New Turkish Eatery, El Turco, Opens In Hamptons

EAST HAMPTON, NY — A brand-new eatery is set to bring a new culinary experience to East Hampton.

El Turco East Hampton, to be sited at 44 Three Mile Harbor Road, will feature a fully authentic Turkish-inspired menu coupled with renowned Turkish hospitality, a release said.

El Turco East Hampton is the result of a "casual meeting between one of El Turco’s founders and Frank Cilione, the longtime operator of the dual restaurant and nightlife venue on Three Mile Harbor Road in East Hampton," the release added.

Soon after, Cilione hired the original El Turco founders Nurdan Gur Yuzbasioglu, Gokhan Yuzbasioglu — who launched the eatery in Miami —along with developer Cagri Kanver.

The newest El Turco will come alive during the July 4 holiday weekend and officially open on July 8.

"El Turco has created a chef’s tasting experience that will take guests on a culinary journey with the best use of Turkish food reflective of the grand tastes and traditional expressions of the rich cultural heritage mixed with a modern presentation of bold flavors," a release said.

Each dish on the menu is based on classic Turkish recipes, reimagined by the culinary team lead by Yuzbasioglu and Executive Chef Guney. Many dishes originate from the Aegean and Anatolian part of Turkey, as well as selections from the Mediterranean and South-Eastern region.

Some mezes include roasted beet hummus, kopoglu, red lentil balls and Armenian style pilaki. Main dishes include Ali Nazik Kebab — a smoked pureed eggplant topped with cubes of sauteed lamb — as well as a traditional Mediterranean style grilled sea Bass. The menu will also feature a variety of fresh summer salads and other small plates such as Manti — small beef dumplings topped with garlic yogurt, sumac and dry mint.

The offerings are presented with wine pairings and cocktails; live entertainment and curated music will be featured.

Dinner service will take place every Tuesday through Saturday during July and August beginning at 6 p.m. with the early evening seating showcasing more family-orientated meals. As the night progresses "guests can expect a high energy yet tranquil dining atmosphere," the release said.

On Sundays, guests will get to experience a traditional Turkish style brunch from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The dining areas will showcase giant towers of seafood and traditional dishes.

"Turkish breakfast is considered one of the healthiest to be had throughout the world, rich in nutrients and also simply delicious. An assortment of greens as well as fresh tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers are eaten during the meal along with feta cheese, eggs, olives, honey, and a cream of milk dish called kaymak, as well as fresh- baked Turkish breads and borekas," the release said.

"With the original Miami location receiving a Michelin rating after only 15 months in business, expectations are very high for El Turco East Hampton!" owners said.