Amazing food, Amazing Service, we had the Calamari, Cheese sticks, Stuffed Grape Leaves were the best I've ever had. Hummus was yummy, we had the Gyro Sandwich hands down the best ever and stuffed! For desert we had the amazing Rice Pudding OMG perfection! makes your knees weak. Also took 3 Baklava home! Delicious! Cannot wait to return!
Overview
Located at 944 N 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19123, Pera Turkish Cuisine has become a standout in the city's dining scene. This cozy yet vibrant restaurant offers an authentic Turkish culinary experience, bringing the rich flavors and traditional dishes of Turkey right to the heart of Philadelphia. Whether you're a seasoned fan of Mediterranean food or trying it for the first time, Pera provides a welcoming atmosphere and a menu that will satisfy even the most discerning palates.
From the moment you step inside, the ambiance of Pera Turkish Cuisine sets the stage for an unforgettable meal. The decor blends modern elements with traditional Turkish touches, creating an inviting and comfortable environment. The warm, earthy tones of the space mirror the hospitality the restaurant is known for, making it a great place for both casual dining and special occasions.
The menu at Pera is a true reflection of Turkish cuisine, with a wide array of dishes that showcase the country's diverse culinary heritage. One of the standout features of the restaurant is its commitment to using fresh, high-quality ingredients. The menu offers a variety of grilled meats, seafood, and vegetarian options, each cooked to perfection. For meat lovers, the kebabs are a must-try, with options ranging from lamb to chicken, all marinated in traditional spices and grilled over an open flame.
Vegetarian dishes also shine at Pera, with options like stuffed grape leaves, hummus, and a variety of salads. For those looking to indulge in something truly special, the slow-cooked lamb shank is a signature dish that embodies the depth of Turkish flavors. Paired with fragrant rice or fresh bread, it offers a taste of comfort and authenticity.
In addition to its mouthwatering main courses, Pera Turkish Cuisine also features a selection of Turkish appetizers or "meze" that are perfect for sharing. The meze platter is a great way to sample a variety of flavors, including baba ganoush, tzatziki, and muhammara. These small plates allow guests to explore the nuances of Turkish cuisine without feeling overwhelmed.
If you're craving something sweet after your meal, Pera has an array of traditional Turkish desserts to satisfy your sweet tooth. The baklava, with its layers of flaky pastry and honey, is a favorite among regulars. For those who prefer a lighter dessert, the Turkish delight, made with a variety of flavors, offers a refreshing end to the meal.
While the food is undoubtedly the star at Pera Turkish Cuisine, the service is equally exceptional. The staff is friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable about the menu, ensuring that guests have a memorable dining experience. The owner and staff take pride in sharing the culture and traditions of Turkish cuisine, making it easy to connect with the story behind each dish.
Reviews of Pera consistently highlight the quality of both the food and the service. Many patrons rave about the cozy atmosphere and the authenticity of the dishes. Whether you're dining in for a quiet evening or celebrating with friends, the restaurant creates an experience that goes beyond just a meal - it's a celebration of Turkish culture.
For those planning to visit, the location on N 2nd St is conveniently situated near some of Philadelphia's most popular neighborhoods. The area is known for its vibrant arts scene and historical landmarks, making it an excellent choice for a meal before or after exploring the city.
If you're looking to try something new or simply crave the comforting flavors of Turkish cuisine, Pera Turkish Cuisine is the place to be. With its exceptional menu, warm ambiance, and attentive service, it's no wonder that this restaurant has garnered a loyal following in Philadelphia.
Good to know
Service options
✓ Outdoor seating ✓ Kerbside pickup ✓ No-contact delivery ✓ Delivery ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-inHighlights
✓ Fast service ✓ Great coffee ✓ Great dessert ✓ Great tea selection ✓ Serves local specialtyPopular for
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ Coffee ✓ Comfort food ✓ Halal food ✓ Healthy options ✓ Small plates ✓ Vegan options ✓ Vegetarian options ✓ WineDining options
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Dessert ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ ToiletAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ Cosy ✓ Quiet ✓ Romantic ✓ TrendyCrowd
✓ Groups ✓ TouristsPlanning
✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsChildren
✓ Good for kids ✓ High chairsParking
✓ Free of charge street parking ✓ Paid street parking ✓ ParkingPets
✓ Dogs allowed outsidePhotos
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Location
Reviews
- No ratings yet 638 reviews
The food here is phenomenal, some of the best hummus I have ever had! It is byob but there is a giant that has beer and wine, and another beer store within a block of Pera. Service here was great, and it never was too busy. The perfect amount of hustle and bustle. Staff here was super accommodating. Get the Chicken Beyti! So so so good!
Great service, delicious food, nice hospitality. Our server, Hilmi, was super friendly and genuine, you just have to let him know what you need and he makes sure your expectations are met. We loved Arnavut cigeri, kunefe, and kazan dibi were very successful .
A few friends referred this restaurant to me since I was in the neighborhood, and they spoke highly of it. When I entered the establishment; the staff were very welcoming and pleasant. They caught me looking at the Don̈er like a turkish cat Their menu offers a wide variety of Turkish cuisine; some which made me miss my grandfather dearly. I recommend dining in to see the beautifully plated dishes, and experiencing the beautiful turkish hospitality. Their menu is well executed, wait time was brief, their establishment was well organized and cleanliness seemed like a number 1 priority. Unfortunately I was on my lunch break, so I had to grab my food to go. I would absolutely recommend this restaurant for family/ friend gatherings, business meetings, study groups, and picking up a quick bite.
Pera is a cozy BYOB serving Turkish cuisine with outdoor seating available as well! We came on a Saturday night and got a seat with no wait - I believe it’s walk ins only. We started with the hummus and pita. Pita was just how I like it, soft and pillowy. It’s not paper thin or too hard. The hummus was smooth and creamy, a great addition to add to other items throughout the meal. Since this was our first time here, we wanted to stick with the basics. We got the mixed grill which had gyro meat, chicken & lamb with tomatoes, onions, peppers & rice. The chicken, with a bite of the green pepper, onion, rice & add hummus was such a delicious bite. The green pepper had a little kick and the onion had a sweetness. The only criticism I had was the lamb was just okay, but I usually prefer chicken to lamb so its likely a personal preference. As a fry connoisseur, I have to try them everywhere I go. These had some type of spice on them, but they desperately needed salt. They also weren’t very crispy. I wouldn’t order them again. Service was attentive and helpful. The dishes came out very fast too. Overall, we had a great first experience here trying some of the standard dishes. We definitely want to come back for lunch and try their sandwiches or gyros!
Colleagues introduced me to this delicious spot that serves amazing Turkish cuisine. From the appetizers to the main entrees, everything exceeded our expectations. I orders the garlic chicken breast with rice. So scrumptious. Very beautiful ambience.
First time visiting and we loved it! It’s BYOB — we brought our own wine, and they kindly provided ice. The servers and crew were knowledgeable, friendly, and welcoming. At one point, one of the server Hilmi came by to check on us — he was so friendly and made the experience even better. I’m originally from Turkey, and my husband (an American and a chef) knows his food. We started with baba ghanoush and stuffed grape leaves — both were delicious. I ordered Iskender, and I have to say, after three years in the U.S. and many disappointing Iskenders, this one was spot on. All the flavors were in the right place. My husband had the lamb Adana and really enjoyed it. Portions were generous, and we never felt rushed — we finished our wine at a relaxed pace before saying goodbye. We’re so happy to have a Turkish spot like this in our neighborhood. We’ll definitely be back. Teşekkürler!
Very delicious Turkish food. We went to this place for dinner; luckily we did not have to wait for a table, one was available at the time of our arrival. I would definitely recommend it to anyone:)