9. Beyoglu (20+ Years in Business)
Beyoglu, a Turkish restaurant on the Upper East Side, shut its doors last week after more than two decades in the neighborhood. As a result of COVID-19, Beyoglu’s owners faced a massive financial hit and were unable to extend their lease. The Third Avenue establishment often featured outdoor seating around the corner, despite being “rushed”, “cramped” and “loud” according to Zagat.
Beyoglu was known for classic Mediterranean and Turkish starters like hummus, Taboule, and Barbunya Pilaki, red kidney beans, with potatoes and carrots. Popular meze, or appetizers, included Sucuk Izgara, cumin and garlic spiced cured beef, and Ahtapot Salatasi, char-grilled marinated octopus. Main dishes ranged from lamb Doner Kebab with rice to Kilic Sis, char-grilled swordfish kebab.