Where the Bosphorus Meets the Bronx River

Bosphorus a Turkish and Mediterranean restaurant has taken its place on Hartsdale’s restaurant row, alongside Vega, Harry’s, Azuma, Frankie and Fannuci’s, Masala Kraft and Amendola’s, Bosphorus opened in the wake of Hurricane Irene in the space once occupied by the Hartsdale Cheesery. The site has been thoroughly renovated and features colorful ceiling tiles, hand stenciled columns and an inviting bar. Unlike many newcomers, Bosphorus already has its liquor license so diners don’t need to bring their own bottles.

The menu is extensive and familiar to those who eat Greek, Israeli or Middle Eastern food. From the long list of hot and cold appetizers we sampled the tabouleh salad which included more greens than wheat as well as “spinach tarator,” -- a creamy mix of sautéed spinach with garlic, yogurt and walnuts. From the hot list we tried the crispy phyllo rolls, a delectable mix of feta, and parsley packaged like cigars in phyllo. There’s hummus, cacik (yogurt, cucumber, mint and dill) babaganush, stuffed grape leaves, and eggplant several ways – or a mixed cold appetizer plate where you can try them all. Hot appetizer selections included spinach pie, fried calamari, pastrami borek and mucver (zucchini pancakes) to name a few.

For dinner choices ranged from lamb and beef, to six chicken dinner as well as grilled fish, shrimp and seafood casserole. Lamb or chicken kebabs were served with rice and were well-spiced and flavorful. For vegetarians there’s a falafel plate, with hummus, tahini sauce and rice and a vegetable casserole.

With only two at the table it was hard to get a full fix on the menu at Bosphorus. But the friendly, attentive, speedy service, the tasty items we ordered and the spacious setting, combined to make a very pleasant evening. We’ll try it again soon and recommend that you stop by too. Sunday night features music, on Thursdays there will be belly dancers and on Wednesday, get one free glass of wine when you order two more.

Bosphorus
213-215 East Hartsdale Avenue
Hartsdale, NY 10530
914-722-2000

Open seven days a week from 12 pm to 11 pm
Take out is available

FREE Dinner Offer: In other food news, the 808 Bistro on Scarsdale Avenue will hold a special evening of food and wine featuring the wines of Puglia on Wednesday night September 14th at 7 pm. The price for the dinner is $75 per person including tax and gratuity. To reserve call 722-0808. Chef Salvatore Cucullo has graciously offered to giveaway two complimentary dinners to the first person who responds. If you would like to enter to win, be the first person to respond to scarsdalecomments@gmail.com and put 808 Bistro in the subject line.