Marmara Brings Mediterranean Dining To Freehold Raceway Mall

FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP, NJ — Marmara Mediterranean Cuisine is the latest venture of Bill Ayaz, a Manalapan resident whose own Turkish heritage has inspired this addition to Freehold Raceway Mall's offerings.

And he hopes the elegant new venue will attract diners not only for the menu, but for its ambiance and entertainment.

"We'll all have some fun," he says of the new restaurant, which he envisions as a place to gather, as well as to enjoy authentic Mediterranean cuisine.

The striking restaurant is 5,800 square feet, with 210 seats - all amid a "modern Mediterranean" atmosphere.

It features authentic flavors of the Marmara region of Turkey, located in northwestern Turkey. Its largest city is the historic Istanbul.

The menu includes fresh baked breads prepared in a custom stone oven, healthy salads, humus, felafel, shish kabab (lamb, chicken, steak, and five types of fish), traditional lamb dishes, seafood and vegetarian options, delicious Baklava and more. You can see all the menu at Marmara's website.

Ayaz is an entrepreneur in many areas. He came to New Jersey - Middlesex County - at age 20, he said. He went to college there and then in New York to become an accountant.

His other ventures at the mall include the longtime Giorgio's Fine Jewelers, Wisper Salon and Slime World for kids, he says. He also has a freestanding Club Metro gym in the Freehold area. He had another Marmara restaurant in Manalapan that he closed in 2010, he said. Marmara now replaces the former Ruby Tuesday in the mall.

But Marmara is bringing him back to his roots.

In fact, he traveled to Istanbul to bring home an authentic Turkish stone oven for the baked meat and cheese pies. He also brought back Turkish silverware and other accoutrements in a container, he said.

He has plans for entertainment, such as belly dancing and '80s Night. There are other plans too, including for outdoor seating next year.

"We need more entertainment here," he observed cheerfully.

And Marmara will be the place to find it, he adds.

The restaurant serves lunch and dinner seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

To reserve a table, call 732-808-2727 or email marmaracuisine@gmail.com.

Marmara is at Freehold Raceway Mall – Lower Level, at the Carousel Entrance opposite Old Navy. It has its own outdoor access also.