About
Welcome to The Bosphorus, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Nutley, NJ. Located at 226 Franklin Ave B, this family-run restaurant stands out not only for its delectable Mediterranean cuisine but also for its warm, inviting atmosphere. As soon as you step through the doors, you are enveloped by a sense of community and hospitality that feels like family. The staff greets you with a genuine warmth, making every visit a cherished experience.
The reviews speak volumes about The Bosphorus' commitment to quality. Guests rave about the freshness and superb preparation of the dishes. From the creamy hummus paired with crispy chips to the vibrant grilled mixed platter featuring tender chicken, lamb, and beef, each dish is crafted with care and creativity. One cannot ignore the delightful manti, a traditional Turkish dumpling, that has left many patrons longing for more. As Jessica Drago nostalgically shares, it's a place for special occasions, providing the perfect backdrop for life’s milestones.
Another highlight is the ambiance. Heartwarming Turkish music sets a serene backdrop, making The Bosphorus an ideal spot for romantic dinners or intimate gatherings. Reviewers like Beth Epstein appreciate the upscale yet eclectic decor that enhances the dining experience, striking a perfect balance between elegance and comfort.
The love for food is also matched by the commitment to service. The staff, led by the beloved Nora, goes beyond expectations to create an unforgettable dining experience. From thoughtfully prepared meals to attentive service, every detail is considered, leaving guests feeling like cherished members of the family. Michael Cowan reflects on a memorable baby shower experience, highlighting both the beautiful setting and the unparalleled care offered by the team.
At The Bosphorus, you will find not only delicious food but a true celebration of culture, flavor, and family. Whether you’re indulging in the perfectly cooked Adana Kebab or savoring fresh seafood dishes like octopus, every bite transports you to the Mediterranean shores. So why wait? Come and experience the magic of The Bosphorus. You may want to bring your own wine, as suggested by the guests, to pair with the vibrant flavors or simply enjoy a refreshing iced tea to complete your meal. Visit +1 973-542-8440 to make a reservation and immerse yourself in this culinary journey!
“ Love those place. It was my first time here. We came a group of 5. The place is super clean. It’s a family restaurant. Everyone is super friendly. The food was amazing. Ordered humus with chips as an appetizer. We ordered a variety of things: Grilled mixed (chicken, lamb, beef with fries and rice), whole fish, salad , eggplant. For dessert, it was a goatcheese with jce cream. Trust me and taste it. You can bring your own wine. Their Iced tea is good. Definitely coming back. ”
“ The restaurant decor evoked an upscale feel, and was tasteful and eclectic. There was turkish music lightly playing creating a lovely mood. Great restaurant for date night! Went there this evening around 6:45 and it was very quiet. My boyfriend and I don't care for crowded, loud places, so this was perfect and intimate. We both ordered the chicken shish kebab, which comes with rice pilaf, potato wedges (I opted for no potato and he opted for french fries instead), broccoli,and tzatsiki sauce. The presentation of the food was beautiful and the taste was divine. The chicken was tender and well seasoned, the rice was fluffy and the broccoli was perfectly cooked. After dinner, we were offered Turkish tea which was perfect on the palate and a wonderful way to end the meal. Both the gentleman who directed us to our table and served us, as well as the woman who asked about our meal, were positively delightful. We will definitely be returning. What a great way to start the week! ”
“ My husband and I have come here for every special occasion over the past decade. Every anniversary, our wedding day, Valentine's Day, and recently Mother's day. The food is always fresh and consistently delicious. Along with the quality of the food, we keep going back because of how the owners make us feel. Nora always greets us with a warm hug and seems genuinely happy to see us and we're happy to see her too! We commonly stay for 2-3 hours each visit because we feel so at home. This place is special, one in a million. I highly recommend trying the manti! ”
“ We held my wife’s baby shower at this restaurant, and we have ordered from here on multiple occasions. First, the food is phenomenal. From the chicken kebab to the falafel, all of the food is fresh, and seasoned and cooked to perfection. Nora and her team essentially treat the entire restaurant, including patrons, as family. They welcome you with warmth and will work with you to do anything your heart desires, within reason. You will feel so close to Nora from the start that you will likely give her a hug before you leave. The baby shower was a complete success- the restaurant is beautiful without being too much of a spectacle- and even has a tuned piano, which allowed us to have live background music for the event. My wife had a wonderful day, and it was made possible by Nora and all of the great staff at The Bosphorus! ”
“ Being from the Mediterranean, I've eaten this type of food my whole life, that being said I have never had an Adana Kebab like I had here, the sauce was perfect, the bread and amount of oil on the dish, the meat? I don't think I needed to chew it yet it was charred ah! Absolutely brilliant, the octopus is something you have to try if you're into seafood, beyond tender and my friend literally cleaned their plate clean! Get the appetizers and salad, go feel the amazing family style vibe at this lovely family run business, I'll tell you how I knew the food would be great before we even got the food, everyone that was already there was smiling and everyone that left, was hugging the owners. That to me, said it all! ”
“ One of the warmest dining experiences I’ve ever had. The place is family-run, and you can truly feel the heart behind everything — from the welcoming atmosphere to the home-cooked flavors. Auntie Noura, the lovely lady who served us, was an absolute gem — full of grace, kindness, and warmth. Her presence alone makes the visit special. If you’re looking for real food made with love and served with soul, this is the place! ”
“ Tucked away in the middle of the Oranges, this Mediterranean restaurant was a surprising find. The ambiance is elegant and thoughtfully designed, with attention to detail in both the decor and the presentation of the food. The staff is ... ”
“ 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. ”