Chef Mediterranean

- 38 Union Ave, Cresskill, NJ 07626

Discover the rich, vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean right here in New Jersey. Tucked away in Bergen County, Chef Mediterranean in Cresskill offers local diners an authentic culinary journey focused on the traditions of Turkish and Eastern Mediterranean cooking. Praised for its commitment to fresh ingredients and traditional recipes, this restaurant has quickly established itself as a go-to spot for those seeking high-quality, flavorful food in a welcoming setting.

Far more than just a local eatery, Chef Mediterranean provides a delightful escape, where every dish—from the smoky Babaghannouj to the tender Lamb Shish Kebab—is crafted with care. Whether you are a long-time fan of Turkish food or new to the cuisine, Chef Mediterranean promises a memorable and satisfying dining experience, making it a true culinary gem in Cresskill, NJ. The atmosphere is consistently described as cozy and casual, providing a quiet and relaxed setting that is family-friendly and welcoming to all local guests, including members of the LGBTQ+ community.

One of the restaurant’s standout features is its dedication to accommodating diverse preferences, notably by providing Halal food options. This commitment, alongside a menu rich with fresh salads and vegetable-based appetizers, ensures that a wide array of diners, from locals to those traveling through Bergen County, can find something delicious and suitable for their needs. From a quick bite at lunchtime to a leisurely dinner, Chef Mediterranean offers a slice of the sun-drenched Mediterranean coast right on Union Avenue.

Location and Accessibility

Chef Mediterranean is conveniently located at the heart of Cresskill, making it easily accessible for residents and visitors throughout Northern New Jersey. The restaurant's address is 38 Union Ave, Cresskill, NJ 07626, USA. This location offers excellent parking accessibility, with both a Free Parking Lot and Free Street Parking available, which is a significant convenience in Bergen County. Moreover, the restaurant is committed to ensuring a comfortable visit for all patrons, featuring comprehensive accessibility amenities including a Wheelchair Accessible Entrance, Wheelchair Accessible Parking Lot, Wheelchair Accessible Restroom, and Wheelchair Accessible Seating.

Services Offered

• Dine-in service with seating and attentive table service.
• Takeout and Curbside Pickup options for convenience.
• Delivery and No-contact Delivery through popular services.
• Accepts Reservations to secure your table in advance.
• Catering services available for special events and larger gatherings.
• A dedicated Kids' Menu and availability of High Chairs, making it good for families.
• Full operating hours typically running from 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM every day.
• Accepts various payment methods including Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and NFC Mobile Payments.

Features / Highlights

• Authentic Cuisine: Specializes in both Mediterranean and Turkish cuisine, featuring traditional dishes like various charcoal-grilled kebabs, flavorful mezzes, and homemade Turkish desserts such as Baklava and Kazandibi.
• Halal Food: A key offering that caters to a diverse clientele in New Jersey.
• Menu Variety: Offers a comprehensive menu that spans from light Cold Appetizers (SOGUK MEZELER) like Hummus, Babaghanoush, and Shepherd's Salad to hearty Entrees (SICAKLAR) like Lamb Shish Kebab, Adana Kebab, and the Chef Combination platter.
• Dietary Options: Known for its selection of Healthy Options, Small Plates, and ample Vegetarian Options such as Falafel and various eggplant-based dishes like Vegetable Stuffed Eggplant (IMAM BAYILDI).
• Signature Dishes: Highly-rated items include the Calamari (which one customer called the "best thing I've ever had"), the juicy Gyro/Doner Kebab, and the substantial Chef Special meat platter.
• Ambiance: Features a Casual, Cozy, and sometimes Quiet atmosphere, perfect for Solo Dining, a date night, or a family outing.
• Amenities: Guests can enjoy Free Wi-Fi and accessible Restroom facilities, including a Gender-Neutral Restroom.

Contact Information

To plan your visit or place an order, you can use the following information:

• Address: 38 Union Ave, Cresskill, NJ 07626, USA
• Phone: (201) 367-9565
• Mobile Phone: +1 201-367-9565

What is Worth Choosing at Chef Mediterranean

For local New Jersey diners looking for an exceptional meal, Chef Mediterranean stands out for several compelling reasons. The core of the experience is the authenticity and quality of the Turkish and Mediterranean dishes. Reviewers frequently highlight the freshness of the food, the beautiful presentation, and the warm, attentive service provided by the friendly staff, making for a truly delightful night out.

The charcoal-grilled kebabs are a must-try. Options like the Lamb Shish Kebab and the Gyro/Doner Kebab are consistently praised for their flavor and tenderness. For those who enjoy variety, the Chef Combination platter offers a generous sampling of the restaurant’s best meats, including chicken, gyro, lamb, and adana kebabs, providing a great way to explore the menu. The Yogurt Dishes (YOGURTLU KEBABLAR), such as the Iskender Kebab (gyro with fried Turkish bread, yogurt, and tomato sauce), are a hearty and traditional choice that come highly recommended.

Appetizers, or Mezzes, are another strong suit, with the Combination Mezes offering a selection of 5 or 9 cold dips and small plates—perfect for sharing. The Calamari has garnered specific acclaim as a standout hot appetizer. For a lighter but equally flavorful start, the various salads like the Shepherd’s Salad or Grilled Salmon with Arugula offer fresh, healthy Mediterranean tastes.

Beyond the main courses, the dedication to providing both Halal food and numerous Healthy options ensures that Chef Mediterranean is an inclusive dining choice for the community. The existence of a Lunch Special course (mentioned in reviews, often including soup and a beverage) makes it a particularly excellent value proposition for weekday dining. Finally, don't overlook the desserts; the traditional Turkish sweets like Baklava provide a sweet and satisfying finish to any meal, praised as being particularly enjoyable by patrons.

While some reviews mention minor inconsistencies like occasional dry kebabs or the need to address an issue like flies, the overwhelming sentiment from local customers is positive, emphasizing stellar service, fresh food, and an authentic, pleasant atmosphere. Chef Mediterranean remains a premier choice for experiencing the rich tapestry of Mediterranean and Turkish cuisine in Bergen County, NJ.

With its inviting atmosphere, wide-ranging menu, and commitment to fresh flavors, Chef Mediterranean in Cresskill, NJ, invites you to step in and enjoy a true taste of the Mediterranean coast without ever leaving New Jersey.

Chef Mediterranean

38 Union Ave, Cresskill, NJ 07626, USA