Hakki Baba Turkish Mediterranean Restaurant

- 555 Anderson Ave, Cliffside Park, NJ 07010

North Jersey residents are spoiled for choice when it comes to world-class cuisine, and the stretch of Bergen County along the Hudson River is a true hotspot for authentic Turkish and Mediterranean flavors. Within this thriving culinary community, Hakki Baba Turkish Mediterranean Restaurant in Cliffside Park stands out as a genuine neighborhood treasure. More than just a place to grab a quick bite, Hakki Baba offers an immersive dining experience, bringing generations of culinary tradition right to your table. If you're searching for authentic kebabs, flavorful Halal options, or a cozy spot for a family dinner, this establishment should be at the top of your list. It has rightfully earned its reputation as a go-to for those seeking a warm ambiance, friendly service, and truly delicious food.

The menu at Hakki Baba is a vibrant tour of the Turkish and Mediterranean kitchen, perfectly blending the rich spice blends and grilled meats of Turkey's southeast, such as Gaziantep—the city where the restaurant’s culinary roots began back in the 1920s—with the fresh, healthy flavors of the Mediterranean coast. From classic Turkish kebabs to unique regional specialties, there is a dish to satisfy every palate.

A great way to start your meal is by exploring the Cold Appetizers. Options like the creamy Hummus, smoky Baba Ganoush, or the refreshing Cacik (a yogurt and cucumber dip) are perfect for sharing, especially when paired with their famous fresh bread. For a complete experience, consider the Large or Small Appetizer Combinations, which give you a taste of several house-made dips and salads, including Spicy Minced Salad and Eggplant Salad. Salads like the Large Shepherd Salad—a finely diced mix of tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and parsley—provide a perfect, bright complement to the heavier meat courses.

The core of the Hakki Baba experience lies in its kebabs and traditional plates, all prepared using Halal-certified ingredients. The grill menu is extensive and features classics like Lamb Shish Kebab, Chicken Shish Kebab, and Kofte Kebab. Meat lovers looking for a premium experience will appreciate the Filet Mignon Shish Kebab. Beyond the classic skewers, the menu features unique dishes that showcase the depth of Turkish cooking.

One of the restaurant’s signature items is the Sarma Beyti ($28.95). For those unfamiliar, Sarma Beyti is an impressive, flavorful dish featuring seasoned ground meat—often lamb or beef—grilled on a skewer, wrapped in thin flatbread, sliced into spirals, topped with tomato sauce, and served with a dollop of cool, garlicky yogurt. It is a savory, textural delight that captures the hearty essence of Turkish cuisine, a definite must-try that customers rave about.

Another regional specialty to look for is the Ali Nazik. This dish, a specialty from Gaziantep, Turkey, translates to a "delicate hand" and consists of tender grilled kebab (available with Filet Mignon Shish, Lamb Shish, Chicken, or Adana) served over a bed of creamy, smoked eggplant puree blended with garlic yogurt. The combination of the hot, savory meat with the cool, smoky eggplant base creates an unforgettable flavor profile. The offerings include: Ali Nazik - Filet Mignon Shish ($32.95), Ali Nazik - Lamb Shish ($32.95), and Ali Nazik - Chicken or Adana ($27.95).

Also notable is the Turkish Ravioli ($23.95), known as Manti. Unlike the larger, sauce-drenched Italian version, Turkish Manti consists of very small dumplings filled with seasoned ground meat, boiled, and typically served with a generous topping of garlic yogurt and a drizzle of spiced, melted butter and/or a light tomato sauce. This dish is a true labor of love and a comforting taste of Turkish home cooking.

For dessert, you can’t go wrong with the traditional Baklava ($8.95) or the delicate Pistachio Milk Pudding ($8.95). These sweet finishes are the perfect capstone to a rich meal.

Hakki Baba is conveniently located on Anderson Avenue in Cliffside Park, making it an accessible dining destination for residents throughout Bergen and Hudson Counties, and even a quick trip across the bridge from New York City. The restaurant offers a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere, perfect for any occasion from a casual weekday lunch to a festive weekend dinner.

Parking is available for patrons, with both free street parking and paid street parking options nearby, which is a major convenience in this bustling North Jersey neighborhood. The establishment prioritizes guest comfort, offering:

• Wheelchair Accessible Entrance
• Wheelchair Accessible Parking Lot
• Wheelchair Accessible Seating

The restaurant provides a variety of service options to meet the needs of every local customer:

• Dine-in (Table Service)
• Delivery (including No-Contact Delivery)
• Takeout
• Outdoor Seating
• Catering (Four catering options available, ranging from Option A at $100.00 to Option D at $240.00)
• Accepts Reservations for planning group gatherings

Hakki Baba offers an environment and menu designed for comfort, quality, and community engagement. Key highlights include:

• Authentic Halal Food, alongside a wide range of comfort food, healthy options, and vegetarian dishes.
• Diverse Dining Options: Perfect for Lunch, Dinner, Dessert, and large-scale Catering.
• Outstanding Beverages: Renowned for Great Coffee and a Great Tea Selection, including Turkish Coffee and Turkish Tea.
• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Good for Kids, with High Chairs and a dedicated Kids' Menu available.
• Cozy and Casual Ambiance: The setting is described as cozy, quiet, and family-friendly, making it ideal for groups and solo diners alike.
• Full Amenities: Includes a clean Restroom and complimentary Wi-Fi access.
• Flexible Payment: Accepts Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and NFC Mobile Payments.
• A Neighborhood Gem: Customer reviews consistently praise the intimate, quaint family-owned vibe and super friendly staff.

To plan your visit, place an order, or inquire about catering, use the details below:

Address: 555 Anderson Ave, Cliffside Park, NJ 07010, USA

Phone: (201) 840-8444

Hakki Baba Turkish Mediterranean Restaurant is truly worth choosing for the discerning New Jersey diner for several compelling reasons. It offers more than just the standard Middle Eastern fare; it provides an authentic cultural experience rooted in a multi-generational family history that began in the heart of Turkey’s kebab capital, Antep.

The restaurant excels in providing a warm, intimate ambiance—an important detail for a community-focused establishment—that local patrons love, with one reviewer noting its “intimate and great ambiance” which is "always a hit" with friends and family. The generous portions and fresh flavors are another key selling point. The Mixed Grill platter, for example, is highlighted by customers for its impressive quality and value, offering enough food to easily feed a group with leftovers to spare. Furthermore, the commitment to Halal food, alongside plentiful vegetarian and healthy options, ensures that every member of the family or group will find something to enjoy.

Whether you're craving a robust, flavorful gyro on the go, a classic, perfectly seasoned shish kebab, or a taste of Turkey's more sophisticated regional dishes like Sarma Beyti and Ali Nazik, Hakki Baba delivers an authentic and delightful Mediterranean dining experience that continues to make it a favorite destination in the competitive North Jersey culinary landscape. For a genuine taste of Turkish tradition right here in Cliffside Park, look no further.

Hakki Baba Turkish Mediterranean Restaurant

555 Anderson Ave, Cliffside Park, NJ 07010, USA