Turks & Frogs

A Taste of Modern Istanbul in Downtown New York

New York , April 2006 – Turks & Frogs Tribeca (458 Greenwich St.  Tel : 212-966-4774) offers an authentic dining experience straight from modern-day Istanbul. From historical Ottoman Empire photographers to red pepper-spiked olive oil , every detail in the 70-seat restaurant is true to its Turkish roots.

Owner Osman Cakir was born in Istanbul and raised within the ancient city walls of Byzantine. He developed an early appreciation for his country’s historic surroundings,its art and dining traditions. A collector of French and Turkish art and antiques , Osman first opened a West Village wine bar in 2002 called Turks & Frogs, where he sold antiques and served guest wine from his personal cellar.
When looking to open his first restaurant , he chose a former stonemason’s studio at the northwest tip Tribeca – a fitting home for his antique collection and stylish setting to showcase his love of Turkish food.
Osman approached the design of Turkish & Frogs Tribeca as though he were creating his own living room in Istanbul.The space is filled with French and Turkish antiques , including a 250-year old Turkish braise and 17th century olive oil pots,all for sale. Classic Middle Eastern lanterns bring a sexy glow to the spacious bar, lounge and dining room in the 70-seat space.Comfort was considered with the high-backed chairs , leather barstools and a large booth for 12 , perfect for large parties. Leather wingback chairs and an antique Chesterfield sofa give the red-walled lounge a living room feel (photo below). A stone hallway leads to w wine cellar decorated with French oak wine barrels and sinks from a traditional Turkish bath.

AOL CITY’S BEST 2007

A “WELCOM ADDITION TO TRIBECA”, THIS “TASTEFUL” TURK TENDERS A “WONDERFUL”, WELL-PRICED MENU OF MEZE AND CLASSIC DISHES: THE LONG ROM INCLUDES A “DELIGHTFUL” FRONT WINE BAR AND SMALL LOUNGE IN BACK, PLUS A CELLAR THAT’S DESIGNED FOR PRIVATE PARTIES.

ZAGAT SURVEY 2006

Review Highlights – In an out – of – the way pocket of TriBeCa comes this full – fledged Turkish restaurant from the affable owner of the West Village wine bar/antiques store of the same name, offering a gently priced menu of classic dishes (including hot and cold meze ideal for sharing) and a wine list that includes a few Turkish vintages.

AOL CITY’S BEST 2007

Turks & Frogs is just one of the more thoughtful, more bohemian and considerably less expensive establishments enriching the area. The care that Cakir has invested in this small piece of real estate is palpable, and makes it a bona fide neighborhood treasure.

THE VILLAGE VOICE 2007