StreetLevel: Mediterranean replaces Mediterranean on 5th
The tiny, high-turnover space on 5th Avenue next to Chip Shop (formerly host to the late, lamented Curry Shop) has reopened once again, this time as Mediterra Restaurant. Just this spring a Turkish restaurant called Alaturka started operating out of the spot; Mediterra, it seems, will be serving a broader array of Mediterranean cuisine (eg,…
The tiny, high-turnover space on 5th Avenue next to Chip Shop (formerly host to the late, lamented Curry Shop) has reopened once again, this time as Mediterra Restaurant. Just this spring a Turkish restaurant called Alaturka started operating out of the spot; Mediterra, it seems, will be serving a broader array of Mediterranean cuisine (eg, Greek salad, $6, joins falafel wraps, $7, on the menu). Anyone sampled the goods yet? GMAP
Pollo is always a ghost town. Tastes like chicken; smells like failure.
I’m amazed that “Zilli” joint is still open–always seems half empty at the best. Plus, on a side note, has anyone EVER seen a person in the new Peruvian place “Pollo?” I noted that they’re prices are universally higher than Coco Roco. Not a smart move…
We loved Alaturka’s food, and the owner was the sweetest young guy. But he made some very obvious mistakes like he never got a liquor license, and the decor was like a brightly lit cafeteria, not comfy and intimate. Therefore they never ever got the dinner crowds. In an area without office buildings no restaurants can survive on only a lunch clientele. Also that corner with all its glass feels like a fishbowl on a pedestal when you’re inside it. Bad feng shui; it needs fixing.
We haven’t checked out Mediterra yet, but intend to do so soon. We’re just glad to have Turkish cuisine nearby that’s better than Zilla/Zilli whatever it’s called. They don’t do kebobs at Zilli and talk about stumbles newbie restauranteurs can make – remember when Zilli was called “Comfort Zone” (worst name ever in history) and they charged for every refill of coffee? Clueless!
Anyone been to the other Turkish place on Fifth, Zilli? It always seems kinda empty every time I walked past it.
Alaturka was good but prices were too high. $15 – $20 for lamb kabobs, etc. I think that’s why it failed.
This seems to be priced right with the right kind of menu.
I hope it does well.
Looks nice enough.
The menu fails to inspire, but surely they cannot fail more quickly than A La Turka.
I guess I should try it. However, it would help if they offered brunch on weekends. Otherwise, I don’t feel confident they will survive.
haven’t tried it, but they need to lose the faux neon “OPEN” sign (not visible in the picture).