Meyhane Balik

- 671 A Palisade Ave, Cliffside Park, NJ 07010

For residents across Bergen County and beyond in New Jersey seeking an authentic taste of the Mediterranean coast, particularly the vibrant flavors of Turkish and Aegean seafood cuisine, Meyhane Balik stands out as a premier dining destination. Located conveniently in Cliffside Park, this establishment specializes in fresh, expertly prepared fish and a dazzling array of traditional and unique meze (appetizers), embodying the spirit of a true 'meyhane'—a traditional spot for food, drink, and convivial gathering.

Meyhane Balik is not just a Mediterranean restaurant; it distinguishes itself as a dedicated Fish restaurant and Seafood restaurant, with deep roots in Turkish and Greek culinary traditions. The focus here is on quality, freshness, and culinary mastery, bringing a genuine coastal experience to the heart of New Jersey. The atmosphere is consistently described by local patrons as warm, cozy, and inviting, offering an elegant yet effortless setting for any occasion, from a quiet dinner to a celebratory event.

The concept is rooted in modern seafood dining, while honoring timeless Turkish and Mediterranean traditions, ensuring every dish is a tribute to the sea's finest offerings. The extensive menu is meticulously crafted, featuring fresh seafood, cool meze, and a dedication to bold, balanced flavors.

The heart of the Meyhane Balik menu lies in its impressive selection of seafood, prepared with precision and care. You can find whole grilled fish options like $49.00 Cupra (Sea Bream), $35.99 Levrek (Branzino), $49.00 Kalkan (Turbot), and seasonal favorites like $35.99 Lufer (Blue Fish) and $25.99 Hamsi (Anchovy). The raw ingredients are celebrated, often simply grilled to perfection with a crispy, golden skin and tender, juicy flesh, making the experience one of pure flavor.

Equally central to the experience is the legendary meze selection. This is where the restaurant truly shines, offering dozens of cold and hot starters that encourage sharing and sampling. From classics to unique regional specialties, the meze selection includes:

• Cold Appetizers (Meze): $12.99 Cacık (Yogurt With Cucumber), $12.99 Stormy Fava (Fava Bean Purée), $14.99 Octopus Tapas, $12.99 Baba Ghanoush, and unique items like $12.99 Koz Gozlum and $14.99 Girit.
• Hot Starters: $18.99 Shrimp Casserole, $18.99 Calamari, $29.90 Octopus Casserole, and even the unique $18.99 Fish Kokorec (Seasoned Fish Offal).
• Salads: Fresh options include the $16.99 Coban Salata (Shepherd's Salad) and the namesake $20.99 Meyhane Salad.

No Mediterranean feast is complete without dessert. Patrons frequently praise the traditional sweets, such as $9.22 Baklava, $9.22 Maraş Ice Cream, and the celebrated $10.25 (small) or $14.37 (large) Semolina Halva.

The beverage list includes traditional Turkish and classic American sodas, with unique offerings like $3.95 Ayran (Yogurt Drink) and $9.95 Bottled Turnip Juice, alongside $3.95 Turkish Coffee. A key highlight for many local patrons is the 'Bring Your Own Bottle' (BOB) policy for *rakı*, allowing guests to pair their meal with their preferred spirit, for which the restaurant provides all the necessary accompaniments.

Location and Accessibility

Meyhane Balik is ideally situated in the vibrant community of Cliffside Park, making it an accessible spot for residents across Bergen, Hudson, and Essex counties. The location in the heart of Cliffside Park's dining scene makes it a desirable destination for authentic Mediterranean cuisine.

• Address: 671 A Palisade Ave, Cliffside Park, NJ 07010, USA
• This prime North Jersey address places it on a major thoroughfare, easily reachable by car. While the exact parking situation can vary, street parking is typically available nearby for patrons visiting the restaurant.
• Its proximity to major regional roads makes it a straightforward drive from many New Jersey towns, and even a convenient trip from New York City.

Services Offered

Meyhane Balik offers a variety of services to accommodate all dining preferences and events:

• Dine-in: Enjoy the warm, authentic, and cozy 'meyhane' atmosphere with genuine hospitality.
• Takeout: Meals can be prepared for convenient pickup.
• Curbside Pickup: A convenient option for quick and easy retrieval of orders.
• Catering: Special menus and arrangements can be made for events and large gatherings.
• Private Dining Room: Available for special events, celebrations, and private functions, often featuring custom-designed menus from the chef.

Features / Highlights

The restaurant stands out in the New Jersey dining landscape due to several unique features:

• Unparalleled Seafood Freshness: The commitment to serving freshly caught seafood, expertly grilled and delicately seasoned, is a hallmark of the dining experience.
• Extensive Aegean-Inspired Meze: Offering dozens of meticulously prepared appetizers, many with Aegean influences, which go beyond typical Turkish meze offerings, ensuring a fresh and unique culinary journey.
• Halal Food Options: The menu includes Halal food, catering to diverse dietary needs within the community.
• BYOB for Rakı: Patrons can bring their own bottle of *rakı* to enjoy with their meal, a feature that significantly enhances the traditional meyhane experience.
• Organic Dishes: Commitment to quality ingredients includes the offering of organic dishes.
• Cozy and Authentic Ambiance: The space is designed with warm lighting, natural textures, and thoughtful details to evoke a coastal ambiance and timeless comfort.
• Accepts Reservations: Planning is simple and convenient, as the restaurant accepts reservations, especially recommended for dinner and weekend visits.
• Professional and Attentive Service: The staff is frequently praised for their genuine hospitality and incredible attention to detail, ensuring every guest feels valued.

Contact Information

For reservations, takeout, or inquiries, you can reach Meyhane Balik directly:

• Address: 671 A Palisade Ave, Cliffside Park, NJ 07010, USA
• Phone: (201) 917-5577 or +1 201-917-5577

What is Worth Choosing Meyhane Balik

For New Jersey diners, Meyhane Balik represents more than just a Mediterranean meal; it’s an immersive culinary and cultural experience. The restaurant is worth choosing because it masterfully blends the freshest seafood with the rich, bold, and soulful flavors of Turkish and Aegean cuisine, under the guidance of a passionate chef whose philosophy is rooted in care and creativity.

It’s the ideal choice for seafood lovers looking for more than the usual offering, thanks to specialty dishes like grilled Branzino, various whole-fish options, and unique hot starters like the Fish Kokorec. The enormous selection of meze makes it perfect for those who enjoy tapas-style dining and sharing a variety of distinct flavors. Whether you are looking for an intimate dinner, professional catering, a private dining event, or simply a high-quality Halal meal, Meyhane Balik delivers outstanding food and genuine hospitality in a beautifully cozy setting. The added benefit of the BYOB policy for *rakı* truly elevates the authentic traditional dining experience right here in Cliffside Park, NJ.

Meyhane Balik

671 A Palisade Ave, Cliffside Park, NJ 07010, USA