My parents brought out menus for 3 restaurants for me to pick one. Cinar fell out of the middle... "huh how did that get in there?" So Cinar here we go! The order was ready right on time, came home, and let's dive in. * Pita: I prefer lighter, this is darker (whole wheat?). But done the right way and enough for all the... * Babaghanoush: FANTASTIC. My mom and I both love this and we both absolutely loved it here. The entire pint is eaten. I could go for more. * Cigara - That appetizer with the feta and spinach fried - like grape leaves in pie form. Turns out very little Salinas, mostly yummy cheese and perfectly fried. The tomato sauce is DIVINE. Sweet and tomatoey. Use it. * Meals: My dad got the shore special Bodrum Cokertme with lamb. He said the lamb is overdone and the potato feels like French fries. Once I got to eat the leftover piece sitting in the dish, stewing in its juices... it comes together nicely. My mom got the chicken kebab dish, which is just plain kebab but both parents enjoyed the rice and its subtle flavors. The star for all of us was, of course, the Yelper's dish... Turkish dumplings. My my what a treat. They remind me of Uzbekistana in Boonton but the garlic yogurt sauce really elevated this dish above and beyond. We all agreed this is one to try again (and again). * Dessert: We split baklavae. I don't know what subtle flavors are in the honey - my mom said rosewater and I can see that - but again, that elevated the dish. Plus it's not overly flaky or chewy, just the right texture. I bet all the dessert is this good. Verdict: As of dinner we were thinking 4 stars maybe 5, but by the end of dessert we all agreed this would enter the regular dinner rotation so that tells me where we are here. Go for traditional dishes (instead of Americanized kebabs) and go for all the stars! read more

Cinar Mediterranean Restaurant - some appetizers and some entree - Mediterranean Near Me - Livingston, New Jersey

This hidden gem serves up authentic and delicious Turkish cuisine. We started with the Shepherds salad and worked our way into the Cinar borek with that fantastic tomato jam. We then had the dumplings called manti which weee also very tasty. The main course was the mixed grill and it fed 4. We shared the rice pudding and baklava for dessert and had the Turkish coffee to complete the meal. All delicious. When you go, it's in a strip mall and there is plenty of parking. read more

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Cinar is a cute little place on Rt 10 in Livingston. As their name suggests, they offer a large Mediterranean menu with several delicious selections, including some that you wouldn't find at other local places. I went on Saturday with a friend. We were seated promptly and there were a few other people there. I ordered hummus and some pita bread for an appetizer. The hummus was...ok. It lacked some flavor. Not the worst hummus I've ever had, but not the best either. For dinner, my friend had Turkish dumplings, which he enjoyed. I ordered a Doner Kabob wrap. It was delicious! Definitely better than the hummus. Overall, Cinar was a pretty decent place, and I would definitely go back sometime in the future. read more

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Delicious food and courteous service. Surprisingly, whenever we go, we seem to be the only people eating there. I hope they do a decent take-out business. The appetizers are aggressively priced, such that I can no longer justify ordering their mezza platter at the price they charge. Their Manti, is excellent and is enough for my wife and I to split. Everything is served with a smile. read more

our family came here for lunch on a Saturday afternoon. it was not busy. we were the only ones dining in. we ordered the 3 dips as our appetizer. we ordered chicken adana, lamb adana, and lamb shish. I think this place may bring going through a change in service to be more casual. The waitresses took our order and gave us our food. They did not check on us and I went to the counter to pay. on the way out I noticed the tablet to enter your order. food was good and tasty but service was a little lacking. read more

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One of our favorite spots in the area. I've had the chicken shish and Turkish dumplings and loved both of them. Pink queen is also a favorite for an appetizer. read more

We went with visiting friends for a dinner here. Located on RT 10. We started with lebni, eggplant, and Sigara borek. The Sigara borek was delicious full of soft gooey mild cheese in a flaky crust. I'm used to a harder version and the softness was a nice change. I didn't touch the but everyone else liked it. The Lebni with pita was yummy. For mains we ordered the shrimp casserole, chicken shish, grilled salmon, and the Bodrum Cokertme with lamb. The lamb dish was very tasty but I would recommend no fries as they got soggy. All other entrees were very well received. For dessert we split Baklava and Kazandibi custard both were a nice end to a tasty meal. Service was good and it's BYO which is always nice. Give it a try I think you will be pleased. read more

Cinar Mediterranean Restaurant - Bodrum Cokertme with lamb - Mediterranean Near Me - Livingston, New Jersey

Delicious food and they have many regional varieties of kebabs. The salads and mezze were excellent. Service was very friendly but very slow! Would go again. read more

Bland and over-priced. The Kabab for 2 was mostly good but the chicken strip was dry. The shrimp and bell peppers was flavorless, other than the natural flavor of the shrimp and peppers. The pita bread tasted like it wasn't freshly made. Delivery was quick but expensive considering they are only 5 minutes away. Sorry, far too costly to repeat. read more

You will find no better traditional Turkish in North Jersey. The chicken and lamb shish have great, stand out flavor. The Chicken Adana is made fresh with a little bit of spice. I shouldn't be eating carbs, but the rice is irresistible. The salads are fresh and big!!!! The deserts are to die for. The baklava and if you are lucky they will have the semolina cookies in a reduced sugar sauce. The service is never rushed! Not once did my main arrive while I will still eating my appetizer. I hate loud restaurants and Cinar is never loud. DO NOT BE PUT OFF BY THE LOCATION. IT IS SOOOOOO WORTH IT. Go to Cinar again and again and again. I do. read more

I ordered a falafel wrap, with hummus and pita as a side, for takeout. The falafel wrap had an off flavor, most likely due to the sauce. That would have been ok but the "pita bread" that was provided with the hummus, was the worst I have ever had. I'm all for whole wheat, but 1) that is not what people expect, and 2) wherever they got that pita from, they should return it, because it was thin, dry, and awful tasting. If Walmart sells pita bread, it's almost certainly superior. The photos speak volumes because, truly, I have never had worse pita bread. 0/10 on the pita bread. Hummus is maybe a 3/10 and the wrap is a 0.08/10. Certainly not my best $23 lunch. I threw it all in the garbage after a few bites. However, the staff were very nice. read more

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Wow!! What a find! You want some great Mediterranean, this is the place to be. We tried the spicy Ezme for an appetizer, yum! Served with pita bread. Nice and light. The mixed kabab platter for two. Amazing! Each kabab had a distinct flavor of its own. The mixed vegetables were cooked well and the rice was delicious. If you have room, highly recommend the pistachio baklava. I don't know what they do to it but it just SO good! Warm, flaky with buttery honey goodness. Paired with Turkish tea and you'll truly appreciate the balance. Clean place with very artistic and refreshing decor, plenty of parking. Definitely recommend. read more

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First, let's consider the food. A detailed deep dive into Mediterranean cuisine that makes your mouth shiver while simultaneously making you die with glee. The highlight of the menu were the Turkish dumplings and the best dish, the Cigar Borek. . We ate through the night. Then came dessert. Throughout the night, service was frequent, with regular checkups and add ons. They were present, and aware. The oozing lava cake was 30% love and 70% deliciousness. The ambiance was unrivalled, feeling like you were transported to the middle of a Mediterranean town and eating food with the people . Unfortunately it's closed, but if it ever reopens, fly, drive, teleport, and somehow make your way here. read more

In an unassuming strip mall on Route 10 in Livingston is an absolutely remarkable Turkish eatery. I was initially fooled by the location - and a fool I was!! The interior is impeccable yet simple. The service is remarkably friendly and efficient. But it is the food that stands out! The crisp, healthy salads and sauced eggplant are standout starters. The chicken and lamb Shish is perfectly spiced and cooked to perfection (and the simple white rice pilaf is Dangerously addictive). The falafel is oil free, crisped to perfection with a warm interior. I especially like the Okra casserole with chicken. The Turkish dumplings in yogurt are a totally unique rich treat. Finally, deserts, including the new cold baklava could not be more authentic. All of this and a BYOB with reasonable prices!! read more

Don't let the unassuming location keep you away. Remarkable authentic Turkish with a great staff. Do not miss the Chicken Shish and Okra casserole. Their salads are fresh and a great value. Make sure to get a Donor sandwich or platter. Love Cinar!!!! read more

Big Zero tonight. We had a great appetizer and were enjoying our time at the restaurant. We started to eat our two person kebab meal until my boyfriend realized it was all undercooked. Disgusting food- the waitress gave us that meal on the house and had us still pay for the appetizer without any apologies from the staff. We already feel sick, please stay away. read more

Cinar Mediterranean Restaurant - Mediterranean Near Me - Livingston, New Jersey

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Food is delicious! I always order the lamb Adana, rice and lentil soup combo for lunch. Yum!

My wife and I came here, both of us are open to trying new restaurants ...... Wow, Cinar was on point. If you're looking for no frills dining, and want great Mediterranean food, CINAR is the place. Enjoy, bon appetite! read more

Cinar Mediterranean Restaurant - Top- Bodrum Cokertme Kebab Bottom- Turkish Dumplings Both were great! Also, try the Cinar Borek hot app - Mediterranean Near Me - Livingston, New Jersey

If you're not in a rush and want quality FRESH food, you definitely should pull up a chair. Appetizers we had were Mediterranean salad, stuffed grape leaves(had a touch of cinnamon in them), mixed platter(very large), and the show stopper Cinar Borek. Dinner was Bodrum/chicken, Baby Okra/chicken, chicken shish, and the winner TURKISH DUMPLINGS. Everything was good-excellent and staff was friendly and laid back. read more

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We love this place! very nice people. Beautiful Turkish plates and mosaic lighting adorned the walls. The chicken sish was incredibly tender. Hummus was so creamy. We also had doner kebab platter which had just the right amount of spice and also very tender. Even the veggies (potatoes, green beans and onions) was spiced beautifully. For dessert the pistachio baklava was buttery and sweet with warm honey. We've been twice and will continue to come back and explore the menu of this warm and friendly restaurant. read more

Authentic Mediterranean cuisine. Fresh and seasoned well elevated dishes. Hummus and chicken shish are not to miss. read more

Cinar Mediterranean Restaurant - Chicken Shish Kebab - Mediterranean Near Me - Livingston, New Jersey

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This restaurant is excellent. We originally were going to the East Hanover diner in East Hanover nj . But there was a power failure in the area and it was closed . So the only restaurant in the area was Cinar . It was fantastic. Begum the waitress is sweet and kind . Btw the restaurant is Turkish . The food is phenomenal. So is the coffee . I bought a lb of coffee Paul jacobs Jill jacobs South orange nj read more

I just tried this new Turkish restaurant called Cinar located in town next to the fresh market on Rt. 10 and my daughters and I absolutely loved the food. We ordered their yummy appetizers made with fresh ingredients, salad and one of the best chicken Shish Kebab I've tried. This a BYOB small restaurant because they do mostly catering but they are now open for lunch and dinner. read more

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Great food! I love most of their dishes. Bronzino under seafood , Chicken Adana and Chicken Shish under Kebabs are my favorite foods here. They have the largest kitchen of its kind. read more

Friendly service and the location is very good. I ordered the Turkish dumplings and it was not what I expected but it was delicious . Looking forward to visiting very soon. read more

Food is excellent, limited menus but everything very good. Service very good as dinning area is small

Had eaten at the West Caldwell location many times, and just tried this convenient Route 10 location (in old Irving's space) that recently opened. Picked up mid-afternoon 20 minutes after ordering and reheated for dinner. Enjoyed a freshly made Cinar salad (clearly just done to my specifications as no onions had been requested), chicken shish with lots of veggies. Spouse loved the mixed appetizer dips and the baby okra. Enough food for 2 days of meals, everything was very fresh tasting, lots of pita provided. Go! read more

Tasty and great service. Tried the grill combination for two. Will be trying other options again soon.

Our family came here to celebrate my mother's 75th birthday. The food was cold and bland. The service was terrible. And when we complained about the overcooked vegetables, our server accused us of lying so that we didn't have to pay for an extra side dish. We have been frequent customers of the West Caldwell location (which has always been excellent in food and service), so this experience was truly shocking. The manager actually argued with us when we spike with him. Appalling service. read more

Very good food and service. Be aware they focus on Turkish dishes, spices and preparation - if you like them you will love this restaurant.

Chicken kebab and hummus are exceptional! Soft and flavourful meats, nice side vegetables. Our go-to takeout!