fixings including croutons. It was very yummy. I also had the falafel appetizer. The falafel was perfectly crispy and soft inside. This was served with hummus that was pretty good. Everything was beautifully presented. I thought the prices were decent, service excellent, and the food was delicious. I highly recommend for anyone looking to scratch an itch for Turkish food. read more

The Bosphorus - Falafel - Mediterranean Near Me - Nutley, New Jersey

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The bosphorus is truly a hidden gem in Nutley. Every single thing that we ordered came out crisp, delicious, and made with perfection. For apps we ordered the hummus and feta cheese sticks, entrees were gyro and chicken kuftas, and then the dessert just brought it all together. Hands down the best knafeh in the state of New Jersey! read more

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Every time I drive by this place to go to the diner I see that's it's empty and I keep telling myself I want to try it out. And yesterday, I finally did. This Turkish restaurant has outdoor and indoor seating, a menu with traditional Turkish meals, and amazing staff and service. We decided to do the cold appetizer sampler. We chose ezme (spicy tomato dip), tzatziki, hummus, sauced eggplant. They were all so delicious. The best part is they came with warm pita bread (this is how you judge a good restaurant). And the decor was outstanding, they made little flowers out of the carrots and they had actual flowers on the plate. For my main I ordered the lamb chops as per the waiter's recommendation. I was impressed because for the price, it came with 4 lamb chops, rice, bread, potatoes, veggies, and tzatziki. I ordered medium well, but next time I would do medium. But overall very delicious. The potatoes were perfectly crisped and the meat was well seasoned. We also ordered baklava (not pictured), but what a great way to end the meal, with some delicious middle eastern sweets. Great spot, highly recommend! read more

The Bosphorus - Mix Cold Appetizers Sampler - Mediterranean Near Me - Nutley, New Jersey

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My wife and I have been visiting here since it opened and we have never had a bad meal. Nora is always so welcoming and wonderful. This is a must go restaurant I recommend to all my family and friends. read more

Great little restaurant with extremely fresh Turkish food. The live garden on the wall is an interesting decor to the place. Overall a great meal. It is also a byob and grab your friends for a delicious meal. read more

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Went here to take my mom out for dinner. Host was great and had a whole conversation with us about mother's and sons and even introduced us to her son who was helping her out in the restaurant. We got the Calamari, Stuffed Grape Leaves for appetizers and they were both good. Fresh and very delicious. The Turkish coffee was very unique as well, strong coffee with a lot of flavor but not much bitterness or acidity. Turkish tea for my mom was ok, but it felt a little weak compared to the Indian teas we're used to drinking. For entrees it was the Bosphorous style sirloin steak which was cooked perfectly but had a little too much cheese on top of it. The Adana Kebab for my mom was great, meat was very juicy and she loved it. The whole presentation for each course we had was very beautiful. For dessert we got the Kunefe and Baklava. The Kunefe is easily the best dessert I've ever had at a Mediterranean spot. I took a chance on it after being recommended the dish from the matronly owner and it did not disappoint. The goat cheese along with the sweet syrup was a delectable combination. The baklava was good but I've had better and not going to complain about it since it was still good. Overall it was a great experience and night out with my mom who had a very nice time. The whole experience of food, welcoming service and ambiance is something I look forward to experiencing again in the near future. read more

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This is our go to Turkish spot in Nutley, NJ or northern NJ. Family owned business that excels in personalized service and excellent high quality food!!! We love coming here for the mixed grilled, octopus, chicken kabob, different mezze for apps. We also thoroughly enjoy their homemade ice cream and fresh tea. The ambiance is cozy and family oriented. Its interior decor is Turkish influenced with old school restaurant vibe. Nora the owner and her team are incredible and truly treat you like family with her welcoming hugs. I highly recommend this establishment if you are in the area. read more

The Bosphorus - Mediterranean Near Me - Nutley, New Jersey

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We stopped in on a weekend for very early dinner. Easy parking in the municipal lot out front. It is easy to miss the restaurant because it is actually in the back but they have a nice awning to show you the Way. The ambience is very nice and relaxing. I can imagine it gets very loud in there because it's just one big room but it is worth it for how good the food is. We started with hummus that with some of the best we've had very good unsweetened, iced tea and my Gyro. Dinner was phenomenal, the service was excellent and the staff were very friendly. The only thing that I would change is the table cloths for a place so nice they should have cloth tablecloth's not plastic ones but it's not even worth taking a star off give them a try. read more

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My favorite restaurant with the best desserts and food in the world. Strongly recommend.

I've been wanting to try Turkish food. I am so glad I came here. The food, atmosphere, and customer service are top-notch. You are treated like family. read more

Awesome food and great dining experience, loved sitting near the window in the back Would definitely recommend read more

Can't say how much I loved this restaurant! It was very fancy and the ambiance was calming. The customer service was phenomenal. I thought the lamb chop portion was small but overall it was very tasty. I'd go back with my family next time. read more

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Wow wow wow. Such a beautifully hidden and tucked away spot on Franklin Ave. I've had The Bosphorus bookmarked for years and finally got to try it for date night. The interior of this restaurant is gorgeous, small and cozy but beautifully thought out. The staff was SO friendly, everyone made you feel right at home. I decided on trying a sample of dips for an appetizer. They were all super super delicious. The lebni and babaganoush were really fantastic. For main courses we tried the lamb shish and chicken shish. Both so flavorful, perfectly cooked meat, deliciously seasoned, and accompanied by some fantastic rice and potatoes. Overall, both fantastic dishes. We of course had to try the baklava too. It was served warm and it was definitely some of the best I've had in a while. I absolutely recommend this spot for Mediterranean. They also have a fun breakfast that I'll try out. It's also located right in the municipal parking lot so parking is never an issue here. read more

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This place is constant with their quality and service. I always feel at home. The food is always fresh and exquisite. The waitress makes great recommendations and is very friendly. read more

This hidden Gem (literally) is behind the Nutley Diner and front of Municipal parking . I serendipitously found one day . WHAT A FIND . I've actually dined along the Bosphorus River several times while traveling in Istanbul and Turkey . This place immediately transferred me to those great memories . The aromas , the taste of fresh fish plucked of the dangling rods in the Bosphorus , grilled in front of you . We feasted over traditional Libni , lamb , Branzino polished the meal off with Baklava , of course . I we'll definitely go back ! It's 2 miles from my home . Who knew !!! What would have made the experience even better was if they were playing traditional music in the back ground . Which there was none at all . Turkish instrumental music is so relaxing and enjoyable to hear and adds the mediterranean vibe to the atmosphere . Don't know what happen there . There was one waitress . It wasn't crazy busy . I went on a sunday at 2:30 . But when i left it was getting fuller . I'm hoping they have more staff on busier hours . Please note it's BYOB . Which is fine , restaurants jack up bottle prices so much anyways . read more

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To be honest I haven't explored much Nutley, so going to the The Bosphorus was a bit of a Yelp Venture which I'd suggest you also explore! The Bosphorus has ample parking even though it's street metered so no worries there. The restaurant is BYOB so make sure to pick up a bottle before heading here, I was hoping I'd find a shop near by but couldn't. One thing I really appreciate about this location is that they space out their guests very well, even before COVID-19 regulations hit. The servers were extremely kind and the restaurant owner came by my table multiple times to check in. We ordered the Döner (beef gyro) and Chicken Adana (spicy ground chicken skewers) both were delicious. To be honest I've been to multiple Turkish restaurants who offer Döner but present me with a dish with a rather gamey taste. I was extremely pleased by the Döner prepared by The Bosphorus. To end the night on a high note we ordered some Baklava that was plated with vanilla ice cream dolloped on top and crushed pistachios. Overall the plating here is very decadent and photograph worthy. read more

Food was ok . Only me and a friend there on a Sunday afternoon we waited forever because the waitress was watching novelas on her phone .

This food is amazing! I came here for brunch, which is apparently not very popular since the restaurant was empty! I was able to sit inside with my friend who introduced me to this place. Having not had too much turkish food, I wasn't sure what to expect. However, everything I tried was great! The homemade bread is delicious and we shared the breakfast platter with meat and it comes with a variety of vegetables and toppings to go with the bread. Both sweet and savory. First you eat the savory, and then the sweet. We also had the traditional turkish eggs with meat and peppers--highly recommend that as well. The service was extremely friendly. They are very passionate about food here and it shows in their attention to detail and flavor! read more

The Bosphorus - Mediterranean Near Me - Nutley, New Jersey

Amazing food, service friendly and professional. The small place is just the right size to feel cozy and wanted

A friend and I wanted a later dinner and I'm a pescatarian. We found this place on yelp and we tried it out. Came late on a Monday evening with no one in the place. We chose Ezme salad which was great, some spice but not overpowering. I had octopus and my friend has lamb. Presentation was great and favor was even better. Ambience was very good. Enjoyed this hidden gem. read more

A hidden gem! The lentil soup is a terrific starter, comes with bread and some nibbles that makes it almost a meal in itself. Very flavorful. The lamb saute is like a hearty stew and was quite filling and tasted wonderful. Subtle use of spice that didn't over power you. Would definitely go back when I'm in the area. read more

Food and service are excellent, I go there all the time. Always the same. This is a family restaurant, the owner and his parents works there. Nice ambience too. read more

The Bosphorus - Branzino - Mediterranean Near Me - Nutley, New Jersey

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Perfect for a date night. Got the Hummus and Fried Calamari for appetizers both excellent. My wife got grilled octopus for main course- cooked perfectly and I got the lamb shank which was very tender. Great atmosphere, will definitely go back. read more

I have been a long time patron of the establishment throughout the course of 4 years having visited many times. It seems as though the portion sizes have decreased while the prices have slowly increased. Today I visited and noticed the dish I normally order - chicken shish kebab was a bit different and the rice serving had reduced by a lot. Overall the food is decent. As others have noted it is nowhere near what the prices are now being asked for the flavor or amount of food you receive. One main issue I have is bottled water is brought to you at thr table without letting patrons know IT IS NOT complimentary. You are not informed of this until you see it on your bill. As an Owner, one should offer tap or bottled water allowing patrons to choose as they see fit and notate that there is a cost to bottled. read more

Visited 06/20/2022 Haven't been here in a while, but The Bosphorus seems to have only gotten better. Their Bosphorus salad is almost a meal in itself and as beautiful a presentation as any I've ever seen. After the salad, we shared the mixed grill plate with lamb chops which really gives you a sampling taste of their menu. Plenty enough for 2 especially after the salad. Always great service and again... a BYOB! read more

We just returned for our second visit to The Bosphorus and, just as before, everything was OUTSTANDING! The food was absolutely amazing, the service was incredible, we feel like home in this restaurant and can't wait to come back! We wish we lived closer but, even with the 45 minute drive, we need to visit more often, and we will! Thank you Nora and family for making our anniversary so special :) read more

Service and meals were amazing! The ladies and I each had a lamb dish. The lamb gyro was amazing! The flavor was delicious. The hummus and another eggplant appetizer we got on the house were amazing and I don't even like eggplant. The owner or manager was also very attentive and everyone was great with us! Will definitely return! The place was cute and cozy. read more

Very cute family owned restaurant with great service and the food was amazing. We will definitely be back. read more

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The food,service and ambiance are 5 star to say the least! I've been here a few times and it just seems to get better. The mother- son combo of hostess/server and chef is a great pairing. I once came here with my girlfriend, who has serious food allergies. When she asked the server " Can you tell me what's in the Falafel?" She replied " I can tell you what's in everything " She further emphasized that the only things they buy are ketchup and salt, everything else is made from scratch. Overall, a great culinary experience, and I don't use that term lightly. read more

The Bosphorus - Grilled Octopus Special- tender and tasty! - Mediterranean Near Me - Nutley, New Jersey

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What a great discovery today! A friend wanted to grab a bite to eat close to her reflexology spot. We happened to find The Bosphorus on Yelp and it was perfectly splendid. The grilled Branzino special was tasty and fresh. The staff are sweet and accommodating. The owner came and told us the story behind the name and the logo. They have a cute little outdoor dining setup as well. I will definitely return! read more

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Delicious food, great service and amazing ambiance. I have been here a few times with friends and then with family. It never disappoints. read more

Wow-- food is excellent, service is friendly and warm. Very comfortable space, with easy parking right in front of the municipal lot. Everything was amazing. Chef came out to check that we liked everything since it was our first time there. We had lamb kebab, lamb chops, & the cold appetizer sampler. If you're a bread person, their homemade flatbread is just crazy good. The food we saw them bring out to other patrons also looked amazing. They do a good job with the presentation of the food too. The prices are also very fair. I think we stumbled onto a new favorite restaurant. We can't wait to go back. read more

I've picked up food from here every time I'm in the area and the food has been excellent every single time. We always get the chicken Adana and lamb Adana because you don't mess with perfection. Next time I'm gonna come here for a sit down meal. read more

Food was great, service was friendly. But i was not happy when i was charged for water when i never even asked for it. Water was already on our tables as we were being seated. read more