HITIT LOKANTASI

- 967 Main St, Paterson, NJ 07503

## HITIT LOKANTASI: Bringing Authentic Turkish Home-Style Cuisine to Paterson, NJ

For New Jersey diners seeking a truly authentic, heartfelt culinary experience that goes beyond the standard kebab shop, **HITIT LOKANTASI** in Paterson offers an unmissable destination. Located right on Main Street, this establishment is celebrated as an "esnaf lokantası," which translates to a tradesman's or home-style restaurant—a place where food is prepared daily, much like a Turkish kitchen, with an emphasis on rich, comforting, and traditional hot dishes (or "sulu yemek").

The core appeal of HITIT LOKANTASI, as highlighted by local patrons, is its unwavering commitment to quality and authenticity. Customers consistently note that the food transports them directly back to Turkey, thanks to the use of high-quality, fresh ingredients. This approach ensures that every spoonful of soup, every slice of meat, and every piece of dessert is imbued with genuine, mouthwatering flavor.

The atmosphere is a key part of the experience. Described as simple, clean, and classic with a "super relaxing" and "cozy" vibe, the restaurant aims to make every visitor feel at home. It’s a favorite among **Locals** for both **Lunch** and **Dinner**, providing an ideal spot for **Solo dining** or bringing the **Kids** for a wholesome meal. For those in the Paterson area, HITIT LOKANTASI is not just a restaurant; it’s a source of comforting, authentic Turkish hospitality and cuisine.

## Location and Accessibility

HITIT LOKANTASI is conveniently located in the bustling heart of Paterson, on a major street that sees consistent traffic and activity. Its address makes it highly visible and easy to find for both local residents and visitors traveling from other parts of New Jersey.

The official address is: 967 Main St, Paterson, NJ 07503, USA.

The restaurant’s location on Main Street provides several parking options to accommodate diners. Customers can utilize **Free street parking** where available, or opt for **Paid street parking** during peak hours. This blend of on-street options ensures that accessibility for vehicles is manageable. While information regarding full physical accessibility (such as ramps or wheelchair seating) is not explicitly detailed, the restaurant's central location and focus on serving the local community make it a convenient stop for a quick, quality meal. The cozy interior includes a clean **Restroom** for patron use.

The operating hours for HITIT LOKANTASI are generally consistent, offering service throughout the day. The confirmed hours are 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM, seven days a week, ensuring that this authentic taste of Turkey is available for lunch, dinner, and everything in between.

## Services Offered

HITIT LOKANTASI provides flexible service options to meet the needs of all its Paterson patrons:

• **Dine-in:** Enjoy a relaxing meal in the cozy, classic atmosphere with full **Table service** for **Lunch, Dinner, and Dessert**.
• **Takeout:** Conveniently pick up your order to enjoy authentic Turkish food at home or on the go.
• **Outdoor Seating:** Available for guests who prefer dining al fresco.
• **Reservations:** The restaurant accepts reservations, making it easy to plan group outings or ensure adequate seating during busy times.
• **Diverse Dining Hours:** Open from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily, making it accessible for both early and late dining.

The service model emphasizes both the full dining experience (dine-in, table service) and speed (takeout, quick bite), making it highly versatile for the local crowd.

## Features / Highlights

The standout features of HITIT LOKANTASI cement its reputation as a premier destination for Turkish cuisine in New Jersey:

• **Authentic Lokantası Style:** The operational style is highly traditional, with many hot dishes displayed on a steam table that change daily, offering a true taste of Turkish home cooking (sulu yemek/stews).
• **Exceptional Ingredient Quality:** Patrons consistently praise the high-quality, fresh ingredients used in every dish, noted for reminding customers of meals eaten in Turkey.
• **Signature Turkish Dishes:** Offers specialties like authentic **Lamb Gyro (Doner Kebab)** made with real sliced beef (not ground meat), and traditional Turkish soups like **Lamb Head** and **Tripe** (Iskembe) alongside classics like **Red Lentil**.
• **Cozy & Relaxing Atmosphere:** The interior is described as clean, classic, and welcoming, creating a relaxing vibe that makes guests feel comfortable and at home.
• **Diverse Offerings:** The menu successfully blends **Comfort food** with **Quick bite** options, **Small plates** (appetizers), and includes a strong selection of traditional **Pide** (Turkish flatbread).
• **Good for Kids:** The casual and welcoming atmosphere, combined with universally appealing comfort food, makes it a great spot for family dining.

## Contact Information

To place an order, inquire about the daily hot dishes, or make a reservation, please use the following contact information:

Address: 967 Main St, Paterson, NJ 07503, USA

Phone: (973) 947-0046

Mobile Phone: +1 973-947-0046

## What is Worth Choosing at HITIT LOKANTASI

The menu at HITIT LOKANTASI offers a unique opportunity for New Jersey diners to experience the depth and variety of authentic Turkish cooking, particularly the beloved "lokantası" style—dishes that taste truly homemade. By offering a blend of daily changing hot dishes and permanent classics, the restaurant ensures a fresh and exciting experience with every visit.

### The Heart of the Lokantası: Hot Dishes and Soups

What sets HITIT LOKANTASI apart is its selection of stews and hot dishes (sulu yemek), often displayed on a steam table. Patrons should prioritize these daily-changing items for the freshest, most authentic flavors. Confirmed popular offerings include the richly flavored **Roasted Beef** ($24.00), the traditional **Marinated Beans** ($20.00), and the vegetable-focused **Marinated Okra** ($18.00). The **Eggplant Kebab** ($22.00) and **Patlican Kebab** ($20.00) showcase the masterful use of eggplant, a staple in Ottoman-influenced cuisine. For a comforting, hearty meal, the **Lamb Shank** ($24.00) or the complex **Sultan's Delight** ($24.00) are highly recommended choices that demonstrate the kitchen’s capability.

Soups are a non-negotiable part of the Turkish diet, and HITIT LOKANTASI excels here. Beyond the comforting **Lentil** and **Red Lentil** soups ($8.00 each), the restaurant offers deeply traditional varieties like **Lamb Head** ($12.00) and **Tripe** (Iskembe, $12.00) soups. These are highly flavorful, authentic choices that are hard to find outside of dedicated Turkish establishments and are a testament to the restaurant's authenticity.

### Kebab, Pide, and Turkish Bread Culture

The restaurant’s commitment to quality shines through in its **Lamb Gyro (Doner Kebab)**. Customer feedback specifically calls out that this is made with real sliced beef, a superior and more authentic preparation than the commonly found ground meat version. This makes it a top-tier choice for any doner aficionado in New Jersey. Alongside the doner, the **Pide** (Turkish flatbread) selection is worth exploring. Varieties like **Ground Beef Pide** ($20.00) and **Spinach and Meat Pide** ($22.00) are excellent, substantial meals perfect for lunch or sharing. The availability of fresh, delicious bread is a hallmark of Turkish culture, and the ability to pair it with these hot dishes and pides is a major draw.

### Desserts and Traditional Drinks

Do not conclude the meal without a taste of the desserts. The **Rice Pudding (Sutlac)** is praised in reviews as "so so delicious," often served topped with crashed walnuts. This simple, creamy Turkish classic is the perfect, light finish. Pair it with a traditional **Yogurt Drink (Ayran)** ($3.00) or the uniquely savory **Turnip Juice (Salgam)** ($2.00) for a truly authentic closure to the meal. This attention to every detail, from the main course to the final beverage, is why HITIT LOKANTASI is so highly regarded by those who appreciate true Turkish culinary craft.