Samdan Mediterranean Restaurant and Bar Introduce
**Introduction / Overview: Your Bergen County Destination for Authentic Mediterranean Cuisine**
For **New Jersey** residents craving an authentic and upscale dining experience that captures the vibrant flavors of the Aegean and the Middle East, **Samdan Mediterranean Restaurant and Bar** in Cresskill stands out as an unparalleled choice. More than just a local eatery, Samdan is a premier **Mediterranean restaurant** that specializes in the rich traditions of **Turkish restaurant** and **Greek restaurant** cuisine, also encompassing broader **European restaurant** and **Middle Eastern restaurant** influences.
Samdan offers a beautifully balanced experience, combining an **upscale** and **trendy** ambiance with a **casual** and **cozy** feel. This blend makes it perfect for various occasions, from a productive business **Lunch** to a celebratory **Dinner** or a relaxing night of **solo dining**. Customers consistently praise the restaurant for its **fast service**, the quality of its beverages—specifically noting the **great coffee**, **amazing cocktails**, and a **great wine list**—and the kindness of the staff, even for **late-night food** patrons.
The menu is a celebration of fresh ingredients and traditional preparation, featuring iconic dishes like the highly-recommended **Hummus** and **Adana Kebab**, as well as exquisite options like **Lamb Chops** and fresh **Seafood**. Samdan is not just a place to eat; with its full **Bar onsite**, it’s a comprehensive dining and social venue, offering attractive **happy hour drinks** and **happy hour food** to the Bergen County community. Whether you're a first-time sampler of Mediterranean food or a long-time enthusiast, Samdan promises an authentic, welcoming, and memorable New Jersey dining experience.
**Location and Accessibility: Conveniently Located on Piermont Road**
Samdan Mediterranean Restaurant and Bar is conveniently located at **178 Piermont Rd, Cresskill, NJ 07626, USA**. This location in Bergen County makes it easily reachable for residents across Northern New Jersey, including those in Alpine, Tenafly, and Demarest.
The restaurant is highly accessible, ensuring a comfortable experience for all guests:
- **Parking:** The availability of both a **Free parking lot** and **Free street parking** simplifies arrival, which is a major advantage in suburban New Jersey.
- **Physical Accessibility:** The premises feature a **Wheelchair accessible entrance**, **Wheelchair accessible parking lot**, **Wheelchair accessible restroom**, and **Wheelchair accessible seating**.
- **Outdoor Options:** The restaurant also offers **Outdoor seating**, a perfect option for enjoying the beautiful New Jersey weather while you dine, and is **Dogs allowed outside** for patrons with pets.
**Services Offered**
Samdan provides a full range of services tailored for a seamless and high-quality dining experience:
- **Dining Flexibility:** Offers **Dine-in**, **Outdoor seating**, **Takeout**, **Delivery**, **Curbside pickup**, and **No-contact delivery**.
- **Full Meal Service:** Available for **Lunch**, **Dinner**, and **Dessert**, with attentive **Table service** provided during seated meals.
- **Bar & Beverage Service:** Features a full **Bar onsite** with an excellent selection of **Alcohol**, **Beer**, **Hard liquor**, **Wine**, and expertly mixed **Cocktails**.
- **Event Planning:** **Accepts reservations**, with **Lunch reservations recommended** and **Dinner reservations recommended**, particularly for **Groups** or for hosting a reception-style event.
- **Special Offerings:** Includes a curated menu for **Happy hour drinks** and **Happy hour food**, along with **Late-night food** for later visitors.
- **Catering:** Provides **Catering** services, allowing you to bring the authentic flavors of Samdan to your private event.
- **Family Accommodations:** Is **Good for kids** and provides **High chairs** and a dedicated **Kids' menu**.
**Features / Highlights**
The distinct features of Samdan make it a standout Mediterranean destination in Northern New Jersey:
- **Authentic Kebab & Appetizer Selection:** Known for its signature Kebab dishes (like **Adana Kebab**, **Lamb Shish Kebab**, and **Saslik Kebab**) and beloved cold appetizers such as the "absolutely delicious" **Hummus**, **Babagannus**, and flavorful **Spicy Paste / Acili Ezme**.
- **Exceptional Beverage Program:** Highlighted by patrons for its **Great wine list**, impressive **Cocktails**, and traditional drinks like **Turkish Coffee** and **Ayran**.
- **Diverse Menu Offerings:** Caters to all dietary needs with ample **Vegetarian options**, **Healthy options**, and classic **Comfort food** selections, available in **Small plates** format as well.
- **Elegant and Comfortable Atmosphere:** The venue is simultaneously **Upscale**, **Trendy**, and **Cozy**, making it appropriate for a romantic date night or a casual get-together with friends.
- **Signature Dishes:** Offers unique and traditional choices like **Turkish Dumplings / Manti**, **Okra With Lamb (Etli Bamya)**, and the daily-changing **Serves local specialty** (e.g., **Lamb Shank** on the specials list).
- **Dessert Focus:** Features a strong dessert menu, noted for **Great dessert**, including traditional favorites like **Baklava** and **Kazandibi**.
**Contact Information**
To book your next meal, inquire about catering, or place a takeout order at Samdan Mediterranean Restaurant and Bar:
- **Address:** 178 Piermont Rd, Cresskill, NJ 07626, USA
- **Phone (Primary):** (201) 816-7343
- **Mobile Phone:** +1 201-816-7343
Using the phone numbers is the best way to secure a table, as **reservations are recommended** for both lunch and dinner, especially for **groups**.
**What is Worth Choosing: The Samdan Experience**
Samdan Mediterranean Restaurant and Bar offers a compelling choice for New Jersey diners seeking authenticity, ambiance, and impeccable service. It is worth choosing for several key reasons that elevate it above typical local dining options.
The first reason is the **authentic Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine**. You can rely on Samdan for dishes that are the "stars" of the menu, such as the robust **Adana Kebab** and the essential **Hummus**. The opportunity to explore lesser-known but equally delicious Turkish favorites like **Turkish Kibbeh / Icli Kofte** and **Turkish Dumplings / Manti** makes for an exciting culinary adventure. The **Combination Appetizers** offer a perfect way to sample many of these flavorful dishes, which customers say "loved the mixed pickles which is a nice balance to the richness of the other dishes."
Secondly, the **versatility of the dining experience** is a major draw. While it feels like a fantastic **dinner restaurant**—perfect for a "good place to host a reception"—it is equally capable of serving a delicious, quick **Lunch**. The **Bar onsite** with its sophisticated **Great wine list** and amazing **Cocktails** means you don't have to choose between a fine meal and a great drink. Samdan provides the total package.
Finally, the dedication to **hospitality and convenience** ensures a pleasant experience from start to finish. From the accessibility features like **wheelchair access** and **free parking** to the staff who remain "incredibly kind and welcoming" even when guests stay **late-night**, Samdan makes every New Jersey guest feel valued. When looking for a high-quality, authentic, and all-around outstanding **Mediterranean restaurant** in Bergen County, Samdan offers a complete and highly recommended dining experience.
Samdan Mediterranean Restaurant and Bar Menu
Today's Specials
- Lamb Shank $30.00
Weekends.
Cold Appetizers
- Spicy Paste / Acili Ezme $11.00
A mature of finely chopped vegetables spices & walnuts.
- Babagannus $11.00
Pureed smoked eggplant with garlic and sesame oil.
- Cacik $10.00
Diced cucumbers in yogurt with a hint of garlic.
- Hummus $10.00
Pureed chickpeas with sesame oil & hint of garlic.
- Atom $11.00
Strained yogurt, spicy Albanian peppers and a hint of garlic.
- Spinach Tarator $11.00
Sauteed spinach with yogurt sauce.
- Eggplant Salad $11.00
Grilled eggplant with vegetables & garlic.
- Sauced Eggplant $11.00
Fried eggplant in a fresh tomato sauce.
- Cheese $12.00
French feta cheese.
- Tabuleh $11.00
A mixture of cracked wheat, green onions, tomato, parsley, and lettuce.
- Lebni $11.00
Curd yogurt with walnuts and a hint of garlic
- Stuffed Grape Leave $14.00
Grape leaves stuffed with rice, herbs, spices, parsley, and onion.
- Pickles $11.00
Mixed pickles.
- Pink Queen $11.00
Walnut, beet, mayo, lebni, olive oil, and garlic.
- Octopus Carpaccio $26.00
4 hours slowly cooked octopus with fermented dill sauce and capers.
Combination Appetizers
- Combination Appetizers (Small) $26.00
Chef's choice of five different appetizers.
- Combination Appetizers (Medium) $31.00
Chef's choice of seven different appetizers.
- Combination Appetizers (Large) $40.00
Chef's choice of nine different appetizers.
Hot Appetizers
- Fried Calf ’S Liver / Ciger $15.00
Served with onion salad.
- Borek $12.00
Flaky pastry filled with cheese and parsley.
- Falafel $13.00
Chickpeas, parsley, onion, celery. Served with tahini sauce.
- Calamari $16.00
Deep-fried squid.
- Grilled Octopus $20.00
Cherry tomatoes, red onion, green bell pepper, arugula, fermented dill sauce, and capers.
- Sauteed Shrimp $25.00
Sauced tomatoes, pepper, onion, garlic, and mozzarella cheese.
- Turkish Kibbeh / Icli Kofte $15.00
Wheat bulgur stuffed with ground lamb and beef, walnut, onion, spices, and pepper paste.
Salads
- Shepherd’s Salad $14.00
Tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and scallions with vinegar and olive oil dressing.
- Green Salad $12.00
Mixed greens and arugula served with olive oil dressing.
- Gavurdagi Salad $14.00
Tomatoes, cucumbers, onion, scallions, vinegar, walnut, olive oil dressing, and pomegranate sauce.
- Artichoke Salad With Avocado $14.00
Served with roasted eggplant sauce, olive oil, and lemon juice.
Soups
- Lentil Soup $7.00
- Chicken & Vegetables Soup $8.00
Side Dishes
- Grilled Vegetables $8.00
Tomatoes, sweet peppers, eggplant, zucchini & mushrooms.
- Sauteed String Beans $7.00
- Sauteed Spinach $8.00
- Mashed Potato $8.00
Yogurt Dishes
- Iskender $26.00
Doner kebab served over crunchy bread and a healthy portion of fresh yogurt topped with fresh tomato sauce. Available weekdays after 4 pm/weekends after 2pm)
- Gyro With Yogurt $25.00
Doner kebab served over crunchy bread and a healthy portion of fresh yogurt. Available weekdays after 4 pm/weekends after 2pm)
- Lamb Shish With Yogurt $28.00
Lamb shish kebab served over crunchy bread and a healthy portion of fresh yogurt.
- Chicken With Yogurt $25.00
Chicken shish kebab served over crunchy bread and a healthy portion of fresh yogurt.
- Lamb Adana With Yogurt $25.00
Lamb Adana kebab served over crunchy bread and a healthy portion of fresh yogurt.
Entrees
- Adana Kebab $24.00
Skewered ground lamb - charcoal broiled lamb patties marinated with our chef’s seasoning.
- Gyro Kebab $24.00
(available weekdays after 4pm / weekends after 2pm) marinated baby lamb and beef grilled on a revolving upright skewer and very thinly sliced
- Doner Kebab $24.00
(available weekdays after 4pm / weekends after 2pm) marinated baby lamb and beef grilled on a revolving upright skewer and very thinly sliced
- Has Has Kebab $26.00
Skewered ground lamb on a bed of special spicy sauce
- Stuffed Cabbage Leave $24.00
Cabbage leaves-stuffed w/ rice, lamb, onion, tomato sauce & herbs.
- Lamb Chops $36.00
Lamb chops-baby lamb chops broiled to your taste.
- Lamb Shish Kebab $27.00
Skewered lamb-charcoal broiled tender cubes of lamb marinated with our chef’s seasoning.
- Chicken Shish Kebab $23.00
Charcoal broiled tender cubes of marinated chicken with chef’s seasoning.
- Samdan Combination $38.00
Combination of chicken kebab, gyro / doner kebab, lamb shish kebab and adana kebab.
- Samdan Special $26.00
Breast of chicken in white wine, heavy cream sauce, and a hint of garlic.
- Okra With Lamb $25.00
Okra and pieces of lamb baked with fresh tomatoes, served with rice.
- Etli Bamya $25.00
Okra and pieces of lamb baked with fresh tomatoes, served with rice.
- Okra / Etsiz Bamya $20.00
Okra baked with fresh tomatoes, served with rice
- Chicken Adana $23.00
Skewered ground chicken-charcoal broiled chicken patties marinated with our chef’s seasoning.
- Meatballs $26.00
Ground lamb mixed with bread, onion, and garlic.
- Turkish Dumplings / Manti $28.00
Turkish dumplings with ground lamb and yogurt.
- Chicken Chops $25.00
Grilled chicken thighs marinated in creamy Turkish yogurt, paste, and garlic
- Saslik Kebab $25.00
Sliced filet mignon, red onion, green bell pepper, and special samdan sauce. Served with mashed potatoes.
- Rack Of Lamb $130.00
Served with sauteed spinach and mashed potatoes.
Seafood
- Grilled Salmon $28.00
- Mediterranean Branzino $36.00
Choice of whole or fillet.
- Shrimp Kebab $36.00
- Grilled Octopus $38.00
Herb hummus, tomatoes, fingerling potatoes, red onion, micro greens, capers, and lemon sauce.
- Mixed Seafood $42.00
Grilled calamari, grilled octopus, grilled shrimp, with lemon butter sauce on a bed of arugula.
Desserts
- Baklava $9.00
Very thin layers of dough with double pistachio in between layers and sweetened with syrup.
- Kadayif $9.00
Shredded wheat, walnuts, and syrup, topped with walnuts.
- Apricot Dessert $7.00
Apricot dessert with almonds and fresh cream.
- Kazandibi $8.00
Light milk pudding & cinnamon.
- Sutlac (Rice Puding) $8.00
- Almon Pudding $8.00
- Ice Cream $8.00
- Cheesecake $10.00
Beverages
- Ayran $6.00
Yogurt shake.
- Soda $5.00
- Sparkling Water $6.00
- Spring Water $3.00
- Iced Tea $4.00
Homemade ice tea.
- Turkish Coffee $5.00
Homemade ice tea.
- Coffee $4.00
Regular or decaffeinated.
- Tea $4.00
Herbal, lipton black tea & lipton black decaffeinated.
- Salgam $5.00
Samdan Mediterranean Restaurant and Bar Details
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Curbside pickup
- No-contact delivery
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
- Serves local specialty
- Sports
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Happy hour drinks
- Happy hour food
- Hard liquor
- Healthy options
- Late-night food
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Trendy
- Upscale
Crowd
- Groups
Planning
- Lunch reservations recommended
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Checks
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
- Parking
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Samdan Mediterranean Restaurant and Bar Photos










Samdan Mediterranean Restaurant and Bar Location
Samdan Mediterranean Restaurant and Bar
178 Piermont Rd, Cresskill, NJ 07626, USA
Samdan Mediterranean Restaurant and Bar Reviews
turkish foodshishdoneradana kebabmezzesshepherd's saladshaslikturkeychopsliver
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1The food is solid. Hummus and Adan Kebab were the stars. Baba ghanoush and Lamb Kebab were also quite tasty. I thought the tzatziki was a bit mint forward for my liking (prefer the garlicky kind more) but it was good. Also loved the mixed pickles which is a nice balance to the richness of the other dishes.Had lunch, but feels like more of a dinner restaurant. Would be a good place to host a reception. Prices for lunch could be more friendly but otherwise I would recommend.
April 21 · Jamison FoxIt was my first time trying Mediterranean food, and the hummus was absolutely delicious. This place also has amazing cocktails. I went with some friends who introduced me to it, and even though we stayed late, the staff remained incredibly kind and welcoming. I’m really grateful for that. I’d love to come back for lunch next time. Highly recommended!
May 14 · Rina Aragona (Lee)When I had a late night craving for Mediterranean food, we placed a delivery order from Samdan through Uber Eats.What an absolute smash out of the park.We didn't realize an order of baba ghanoush came with pita bread triangles, so we also got an order of the Turkish bread. I wish I'd gotten a picture of it because it was truly a thing to behold. Larger than a human head, just barely warm, and a soft and tender dipping vessel for any gooey and smushy dip. Suffice it to say the subaltern pita triangles went largely ignored once this was unbagged.Speaking of the baba ghanoush, this was also a joy-giving dip. Warm, with a hint of smokiness, and with a drizzle of olive oil, this hit the absolute spot.Our entrees were just as satisfying. Falafels somehow retained their crisp and crunch through the delivery ride, and the ground chicken adana was juicy and flavorful.It's a daring thing to give five stars to an establishment I've never visited in person, but in this case, the food spoke volumes for itself. Since then, this has been bookmarked as my go-to spot for when the Mediterranean yen hits.
July 05 · Jane CSamdan was definitely the right place to have a special dinner for Mother’s Day! The atmosphere was welcoming to all, and the service was very attentive, even though the restaurant was packed. We enjoyed sitting in the outdoor area surrounded by trees and listening to the pleasant music. Our main server, Nur, was particularly delightful and made sure we were enjoying ourselves the entire evening.As for the food, I am glad we came hungry because we decided to get a full course of appetizers, an entree, and desserts. The mezze combo (Pink Queen, Babaghanoush, and Fried Eggplant) was refreshing with the toasty focaccia. And the Fried Calf’s Liver is a classic since we came to Samdan years ago, and it still warms the heart. And the Lamb Shish was a meat lover’s dream. The lamb was perfectly tender, paired with rice and roasted vegetables. Samdan’s rice is difficult to describe, but it is consistently the best Middle Eastern-style rice we have ever had.Both desserts, the Kadayif and Kazandibi, were wonderful, and we would have gotten seconds in an instant if we weren’t completely full. Samdan’s Kazandibi was and remains a favorite dessert of mine since I was young, and I have never encountered another Turkish cafe or restaurant that makes a creamier custard in New Jersey.Since the last time we’ve been to Samdan many years ago, their remodel was a pleasant surprise, and it is nice to see that the identity of the restaurant has not changed, remaining an upscale family restaurant where people of all ages enjoy themselves.
May 23 · Philip LitvakSamdan was renovated, it seemed to have a new ownership. They did not offer the delicious Turkish bread or pita, we had to ask for the pita, which they had. The Sheppard salad was not as good as it used to be, didn’t have much flavor, the main dishes were delicious and plenty of food. We had to return our dessert because it was stale and this was replaced by baklava. The service was just awful and surprising because it was on a Wednesday and the restaurant was quite empty. We had to ask waiter many times for water, ice, bread…7/9/25We went for lunch and they have a lunch menu. It doesn’t include dessert but good price and nice size. The service was good and desserts too. For lunch it was quite crowded. Best to make reservations.
July 25 · Patricia F Schwartz (Patty)
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