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What a delight it was to enjoy a four course meal at Tabac+, an attractive modern Mediterranean restaurant (primarily Roman & Anatolian), with nine other elites on a cool Thursday evening in Little Italy. Tabac+ is a well-appointed establishment with indoor and outdoor dining. They also have a robust selection of hookahs which can be enjoyed in the outdoor area. Cigar smokers are also welcome. They also have a pretty robust happy hour from 5-7pm (Mon-Thu) which I'm definitely doing to check out! We were provided with a menu for the evening, and everything was brought out to us family-style except for the dessert. First Course - Mezze & Greens - Tabac Mezze Garden (dolmas, pita, spreads (eggplant, yogurt sauce, hummus) - Tulum Garden Salad Second Course - Pinsa Experience - Zaatar Pinsa (did not try) - Ottoman Feast (did not try) - Four Cheese (Delicious, creamy & cheesy)!! Third Course - Signature Entree - Beef Cop Shish (We did not receive this.) - Beef Tava (did not try) - Roasted Almond Chicken (This is bomb diggity!) - Manti Sweet Finale - Dessert - Saffron Milk Cake (We did not receive this) - Cold Baklava (We did not receive this) - Katmer (individually plated) The food and ambiance were honestly quite enjoyable. From the fresh dolmas, and delicious pita and dips (eggplant, yogurt sauce & hummus) in the Mezze Garden plate to the crisp garden salad, and the various pinsas, the experience started out with bright flavors and seemingly never-ending plates arriving to our table. Then there was the delicious roasted almond chicken dish, beef tava, and manti (dumplings) rounded out the meal in the best possible way. I especially loved the savory manti as the combo of slightly spicy tomato sauce and sour cream created a very tasty flavor profile. At the close of the meal, we were each served an individual dessert, which I believe was called Katmer. It consisted of very crispy phyllo topped with a sweet syrup and it was filled with pistachios. Reminiscent of Baklava but crispier and with fewer layers. Tabac+ treated us like royalty during the third iteration of this special dining experience, and I am so appreciative to have been included. There was enough food that many of us were able to take leftovers home! Shoutout to Leslie & Christina who sat at the same end of the table as I did. Big thanks to Hannah, Darcy, Tabac+, and Yelp for this delicious and fun experience. Peace! https://tabacplus.com
Tabac+ has really gone all out and delivered with three separate evenings of a 12-course dinner for 20 lucky Elites at each session. I first visited this business when it debuted almost a year ago in the Little Italy neighborhood. The exterior looked fairly plain, however when you walked inside the premises, the layout of the different areas was impressive. The ambiance felt like an upscale, covered outdoor lounge. I checked in with the hostess at the sidewalk stand. She escorted me to two tables in a back corner where the Yelp party would be seated. I was able to snap several photos before others began arriving. A glass of Ottoman Sherbet was provided at the beginning. This was a non-alcoholic beverage that tasted like a lighter version of pomegranate juice and wasn't too sweet. The ingredients were tamarind, rose, ginger, clove, cinnamon, and cardamom. A menu card listed the different offerings that we would be tasting. At first, I thought everyone would choose one item from each course. Instead, plates of everything were brought out to be shared amongst the ten diners at each of the two tables. First Course | Mezze & Greens * Tabac Mezze Garden * Tulum Garden Salad Second Course | Pinsa Experience * Zaatar Pinsa * Ottoman Feast * Four Cheese Third Course | Signature Entree * Beef Cop Shish (note: not served) * Beef Tava * Roasted Almond Chicken Sweet Finale | Dessert * Saffron Milk Cake * Cold Baklava My highlights were the Tabac Mezze Garden, Roasted Almond Chicken, and Saffron Milk Cake. The garden consisted of a traditional sampling of mezze... hummus with sumac, muhammara, tzatziki, smoked eggplant, and dolma. Warm pita was provided so one could spread any of the dips on the slices of bread. Roasted almonds, warm spices, and rice with dried grapes accompanied the pieces of chicken. The chunks of white meat were moist and flavorful. The dessert was similar to tres leches with a three milk blend that soaked the sponge cake which was infused with saffron and finished with cream and pistachio. There was so much food that takeout containers were provided for those who wanted to bring home some leftovers. Thank you to Sam and his staff at Tabac+ for being such gracious hosts of this wonderful dinner. Thanks also to Hannah, Darcy, and Yelp San Diego for organizing the multiple nights of this impressive Middle Eastern family style meal.
Thank you Hannah and Darcy for setting up this intimate dinner with other Yelp Elites! And thank you Tabac+ for having us! We got to try so many different dishes I probably would have never thought to order. I left full and even brought home some leftovers too! Tabac+ is located in Little Italy so parking can be difficult. I got lucky and snagged a meter spot a block away but I would recommend trying to park at a trolley stop and taking public transportation down. Walking in, I noticed groups of people smoking hookah but since the restaurant is somewhat open-air, there wasn't a point while eating where I smelled smoke. Highlights: - Zaatar Pinsa: Super flavorful with the zaatar herbs, balanced out by the yogurt sauce and fresh vegetables. - Four Cheese Pinsa: Super cheesy, very creamy. - Beef Tava: tasted a little gamey so I thought it was lamb at first. But I really liked the flavor and the meat had a good amount of fatty pieces. - Saffron Milk Cake: tasted like a Tres Leches cake, super moist! The cream and pistachio were a nice touch. I was a little surprised that they didn't provide any serving utensils, we had to ask for them. And for a group of 10 at each table, they didn't provide enough whole items for everyone so we had to cut and split things. Not a disappointment but a weird thing to forget logistically when we're doing family-style. I was a little disappointed though that we didn't get the Beef Cop Shish, even though Night 1 did and it was on our menu. It sounded delicious and I'm sure it would have been a hit. Overall, great event and will have to be back to try their Happy Hour and other food items we missed out on!
Dinner at Tabac+ was beyond my expectations! It is a beautiful space with natural elements and candles. I'll have to come back in the evening to enjoy it thoroughly! They serve Mediterranean food. Some even served during the Ottoman Empire like the Ottoman Sherbet, a refreshing drink with hints of rose, cloves, cinnamon and ginger! Our first course were two delightfully fresh items. The Meze Garden with smoked eggplant was my fave, hummus, tzatziki and delicious muhammara served with pita, dolma and kibbeh. What a treat! The Tulum salad was next that brought together tulum cheese, tomatoes and pomegranate with a subtle vinegrette. Next we were served 3 different pinzas. My favorite was the Ottoman Feast, topped with pastirma, roasted red peppers, over a rich tomatoes sauce and topped with arugula and cheese. Of the 3rd course, I loved the almond chicken and the manti! The chicken was so tender in a curry like sauce with toasted almond slices. And the manti were adorable little dumplings. Although we were all stuffed, we could not refuse dessert! We each got a piece of classic baklava and a slice of Saffron Milk cake, soaked in a milk mixture and topped with chopped pistachios. I had an incredible time enjoying the food and conversing with our dinner companions. Just as the menu stated, the "experience was designed to be shared, discovered and remembered"! Thank you to Tabac+ and their staff, CM Hannah, Darcy and yelp San Diego for this enchanting night!
What a wonderful Yelp Elite Dinner! Small and intimate group of 20 or less at this discretely low key but full of spring/summer vibes. Tabac + held a Yelp Elite Event that served a 3 course presentation dinner of what is currently being served at their restaurant. This dinner was definitely the highlight of being Yelp Elite because you can sit down with various Yelp Elites, some newbies (less than 2 years) and some veterans (me included at 18 yrs now). The food was served family style offerring a cornucopia of Turkish food for the soul and of course the stomach. The Ottoman Sherbet - a perfect start to this sumptous dinner. It has all the flavors and fragrances to enjoy. First course included , Tulum Garden Salad and Tabac Mezze Garden. The TGS was divine and after everyone had finished, the leftovers were distributed and I ended up with some of this tasty and refreshing greens. The TMG was the bomb with dolma, smoked eggplant and hummus with sumac. 2nd course - Pinsa experience - delicious warm pinsa topped with several choices, the Zaatar, Ottoman Feast, and the Four Cheese. All 3 would be welcome for an early meal or lunch. I enjoyed all. 3rd course - Signature Entrees - Beef Tava, Roasted Almond Chicken and Manti Dumplings. The chicken and dumplings were the standout for me. Last course - Finale - Sweet Desserts - traditional Baklava and Saffron milk cake. Both sweet but not too sweet for me. The Baklava has the right amount of honeey while the milk cake was lightly sweet and not overwhelming. Recommend you check the Happy Hour or even for Brunch and Dinner . And you will not regret it. Thank you to Tabac + for hosting at least 60 Yelpers (3 nights of 20 diners). Reminds me of past Yelp Elite Events where our host welcomed us Yelpers with open arms. It's been a week and that experience still happily lingers!
Wow What an awesome event! The place is beautiful and if you look carefully its actually an outdoor venue like a large covered patio. They started us off with a tray of mezze; Muhammara (roasted red peppers), tzatziki, smoked eggplant, hummus, and dolma (grape leaves wrapped around rice) with warm pitta. My favorite was the muhammara, i loved the roasted red pepper flavor and i think it was topped with walnuts which gave it a nice body and flavor. I also liked the nicely grilled pita. The Tulum Garden salad was also a hit, i liked the Tulum cheese and pomegranate pieces. The cheese was mild and i liked how the pomegranate vinaigrette was not overpowering. I usually stay away from vinaigrettes because they can be overly aggressive. This one was very subtle and had a nice flavor. They also gave us a Ottoman Sherbet, no not a frozen dessert, a drink made from different spices. It was very refreshing and not overly sweet, I'd say a less sweet fruit punch, thats the only way i could describe it. Next were 3 Pinsa (pizza or flat bread) the stand out feature of them all was the crust, very light and crispy. They gave us one with zattar, four cheese and the ottoman feast which came topped with sucuk (dried turkish sausage) roasted peppers and finished with arugula. My favorite was the four cheese, very simple but the let the crust stand out. For entrees we got the Beef Tava; Beef tomatoes, peppers, and onions. It said layerd i had envisioned a lasagna type dish but it was more like a stir fry. Delicious none the less! Roasted Almond Chicken was one of my favorites of the evening, it kind of reminded me of chicken curry. The chicken was so tender and moist and the roasted almonds gave it a nice texture. Manti Dumpling were beautiful little purses filled with beef served on a bed of garlic yogurt and topped with some tomato sauce. The dumplings were very tender it reminded me of a good gnocchi. The yogurt was a bit much for me, i tried to scoop them with just a little yogurt. The yogurt made it very creamy like a beef stroganoff. The best way i could describe it is a beef dumpling stroganoff. Also one of my favorites of the evening. To finish it off they gave us each a piece of Baklava, OMG so good. Very crispy and not soggy like it can be sometimes. It served cold which was very unique. I have to say one of the best baklava ive had. We also got the saffron milk cake, which reminded me very much of dulce de leche cake. The cake is soaked in a 3 milk blend and topped with pistachios. Very soft and has a nice flavor. I was very surprised that they gave us EVERYTHING on the menu because when it said first, second and third course, i thought that you had to choose one from each category, instead we got them ALL!! They did not give us the Beef cop shish but that was fine, i was stuffed and even took food home! so it was really not necessary! I had such a wonderful evening with old Yelp friends and making new ones. A HUGE thanks to Tabac+, staff, Yelp, Hannah and Darcy.
Food. For. Days. Thank you Tabac+, Yelp, and CM Hannah N. for an incredibly generous, multi-course feast that fantastically showcased the Turkish-Mediterranean fusion menu on offer at this relatively new establishment! Super grateful to be among the lucky 20 attendees on Night 1, and look forward to visiting again and trying hookah at some point. ;) Our seemingly endless tasting experience: WELCOME | OTTOMAN SHERBET A centuries-old refreshment from the palaces of the Ottoman Empire, crafted from tamarind, rose, ginger, clove, cinnamon, and cardamom. Light, aromatic, and naturally refreshing, offering a delicate balance of spice and floral sweetness FIRST COURSE | MEZZE & GREENS TABAC MEZZE GARDEN Traditional mezze including hummus with sumac, muhammara, tzatziki, smoked eggplant, dolma, kibbeh, and çig köfte, with seasonal accompaniments and Ezine cheese, served with warm pita TULUM GARDEN SALAD A rustic blend of baby greens with sweet golden raisins, aged Tulum cheese, and pomegranate pearls, finished with our signature pomegranate vinaigrette SECOND COURSE | PINSA EXPERIENCE ZAATAR PINSA A warm pinsa brushed with extra virgin olive oil, topped with zaatar herbs and toasted sesame seeds, baked until crisp and golden. Served with labne, tomato, and cucumber OTTOMAN FEAST A celebration of East and West with Turkish sucuk, pastirma, and roasted peppers over San Marzano pomodoro and Roman pinsa, finished with arugula and shaved Parmigiano FOUR CHEESE A refined blend of Turkish and Italian cheeses, melted over our signature pinsa crust THIRD COURSE | SIGNATURE ENTREE BEEF COP SHISH Beef skewers cooked with special fat, served with roasted peppers, sumac onions, warm lavash, and baldo rice pilaf BEEF TAVA A traditional dish from southeastern Anatolia with layered meat, tomatoes, peppers, and onions-rich, rustic, and comforting ROASTED ALMOND CHICKEN A dish inspired by Ottoman palace cuisine, combining roasted almonds, warm spices, and rice with dried grapes for a balance of sweet and savory MANTI DUMPLINGS Handcrafted dumplings served with garlic yogurt, tomato sauce, chili oil, and fresh herbs SWEET FINALE | DESSERT SAFFRON MILK CAKE A soft sponge soaked in three-milk blend, infused with saffron, finished with cream and pistachio COLD BAKLAVA A modern take on the Turkish classic with delicate pastry, walnut filling, and chilled milk cream
Oh. M. GEEEEEE. Tabac+ brought it out full force for the Yelp Elite Dinner tonight!!! First of all, the sheer volume of food was impressive. This beautiful Turkish Restaurant in Little Italy went all out to impress us. There were 20 of us at the dinner and we all walked out stuffed. I'm speaking the truth when I say that every single dish was delicious and beautifully presented. We started with appetizer dips, dolmades, kofte rolls, roasted seasonal vegetables and warm pita. Standouts for me were the eggplant and the hummus and I loved those little kofte rolls. I also really appreciated that they bought out such a big fresh salad, gotta have my greens! Then they brought out three pinsas and I got super excited because I love the fermented sourdough that is used to make these Roman style flatbreads. Of the three I really liked the Ottoman Feast which had a tomato sauce, roasted pepper, some dried meat, arugula and shaved Parmegiano. I thought the Beef Tava had great flavor when it came out, but then I tried the almond chicken and my mind was blown. I will be dreaming about that dish until I make it back there. The chicken was so tender, the sauce definitely had a little curry action going on and then the shaved almonds on top gave it the most lovely crunch. The rice pilaf that came with it had roasted raisins in it and was the perfect compliment to the meal. When the server brought out the Manti dumplings she let us know that that was a very traditional dish. I thought it was delicious. Hearty and comforting with just the right amount of richness. At this point, I was already stuffed, but when the baklava and the saffron milk cake came out I managed to find some extra room. They were both fantastic, the baklava was a little light and fluffy compared to what I've usually had. I loved the texture it had. Seemed so refined. The saffron milk cake was OFF THE CHAIN Y'ALL!!! It was a generous portion and I was determined that I would not leave a single bite of it on my plate. The texture was just divine and the floral nuances of the saffron really set off the light sweetness of the milk. Another thing I would like to point out, I did not realize until we were done with our meal that there were actually people smoking hookah in there. It's very well ventilated. Once someone pointed it out to me, I could just barely smell it in the background and to be honest it adds to the atmosphere. Light and fruity. I don't think this restaurant serves alcohol, which is fine by me. I took a look at the happy hour menu and I saw a lot of mocktails listed, but not any alcohol. I'd rather get my calories from food anyway. I was seated at a table with some really nice elites, a few I had met before, but I also made some cool new friends. This was a really good time. Thank you to the team at Tabac+, Hannah and Darcy! This is a restaurant I will absolutely go back to and also recommend to my friends.
Thanks to Yelp and Tabac+ for this generous, multicourse intimate meal experience! There was plenty of food to go around and we left stuffed by the end. There were multiple dishes brought out for each course. I think my favorite of the entrees was probably the Roasted Almond Chicken; so moist, full of flavor, and the seasoning was reminiscent of curry. It was a little disappointing that they had their Beef Cop Shish listed on the menu for this experience but did not end up bringing them out for us. We saw that Night 1 got served these, and this was the entrée that I was probably looking forward to the most. We heard another Yelper ask the staff if the dish was still coming, but they kind of deflected. I understand that maybe they were trying to avoid food waste, but they could have given us smaller portions of the other dishes so that we could still try the shish since they listed it on the menu. I think the highlight of the meal for me was definitely dessert, even though I'm not usually a dessert person. I love baklava and normally don't like cake, but their version of tres leches was so moist and delicious, with the crumbled pistachio topping adding a nice touch and texture! I was surprised to see there was saffron as well! After reading more about this place, apparently it's also a hookah bar? They must have great ventilation because I didn't notice at all while we were dining. Overall, a great experience with trying such a wide spread of food from a different culture. I have Mediterranean food semi-regularly, but just your common items that you'd normally see at a takeout spot. Glad to have been able to try some other dishes that I've never heard of before! Just wish we got to try the entire menu like Week 1 did.
Thank you Tabac+ and Yelp (props to Hannah!) for setting up an unforgettable, elaborate, family-style feast! I felt honored to get in to the event and it did not disappoint, this being by far the most memorable event of the year, and a personal favorite for me. AMBIANCE I love the design of all the spaces: the covered outdoor seating has a refined and relaxed lounge vibe; the adjacent bar has an open flame in the center with aromatic service offerings; the indoor dining room has traditional middle eastern artwork lined along the walls accenting the modern interior; and the long entryway makes the space feel extra exclusive. SERVICE The staff were hospitable, changing out dishes and plates, and knowledgeable with identifying and describing the multitude of items served. FOOD Everything felt well made and crafted with care. This was quite the Feast, and by far the most memorable and unique food I have had this year. WELCOME | OTTOMAN SHERBET A centuries-old refreshment from the palaces of the Ottoman Empire, crafted from tamarind, rose, ginger, clove, cinnamon, and cardamom. Light, aromatic, and naturally refreshing, offering a delicate balance of spice and floral sweetness FIRST COURSE | MEZZE & GREENS TABAC MEZZE GARDEN traditional mezze including hummus with sumac, muhammara, tzatziki, smoked eggplant, dolma, kibbeh, and çig köfte, with seasonal accompaniments and Ezine cheese, served with warm pita. TULUM GARDEN SALAD A rustic blend of baby greens with sweet golden raisins, aged Tulum cheese, and pomegranate pearls, finished with our signature pomegranate vinaigrette SECOND COURSE | PINSA EXPERIENCE ZAATAR PINSA A warm pinsa brushed with extra virgin olive oil, topped with zaatar herbs and toasted sesame seeds, baked until crisp and golden. Served with labne, tomato, and cucumber. OTTOMAN FEAST (Favorite) A celebration of East and West with Turkish sucuk, pastirma (seasoned cured beef is so tender!), and roasted peppers over San Marzano pomodoro and Roman pinsa, finished with arugula and shaved Parmigiano FOUR CHEESE A refined blend of Turkish and Italian cheeses, melted over our signature pinsa crust. THIRD COURSE | SIGNATURE ENTREE BEEF COP SHISH Beef skewers cooked with special fat, served with roasted peppers, sumac onions, warm lavash, and baldo rice pilaf. BEEF TAVA A traditional dish from southeastern Anatolia with layered meat, tomatoes, peppers, and onions-rich, rustic, and comforting. ROASTED ALMOND CHICKEN (so tender! My favorite of the four) A dish inspired by Ottoman palace cuisine, combining roasted almonds, warm spices, and rice with dried grapes for a balance of sweet and savory. MANTI DUMPLINGS (unique execution) Handcrafted dumplings served with garlic yogurt, tomato sauce, chili oil, and fresh herbs. SWEET FINALE | DESSERT SAFFRON MILK CAKE A soft sponge soaked in three-milk blend, infused with saffron. finished with cream and pistachio COLD BAKLAVA (favorite) A modern take on the Turkish classic with delicate pastry. walnut filling, and chilled milk cream
Thank you so much to the Yelp team and Tabac+ for hosting such a wonderful event. I was genuinely excited to be selected for night one, and it ended up being one of my favorite events I have attended in a long time. From the moment I arrived, everything felt thoughtfully planned and well executed, and it created such a memorable experience. I had been wanting to try this place for a while, especially after seeing so much buzz about it on Instagram, and I am happy to say it absolutely lived up to the hype. Sometimes places that are heavily talked about online can be a bit of a letdown, but that was not the case here at all. One of the things I appreciated most was the intimate setting. The family style dining made the experience feel warm and communal, and the presentation of each dish was beautiful and clearly done with care. It really made the whole evening feel elevated and special. I also loved how they stayed true to Middle Eastern culture while still incorporating their own modern and creative touches. As someone who is Middle Eastern, that balance can be hard to achieve, but they did a fantastic job honoring tradition while adding something unique. The hospitality throughout the evening also stood out. The staff was attentive, welcoming, and made sure everything flowed smoothly without ever feeling rushed. It added to the overall positive atmosphere and made the experience even more enjoyable. My personal favorites were the roasted almond chicken and the saffron milk cake. Both dishes were full of flavor and beautifully prepared, and they really left a lasting impression. I found myself thinking about them even after the event ended. I am already looking forward to coming back again, and I cannot wait for my family to visit so I can bring them here and share the experience with them. It is definitely a place I would recommend for both special occasions and anyone looking to enjoy a unique and memorable dining experience.
Thank you Yelp, Hannah, Darcy and Tabac+ for hosting this event! - PARKING - There are a few spots right in front of the restaurant, and also a few metered spots on adjacent streets. - SERVICE/ENVIRONMENT - Really neat set-up with the outdoor/indoor seating mix. Loved the design of the restaurant! We were sat in two tables of 10 in a corner which allowed us to enjoy our meals and photo-taking somewhat privately. The staff continuously brought out the listed menu items and I liked hearing some of the background of the dishes as well. Looking at the menu, I knew I had to save space to try everything, and maybe the rest of our table did the same as it started getting crowded on space! Luckily with some combining, we were able to fit everything on the table. I had a few menu items that I was looking forward to later on in the meal, including the Beef Cop Shish, Roasted Almond Chicken, and Manti Dumplings. Unfortunately, the Beef Cop Shish was never served. I was very disappointed as I had seen photos from Night 1 of this event, and was SO excited to try it. I'm not sure why we didn't get it - if it was due to the fact we weren't finishing every dish, we did end up getting to-go boxes as to not waste any food. - FOOD - Highlights: - Ottoman Feast: Loved the brightness of the San Marzano tomatoes! - Roasted Almond Chicken: SO tender!!! Might be some of the most tender chicken I've eaten - my favorite of the night hands down! - Manti Dumplings: I love all kinds of dumplings, so this was right up my alley. - Saffron Milk Cake: Decadent yet delicate! The cake was so soft! - OVERALL - Great dinner and thoroughly enjoyed all the dishes, especially ones that I'd never tried before! Only sad that we didn't get the full experience!
The best elite event I've attended so far! Tabac+ graciously hosted three nights of four‑course dinners, and I was lucky enough to experience one of them. Located in Little Italy, Tabac+ is a restaurant/café that's perfect for a Mediterranean feast, a study session, or a hang with friends. You can even order a hookah and relax. They have a lovely shaded outdoor dining area that feels private and secluded, along with some indoor seating in the café space. One thing I love is family‑style dining -- it's such a great opportunity to try a little bit of everything, build community, and gather with others over the love of food. They were incredibly generous with the courses; we all left with full bellies and got to experience new and delicious dishes. Check out the photos below -- you can tell it was a fun night where new friends were made. Thank you to Darcy, Hannah, Yelp, and Tabac+ for creating such a lovely evening and giving us the chance to enjoy the many flavors of Turkish/Mediterranean cuisine. I'll definitely be raving about this place and coming back.
Wow! Thank you Tabac+,Yelp, Hannah and Darcy for including me in this very exclusive and delicious dinner party. I had passed by this restaurant on m way to a local music venue nearby and noticed that the smells were amazing. Tabac+ seems to translate as Tobacco and more, but truthfully it is very much more. Yes, they do hookah service at the outdoor tables, but it is an absolutely amazing restaurant. For this Elite Event, I was so fortunate to be seated with a small group for only 10 Elites enjoying this experience. It was nice to get to know those sitting around me. I have posted the menu for the evening, but one difference is that on our night (night 3) beef shish was substituted by the mantu (small filled dumplings)... my luck... mantu was my favorite dish when I was in Turkey, but I have rarely had them in California. Anyway, were were seated at a beautiful table at this indoor/ outdoor venues. We began with various meze, which came beautifully placed on colorful serving platters. The colors in the food were also lovely. Each dish was really more beautiful than the last. Then came a salad, followed by three flat breads. I tried the Ottoman Feast which had pepperoni, tomatoes, and cheese that stretched clear across the table. We were given three entrees, the mantu that I had mentioned before, beef tava, and roasted chicken and almonds. All were good. The mantu and roasted chicken were my favorites. For dessert we were each served our own baklava. It was amazing. After all that food, I had to bring it home. I was a bit disappointed that we did not get to try the saffron milk cake that was on the menu, but there was plenty without it. After our dinner was complete, I stayed with a couple of elites for coffee. It was great to have a beautifully arranged traditional Turkish coffee that was nice and strong. It was served with a small piece of delicious lokum. I noticed that they do not appear to have a bar at the restaurant. I think that factor might deter some of the Little Italy diners. However, I think just coming for coffee and dessert is enough of a reason to go to Tabac+. All in all, this was a beautiful dinner party. I enjoyed the traditional and modern takes on Turkish food, as well as time with my fellow Elites. read more
We enjoyed the Elite Dinner Night 3 at Tabac in Little Italy, San Diego, CA. Tabac Restaurant offers a modern Turkish-Italian fusion menu featuring Mediterranean flavors, creative mocktails, and a curated hookah lounge. The mocktails and hookah were not included. Tabac first opened its doors in May 2025. The restaurant offers a happy hour menu Monday through Thursday from 5pm to 7pm. We really enjoyed the Tabac Tasting Experience menu for the 10 Yelp Elites that were selected to attend this event. It was a fun group. My favorites were the following: Roasted Almond Chicken, Manti Dumplings, Tulum Garden Salad, Four Cheese Flatbread, Ottoman Feast and Cold Baklava dessert. I ordered their pistachio Turkish coffee (not included), and it was really good. There's indoor and outdoor seating. All the servers were pleasant. Intern Darcy did a great job at this Yelp event. Thank you Hannah for this opportunity. Check it out! Happy Yelping :) read more
18 days ago
This was a bit different than the other Yelp events I've been to, as this was more intimate, with only 10 of us. We had a four course meal and were able to truly enjoy the full experience at a big table. The vibe of the place is great that has a mix of outdoor and indoor seating. Included with the experience was a variety of food from their menu with generous portions. It's family style, which makes it good for both big and small groups. I like that we were able to try a bit of everything. My favorites were the manti dumplings and roasted almond chicken. Oh and I can't forget their delicious dessert, baklava. It was so good, but had to take half of it home because it was pretty big. Overall it was a great experience, and will be coming back again to try out their coffee. read more
What a delight it was to enjoy a four course meal at Tabac+, an attractive modern Mediterranean restaurant (primarily Roman & Anatolian), with nine other elites on a cool Thursday evening in Little Italy. Tabac+ is a well-appointed establishment with indoor and outdoor dining. They also have a robust selection of hookahs which can be enjoyed in the outdoor area. Cigar smokers are also welcome. They also have a pretty robust happy hour from 5-7pm (Mon-Thu) which I'm definitely doing to check out! We were provided with a menu for the evening, and everything was brought out to us family-style except for the dessert. First Course - Mezze & Greens - Tabac Mezze Garden (dolmas, pita, spreads (eggplant, yogurt sauce, hummus) - Tulum Garden Salad Second Course - Pinsa Experience - Zaatar Pinsa (did not try) - Ottoman Feast (did not try) - Four Cheese (Delicious, creamy & cheesy)!! Third Course - Signature Entree - Beef Cop Shish (We did not receive this.) - Beef Tava (did not try) - Roasted Almond Chicken (This is bomb diggity!) - Manti Sweet Finale - Dessert - Saffron Milk Cake (We did not receive this) - Cold Baklava (We did not receive this) - Katmer (individually plated) The food and ambiance were honestly quite enjoyable. From the fresh dolmas, and delicious pita and dips (eggplant, yogurt sauce & hummus) in the Mezze Garden plate to the crisp garden salad, and the various pinsas, the experience started out with bright flavors and seemingly never-ending plates arriving to our table. Then there was the delicious roasted almond chicken dish, beef tava, and manti (dumplings) rounded out the meal in the best possible way. I especially loved the savory manti as the combo of slightly spicy tomato sauce and sour cream created a very tasty flavor profile. At the close of the meal, we were each served an individual dessert, which I believe was called Katmer. It consisted of very crispy phyllo topped with a sweet syrup and it was filled with pistachios. Reminiscent of Baklava but crispier and with fewer layers. Tabac+ treated us like royalty during the third iteration of this special dining experience, and I am so appreciative to have been included. There was enough food that many of us were able to take leftovers home! Shoutout to Leslie & Christina who sat at the same end of the table as I did. Big thanks to Hannah, Darcy, Tabac+, and Yelp for this delicious and fun experience. Peace! https://tabacplus.com read more
Tabac+ has really gone all out and delivered with three separate evenings of a 12-course dinner for 20 lucky Elites at each session. I first visited this business when it debuted almost a year ago in the Little Italy neighborhood. The exterior looked fairly plain, however when you walked inside the premises, the layout of the different areas was impressive. The ambiance felt like an upscale, covered outdoor lounge. I checked in with the hostess at the sidewalk stand. She escorted me to two tables in a back corner where the Yelp party would be seated. I was able to snap several photos before others began arriving. A glass of Ottoman Sherbet was provided at the beginning. This was a non-alcoholic beverage that tasted like a lighter version of pomegranate juice and wasn't too sweet. The ingredients were tamarind, rose, ginger, clove, cinnamon, and cardamom. A menu card listed the different offerings that we would be tasting. At first, I thought everyone would choose one item from each course. Instead, plates of everything were brought out to be shared amongst the ten diners at each of the two tables. First Course | Mezze & Greens * Tabac Mezze Garden * Tulum Garden Salad Second Course | Pinsa Experience * Zaatar Pinsa * Ottoman Feast * Four Cheese Third Course | Signature Entree * Beef Cop Shish (note: not served) * Beef Tava * Roasted Almond Chicken Sweet Finale | Dessert * Saffron Milk Cake * Cold Baklava My highlights were the Tabac Mezze Garden, Roasted Almond Chicken, and Saffron Milk Cake. The garden consisted of a traditional sampling of mezze... hummus with sumac, muhammara, tzatziki, smoked eggplant, and dolma. Warm pita was provided so one could spread any of the dips on the slices of bread. Roasted almonds, warm spices, and rice with dried grapes accompanied the pieces of chicken. The chunks of white meat were moist and flavorful. The dessert was similar to tres leches with a three milk blend that soaked the sponge cake which was infused with saffron and finished with cream and pistachio. There was so much food that takeout containers were provided for those who wanted to bring home some leftovers. Thank you to Sam and his staff at Tabac+ for being such gracious hosts of this wonderful dinner. Thanks also to Hannah, Darcy, and Yelp San Diego for organizing the multiple nights of this impressive Middle Eastern family style meal. read more
Thank you Hannah and Darcy for setting up this intimate dinner with other Yelp Elites! And thank you Tabac+ for having us! We got to try so many different dishes I probably would have never thought to order. I left full and even brought home some leftovers too! Tabac+ is located in Little Italy so parking can be difficult. I got lucky and snagged a meter spot a block away but I would recommend trying to park at a trolley stop and taking public transportation down. Walking in, I noticed groups of people smoking hookah but since the restaurant is somewhat open-air, there wasn't a point while eating where I smelled smoke. Highlights: - Zaatar Pinsa: Super flavorful with the zaatar herbs, balanced out by the yogurt sauce and fresh vegetables. - Four Cheese Pinsa: Super cheesy, very creamy. - Beef Tava: tasted a little gamey so I thought it was lamb at first. But I really liked the flavor and the meat had a good amount of fatty pieces. - Saffron Milk Cake: tasted like a Tres Leches cake, super moist! The cream and pistachio were a nice touch. I was a little surprised that they didn't provide any serving utensils, we had to ask for them. And for a group of 10 at each table, they didn't provide enough whole items for everyone so we had to cut and split things. Not a disappointment but a weird thing to forget logistically when we're doing family-style. I was a little disappointed though that we didn't get the Beef Cop Shish, even though Night 1 did and it was on our menu. It sounded delicious and I'm sure it would have been a hit. Overall, great event and will have to be back to try their Happy Hour and other food items we missed out on! read more
Dinner at Tabac+ was beyond my expectations! It is a beautiful space with natural elements and candles. I'll have to come back in the evening to enjoy it thoroughly! They serve Mediterranean food. Some even served during the Ottoman Empire like the Ottoman Sherbet, a refreshing drink with hints of rose, cloves, cinnamon and ginger! Our first course were two delightfully fresh items. The Meze Garden with smoked eggplant was my fave, hummus, tzatziki and delicious muhammara served with pita, dolma and kibbeh. What a treat! The Tulum salad was next that brought together tulum cheese, tomatoes and pomegranate with a subtle vinegrette. Next we were served 3 different pinzas. My favorite was the Ottoman Feast, topped with pastirma, roasted red peppers, over a rich tomatoes sauce and topped with arugula and cheese. Of the 3rd course, I loved the almond chicken and the manti! The chicken was so tender in a curry like sauce with toasted almond slices. And the manti were adorable little dumplings. Although we were all stuffed, we could not refuse dessert! We each got a piece of classic baklava and a slice of Saffron Milk cake, soaked in a milk mixture and topped with chopped pistachios. I had an incredible time enjoying the food and conversing with our dinner companions. Just as the menu stated, the "experience was designed to be shared, discovered and remembered"! Thank you to Tabac+ and their staff, CM Hannah, Darcy and yelp San Diego for this enchanting night! read more
27 days ago
What a wonderful Yelp Elite Dinner! Small and intimate group of 20 or less at this discretely low key but full of spring/summer vibes. Tabac + held a Yelp Elite Event that served a 3 course presentation dinner of what is currently being served at their restaurant. This dinner was definitely the highlight of being Yelp Elite because you can sit down with various Yelp Elites, some newbies (less than 2 years) and some veterans (me included at 18 yrs now). The food was served family style offerring a cornucopia of Turkish food for the soul and of course the stomach. The Ottoman Sherbet - a perfect start to this sumptous dinner. It has all the flavors and fragrances to enjoy. First course included , Tulum Garden Salad and Tabac Mezze Garden. The TGS was divine and after everyone had finished, the leftovers were distributed and I ended up with some of this tasty and refreshing greens. The TMG was the bomb with dolma, smoked eggplant and hummus with sumac. 2nd course - Pinsa experience - delicious warm pinsa topped with several choices, the Zaatar, Ottoman Feast, and the Four Cheese. All 3 would be welcome for an early meal or lunch. I enjoyed all. 3rd course - Signature Entrees - Beef Tava, Roasted Almond Chicken and Manti Dumplings. The chicken and dumplings were the standout for me. Last course - Finale - Sweet Desserts - traditional Baklava and Saffron milk cake. Both sweet but not too sweet for me. The Baklava has the right amount of honeey while the milk cake was lightly sweet and not overwhelming. Recommend you check the Happy Hour or even for Brunch and Dinner . And you will not regret it. Thank you to Tabac + for hosting at least 60 Yelpers (3 nights of 20 diners). Reminds me of past Yelp Elite Events where our host welcomed us Yelpers with open arms. It's been a week and that experience still happily lingers! read more
Wow What an awesome event! The place is beautiful and if you look carefully its actually an outdoor venue like a large covered patio. They started us off with a tray of mezze; Muhammara (roasted red peppers), tzatziki, smoked eggplant, hummus, and dolma (grape leaves wrapped around rice) with warm pitta. My favorite was the muhammara, i loved the roasted red pepper flavor and i think it was topped with walnuts which gave it a nice body and flavor. I also liked the nicely grilled pita. The Tulum Garden salad was also a hit, i liked the Tulum cheese and pomegranate pieces. The cheese was mild and i liked how the pomegranate vinaigrette was not overpowering. I usually stay away from vinaigrettes because they can be overly aggressive. This one was very subtle and had a nice flavor. They also gave us a Ottoman Sherbet, no not a frozen dessert, a drink made from different spices. It was very refreshing and not overly sweet, I'd say a less sweet fruit punch, thats the only way i could describe it. Next were 3 Pinsa (pizza or flat bread) the stand out feature of them all was the crust, very light and crispy. They gave us one with zattar, four cheese and the ottoman feast which came topped with sucuk (dried turkish sausage) roasted peppers and finished with arugula. My favorite was the four cheese, very simple but the let the crust stand out. For entrees we got the Beef Tava; Beef tomatoes, peppers, and onions. It said layerd i had envisioned a lasagna type dish but it was more like a stir fry. Delicious none the less! Roasted Almond Chicken was one of my favorites of the evening, it kind of reminded me of chicken curry. The chicken was so tender and moist and the roasted almonds gave it a nice texture. Manti Dumpling were beautiful little purses filled with beef served on a bed of garlic yogurt and topped with some tomato sauce. The dumplings were very tender it reminded me of a good gnocchi. The yogurt was a bit much for me, i tried to scoop them with just a little yogurt. The yogurt made it very creamy like a beef stroganoff. The best way i could describe it is a beef dumpling stroganoff. Also one of my favorites of the evening. To finish it off they gave us each a piece of Baklava, OMG so good. Very crispy and not soggy like it can be sometimes. It served cold which was very unique. I have to say one of the best baklava ive had. We also got the saffron milk cake, which reminded me very much of dulce de leche cake. The cake is soaked in a 3 milk blend and topped with pistachios. Very soft and has a nice flavor. I was very surprised that they gave us EVERYTHING on the menu because when it said first, second and third course, i thought that you had to choose one from each category, instead we got them ALL!! They did not give us the Beef cop shish but that was fine, i was stuffed and even took food home! so it was really not necessary! I had such a wonderful evening with old Yelp friends and making new ones. A HUGE thanks to Tabac+, staff, Yelp, Hannah and Darcy. read more
Food. For. Days. Thank you Tabac+, Yelp, and CM Hannah N. for an incredibly generous, multi-course feast that fantastically showcased the Turkish-Mediterranean fusion menu on offer at this relatively new establishment! Super grateful to be among the lucky 20 attendees on Night 1, and look forward to visiting again and trying hookah at some point. ;) Our seemingly endless tasting experience: WELCOME | OTTOMAN SHERBET A centuries-old refreshment from the palaces of the Ottoman Empire, crafted from tamarind, rose, ginger, clove, cinnamon, and cardamom. Light, aromatic, and naturally refreshing, offering a delicate balance of spice and floral sweetness FIRST COURSE | MEZZE & GREENS TABAC MEZZE GARDEN Traditional mezze including hummus with sumac, muhammara, tzatziki, smoked eggplant, dolma, kibbeh, and çig köfte, with seasonal accompaniments and Ezine cheese, served with warm pita TULUM GARDEN SALAD A rustic blend of baby greens with sweet golden raisins, aged Tulum cheese, and pomegranate pearls, finished with our signature pomegranate vinaigrette SECOND COURSE | PINSA EXPERIENCE ZAATAR PINSA A warm pinsa brushed with extra virgin olive oil, topped with zaatar herbs and toasted sesame seeds, baked until crisp and golden. Served with labne, tomato, and cucumber OTTOMAN FEAST A celebration of East and West with Turkish sucuk, pastirma, and roasted peppers over San Marzano pomodoro and Roman pinsa, finished with arugula and shaved Parmigiano FOUR CHEESE A refined blend of Turkish and Italian cheeses, melted over our signature pinsa crust THIRD COURSE | SIGNATURE ENTREE BEEF COP SHISH Beef skewers cooked with special fat, served with roasted peppers, sumac onions, warm lavash, and baldo rice pilaf BEEF TAVA A traditional dish from southeastern Anatolia with layered meat, tomatoes, peppers, and onions-rich, rustic, and comforting ROASTED ALMOND CHICKEN A dish inspired by Ottoman palace cuisine, combining roasted almonds, warm spices, and rice with dried grapes for a balance of sweet and savory MANTI DUMPLINGS Handcrafted dumplings served with garlic yogurt, tomato sauce, chili oil, and fresh herbs SWEET FINALE | DESSERT SAFFRON MILK CAKE A soft sponge soaked in three-milk blend, infused with saffron, finished with cream and pistachio COLD BAKLAVA A modern take on the Turkish classic with delicate pastry, walnut filling, and chilled milk cream read more
Oh. M. GEEEEEE. Tabac+ brought it out full force for the Yelp Elite Dinner tonight!!! First of all, the sheer volume of food was impressive. This beautiful Turkish Restaurant in Little Italy went all out to impress us. There were 20 of us at the dinner and we all walked out stuffed. I'm speaking the truth when I say that every single dish was delicious and beautifully presented. We started with appetizer dips, dolmades, kofte rolls, roasted seasonal vegetables and warm pita. Standouts for me were the eggplant and the hummus and I loved those little kofte rolls. I also really appreciated that they bought out such a big fresh salad, gotta have my greens! Then they brought out three pinsas and I got super excited because I love the fermented sourdough that is used to make these Roman style flatbreads. Of the three I really liked the Ottoman Feast which had a tomato sauce, roasted pepper, some dried meat, arugula and shaved Parmegiano. I thought the Beef Tava had great flavor when it came out, but then I tried the almond chicken and my mind was blown. I will be dreaming about that dish until I make it back there. The chicken was so tender, the sauce definitely had a little curry action going on and then the shaved almonds on top gave it the most lovely crunch. The rice pilaf that came with it had roasted raisins in it and was the perfect compliment to the meal. When the server brought out the Manti dumplings she let us know that that was a very traditional dish. I thought it was delicious. Hearty and comforting with just the right amount of richness. At this point, I was already stuffed, but when the baklava and the saffron milk cake came out I managed to find some extra room. They were both fantastic, the baklava was a little light and fluffy compared to what I've usually had. I loved the texture it had. Seemed so refined. The saffron milk cake was OFF THE CHAIN Y'ALL!!! It was a generous portion and I was determined that I would not leave a single bite of it on my plate. The texture was just divine and the floral nuances of the saffron really set off the light sweetness of the milk. Another thing I would like to point out, I did not realize until we were done with our meal that there were actually people smoking hookah in there. It's very well ventilated. Once someone pointed it out to me, I could just barely smell it in the background and to be honest it adds to the atmosphere. Light and fruity. I don't think this restaurant serves alcohol, which is fine by me. I took a look at the happy hour menu and I saw a lot of mocktails listed, but not any alcohol. I'd rather get my calories from food anyway. I was seated at a table with some really nice elites, a few I had met before, but I also made some cool new friends. This was a really good time. Thank you to the team at Tabac+, Hannah and Darcy! This is a restaurant I will absolutely go back to and also recommend to my friends. read more
28 days ago
Thanks to Yelp and Tabac+ for this generous, multicourse intimate meal experience! There was plenty of food to go around and we left stuffed by the end. There were multiple dishes brought out for each course. I think my favorite of the entrees was probably the Roasted Almond Chicken; so moist, full of flavor, and the seasoning was reminiscent of curry. It was a little disappointing that they had their Beef Cop Shish listed on the menu for this experience but did not end up bringing them out for us. We saw that Night 1 got served these, and this was the entrée that I was probably looking forward to the most. We heard another Yelper ask the staff if the dish was still coming, but they kind of deflected. I understand that maybe they were trying to avoid food waste, but they could have given us smaller portions of the other dishes so that we could still try the shish since they listed it on the menu. I think the highlight of the meal for me was definitely dessert, even though I'm not usually a dessert person. I love baklava and normally don't like cake, but their version of tres leches was so moist and delicious, with the crumbled pistachio topping adding a nice touch and texture! I was surprised to see there was saffron as well! After reading more about this place, apparently it's also a hookah bar? They must have great ventilation because I didn't notice at all while we were dining. Overall, a great experience with trying such a wide spread of food from a different culture. I have Mediterranean food semi-regularly, but just your common items that you'd normally see at a takeout spot. Glad to have been able to try some other dishes that I've never heard of before! Just wish we got to try the entire menu like Week 1 did. read more
1 month ago
Thank you Tabac+ and Yelp (props to Hannah!) for setting up an unforgettable, elaborate, family-style feast! I felt honored to get in to the event and it did not disappoint, this being by far the most memorable event of the year, and a personal favorite for me. AMBIANCE I love the design of all the spaces: the covered outdoor seating has a refined and relaxed lounge vibe; the adjacent bar has an open flame in the center with aromatic service offerings; the indoor dining room has traditional middle eastern artwork lined along the walls accenting the modern interior; and the long entryway makes the space feel extra exclusive. SERVICE The staff were hospitable, changing out dishes and plates, and knowledgeable with identifying and describing the multitude of items served. FOOD Everything felt well made and crafted with care. This was quite the Feast, and by far the most memorable and unique food I have had this year. WELCOME | OTTOMAN SHERBET A centuries-old refreshment from the palaces of the Ottoman Empire, crafted from tamarind, rose, ginger, clove, cinnamon, and cardamom. Light, aromatic, and naturally refreshing, offering a delicate balance of spice and floral sweetness FIRST COURSE | MEZZE & GREENS TABAC MEZZE GARDEN traditional mezze including hummus with sumac, muhammara, tzatziki, smoked eggplant, dolma, kibbeh, and çig köfte, with seasonal accompaniments and Ezine cheese, served with warm pita. TULUM GARDEN SALAD A rustic blend of baby greens with sweet golden raisins, aged Tulum cheese, and pomegranate pearls, finished with our signature pomegranate vinaigrette SECOND COURSE | PINSA EXPERIENCE ZAATAR PINSA A warm pinsa brushed with extra virgin olive oil, topped with zaatar herbs and toasted sesame seeds, baked until crisp and golden. Served with labne, tomato, and cucumber. OTTOMAN FEAST (Favorite) A celebration of East and West with Turkish sucuk, pastirma (seasoned cured beef is so tender!), and roasted peppers over San Marzano pomodoro and Roman pinsa, finished with arugula and shaved Parmigiano FOUR CHEESE A refined blend of Turkish and Italian cheeses, melted over our signature pinsa crust. THIRD COURSE | SIGNATURE ENTREE BEEF COP SHISH Beef skewers cooked with special fat, served with roasted peppers, sumac onions, warm lavash, and baldo rice pilaf. BEEF TAVA A traditional dish from southeastern Anatolia with layered meat, tomatoes, peppers, and onions-rich, rustic, and comforting. ROASTED ALMOND CHICKEN (so tender! My favorite of the four) A dish inspired by Ottoman palace cuisine, combining roasted almonds, warm spices, and rice with dried grapes for a balance of sweet and savory. MANTI DUMPLINGS (unique execution) Handcrafted dumplings served with garlic yogurt, tomato sauce, chili oil, and fresh herbs. SWEET FINALE | DESSERT SAFFRON MILK CAKE A soft sponge soaked in three-milk blend, infused with saffron. finished with cream and pistachio COLD BAKLAVA (favorite) A modern take on the Turkish classic with delicate pastry. walnut filling, and chilled milk cream read more
Thank you so much to the Yelp team and Tabac+ for hosting such a wonderful event. I was genuinely excited to be selected for night one, and it ended up being one of my favorite events I have attended in a long time. From the moment I arrived, everything felt thoughtfully planned and well executed, and it created such a memorable experience. I had been wanting to try this place for a while, especially after seeing so much buzz about it on Instagram, and I am happy to say it absolutely lived up to the hype. Sometimes places that are heavily talked about online can be a bit of a letdown, but that was not the case here at all. One of the things I appreciated most was the intimate setting. The family style dining made the experience feel warm and communal, and the presentation of each dish was beautiful and clearly done with care. It really made the whole evening feel elevated and special. I also loved how they stayed true to Middle Eastern culture while still incorporating their own modern and creative touches. As someone who is Middle Eastern, that balance can be hard to achieve, but they did a fantastic job honoring tradition while adding something unique. The hospitality throughout the evening also stood out. The staff was attentive, welcoming, and made sure everything flowed smoothly without ever feeling rushed. It added to the overall positive atmosphere and made the experience even more enjoyable. My personal favorites were the roasted almond chicken and the saffron milk cake. Both dishes were full of flavor and beautifully prepared, and they really left a lasting impression. I found myself thinking about them even after the event ended. I am already looking forward to coming back again, and I cannot wait for my family to visit so I can bring them here and share the experience with them. It is definitely a place I would recommend for both special occasions and anyone looking to enjoy a unique and memorable dining experience. read more
28 days ago
Thank you Yelp, Hannah, Darcy and Tabac+ for hosting this event! - PARKING - There are a few spots right in front of the restaurant, and also a few metered spots on adjacent streets. - SERVICE/ENVIRONMENT - Really neat set-up with the outdoor/indoor seating mix. Loved the design of the restaurant! We were sat in two tables of 10 in a corner which allowed us to enjoy our meals and photo-taking somewhat privately. The staff continuously brought out the listed menu items and I liked hearing some of the background of the dishes as well. Looking at the menu, I knew I had to save space to try everything, and maybe the rest of our table did the same as it started getting crowded on space! Luckily with some combining, we were able to fit everything on the table. I had a few menu items that I was looking forward to later on in the meal, including the Beef Cop Shish, Roasted Almond Chicken, and Manti Dumplings. Unfortunately, the Beef Cop Shish was never served. I was very disappointed as I had seen photos from Night 1 of this event, and was SO excited to try it. I'm not sure why we didn't get it - if it was due to the fact we weren't finishing every dish, we did end up getting to-go boxes as to not waste any food. - FOOD - Highlights: - Ottoman Feast: Loved the brightness of the San Marzano tomatoes! - Roasted Almond Chicken: SO tender!!! Might be some of the most tender chicken I've eaten - my favorite of the night hands down! - Manti Dumplings: I love all kinds of dumplings, so this was right up my alley. - Saffron Milk Cake: Decadent yet delicate! The cake was so soft! - OVERALL - Great dinner and thoroughly enjoyed all the dishes, especially ones that I'd never tried before! Only sad that we didn't get the full experience! read more
The best elite event I've attended so far! Tabac+ graciously hosted three nights of four‑course dinners, and I was lucky enough to experience one of them. Located in Little Italy, Tabac+ is a restaurant/café that's perfect for a Mediterranean feast, a study session, or a hang with friends. You can even order a hookah and relax. They have a lovely shaded outdoor dining area that feels private and secluded, along with some indoor seating in the café space. One thing I love is family‑style dining -- it's such a great opportunity to try a little bit of everything, build community, and gather with others over the love of food. They were incredibly generous with the courses; we all left with full bellies and got to experience new and delicious dishes. Check out the photos below -- you can tell it was a fun night where new friends were made. Thank you to Darcy, Hannah, Yelp, and Tabac+ for creating such a lovely evening and giving us the chance to enjoy the many flavors of Turkish/Mediterranean cuisine. I'll definitely be raving about this place and coming back. read more
Where do I even begin? The Tabac+ experience was phenomenal and the best Elite event I've participated in to date. A huge shoutout to Hannah and Darcy for arranging such an intimate and enjoyable food experience. This was my first time eating at Tabac+, and I can 100% guarantee that I will be back. For the first course, on the Tabac Mezze Garden plate, I loved the roasted-pepper flavor of the muhammara and the smoked eggplant. Those were my favorites; all the other items, including the Tulum Garden Salad, were excellent too. For the second course, of the three Pinsas, I thoroughly enjoyed the Ottoman Feast Pinsa, especially the pastirma meat and the roasted peppers. It was a light meal with excellent flavor. For the third course, the Roasted Almond Chicken was unbelievable. The chicken was so tender, and the cream sauce to me had almost a curry flavor. I could see myself eating this meal weekly for lunch or dinner. I also enjoyed the Beef Tava, but some of the meat was chewy, though it had excellent flavor. For the Sweet Finale, I have a sweet tooth, and both the Saffron Milk Cake and Cold Baklava hit the mark. By the time we arrived at dessert, I was so full, but the Saffron Milk Cake was so good that I couldn't stop eating it. Overall, this was an excellent experience and is a highlight this year. Thanks again! read more
This wasn't a dinner, this was a FEAST, and I loved every bit of it! My favorite was the roasted almond chicken, it was so creamy and delicious. There wasn't anything I didn't like that was on the menu. By the time dessert hit, I was definitely in a food coma, but still had to try some. The saffron milk cake melted in my mouth. It was nice connecting with friends and meeting some new ones. Hannah, thanks for having me! Thanks to all of the staff at Tabac + as well. read more
30 days ago
The Tabac+ Elite Event was one of the best Yelp events I've ever attended. It was a smaller, more intimate event with two tables of about 16 Elites each, sharing a multicourse dinner and excellent conversations. Tabac+ provided an outstanding Turkish dinner (see photographs). We have eaten in the homes of Turkish friends, and we have been to Türkiye. The dishes here were a mix of traditional ones and some with a new twist. Everything was visually pleasing and very tasty. Service was great, including explanation of dishes. The General Manager Sam came to the tables to talk with us about the restaurant and the food. Thank you to everyone at Tabac+ for hosting us, and to Hannah and the Yelp team for organizing this wonderful event! I hope we have more Elite Events of this format in the future. read more
Another fun and exciting Yelp event. The food looks fantastic. The decor is amazing and met some super cool Yelpers that I've only seen online. The food keeps coming now we are at a table of 11 we can't finish even half of it in the food is delectable! I will add more pictures as the night progresses and add more to my review read more
Such an unforgettable night full of amazing food and making new memories. A BIG, BIG thank you to the wonderful Hannah, Darcy, Tabac+, and Yelp! I loved the intimate setting with the 20 of us split into 2 different tables and sharing our meal family style. One of the greatest pleasures in life is sharing a meal with a person, and tonight reminded me of that ten-told. It was the best time meeting new people, experiencing a different culture, and trying new foods. Presentation and flavors were absolutely beautiful, everything was picturesque and its taste lived up to their appearances. The only thing that wasn't served was the beef cop shish, but there was so much food everyone was stuffed to the brim by the end of the night. We were able to take home some leftovers too! My favorites of the night were the four cheese pinsa, roasted almond chicken, beef tava, and the saffron milk cake! Parking was a bit tough but I somehow managed to find street parking. There's lots of lots around the area and some people even took the trolley into downtown then walked. It was well worth it for tonight's experience and can't wait to come back here again! read more
Wow what a fantastic feast! Can't believe all the stops Tabac+ brought out for tonight. This tops some black and gold events even. A multi-course meal where I feel like we probably got to try almost everything on the menu. The last time I was here I had tried the mezze as well as another dish and really enjoyed it. This time the mezze was even better. Muhammara being one of my favorites. The pinsa flatbreads were all so unexpectedly good, really loved the one loaded with zaatar. Of the meats, the chicken was probably my favorite, really enjoyed the sauciness of it and it kinda reminded me of an indian curry with different flavors. The dumplings were also a fun one to try, something I've never had before in this cuisine. There were so many different breads and little bites of things, we were all stuffed by the end of the meal. For dessert, we each started off with a piece of pistachio baklava. This one I had high hopes for, and have had my standard ruined after visiting Istanbul and eating mounds of the stuff. This one sadly didn't compare to the motherland, but it was good nonetheless. The standout for user was the cake. I'm not normally a tres leches cake fan, but this cake was just phenomenal. Really nice texture still without being soggy and the pistachio and saffron took it to the next level. The sweetness of it reminded me of the bottom of a bowl of lucky charms. I think I would definitely come back for the cake alone. It was such an honor to get to try so many different menu items. I love these more intimate dinners where you can really get to know and talk to people, and I had a great time sharing the table with our group. Service was fantastic throughout, checking in, explaining dishes, and keeping the food flowing the whole night. Thanks Hannah and Darcy! This is another one of those events that's gonna be the talk of the town for the next year. Can't wait to come back here again! read more
1 month ago
This elite dinner was a great experience! I had the pleasure of being served a family style of Turkish dishes with a great group of fellow elites! The ambiance of the restaurant really set the mood! I enjoyed the dim lighting which helped our meal feel more intimate. The decor gave a nice modern, trendy, & comfortable aesthetic. The staff were very efficient and friendly. The patio area had a comfortable temperature environment (I did not need to wear my jacket during dinner which was really nice)! Now to get into the food review...This tasting experience included a welcome drink and 4 course menu. This event really delivered a tasting experience as I was not expecting to have such a variety of options with generous amounts of food! Because of this, I was able to not only enjoy my meal at the restaurant but also had enough to enjoy some the next day for leftovers (which was still delicious)! First course: The garden salad was the exact type of salad that makes me wanting more! The blend of greens, toppings, and pomegranate vinaigrette was so delicious! The Tabac Mezze Garden is another great starter as you can never go wrong with pita bread and variety of dipping sauces! 2nd course: Pinsa experience! These flatbreads were so delicious and filling! My favorite was the Four Cheese as I am a cheese lover! The Ottoman was also a yummy option and included some veggies and meats as toppings. I will have to go back to try the Zaatar as I had to save some space for the 3rd course and desserts! 3rd course: Signature entrees! My favorite was the Roasted Almond Chicken! The chicken was tender and the sauce had a great balance of savory with spice! The entrees paired nice with the baldo rice pilaf! The other entrees included 2 well flavored beef entrees (Beef Cop Shish and the Beef Tava) and the Manti Dumplings. The dumplings were yummy, filling, and had a nice settle spicy kick to it! Lastly, I had the honor to try the Saffron Milk Cake and the Cold Baklava. The milk cake had a similar texture to a "tres leches cake" if that is something you enjoy. Between the two desserts, I favored the Cold Baklava over the milk cake. After all this yummy food I needed some Turkish tea which I will be sure to have upon my next visit! Thank you Hannah, my fellow elites, and the Tabac staff for a memorable experience! I look forward to returning back for many more visits! read more
What an amazing Mediterranean inspired cuisine tasting experience! There were 10 of us which is great for more meaningful conversations. I tried everything on the tasting menu except the Saffron Milk Cake. My top choices are Roasted Almond Chicken, Tulum Garden Salad, Ottoman Feast and Bakalava. Thank you to the restaurant staff, Darcy and Yelp for the experience. read more
27 days ago
This was my first intimate Elite dinner and I was really impressed with the Tabac+ staff and Darcy! From the warm hospitality of the staff to the thoughtful presentation and generous portions of food to providing the most delicious Turkish home-cooked dining experience, Tabac has set the bar high! Started with the Ottoman Sherbet which is a fruity, spice-infused mocktail that was refreshing to excite the palate for what was to come! I loved the personal attention to details with the aesthetic plates that added a very rustic element. The first course included the tulum garden salad and the tabac mezzo garden which had my usual faves of tzatziki and dolma! We also got to try 3 of their flatbreads - zataar pinsa (my fave with the yogurt, tomato, and cucumber!), ottoman feast, and four cheese. My personal favorite dish was the roasted almond chicken because the meat was super tender and the creamy curry was very well-balanced! I also loved the mini manti dumplings with the refreshingly tart yogurt! The beef tava was flavorful but a tad dry for me. While there was no beef kebab that night, we didn't really need it anyway with how much food was left! The saffron milk cake and flaky baklava were the perfect sweet bites to wrap the meal. I am looking forward to coming back with my boyfriend and friends as I saw they had a good happy hour for appetizers that I am eager to try again! Shoutout to Darcy for organizing her first amazing elite event! read more
What an amazing experience! I have had my fair share of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean food, but there were things that were new to me like the Zaatar Pinsa. So this was a wonderful opportunity to try some new things so I know what to order next time. Everything was quite good, but I think my favorite was the Roasted Almond Chicken. The venue was amazing too. There is an intimate indoor seating area, but the show stealer is the outdoor lounge like seating where you can also smoke hookahs. Despite being outdoors everything is covered and fairly well sheltered for maximum comfort. The staff are obviously very well trained and meticulous in their service. Despite having a large group with large tables, they were able to make sure things stayed neat, clean, and the tables bussed throughout the experience. A huge thanks to the wonderful Yelp community manager Hannah, Yelp Elite and Tabac+ for this opportunity! read more
1 month ago
Here's to another successful, immersive Yelp Experience! Tabac+ truly transcends the ordinary into a unique dining experience. Its seasonal menu unfolds distinct aromas and flavors that appeal to the senses (on all levels). I'm a creature of habit- I definitely find comfort in familiarity and wouldn't necessarily venture out on my own to dine at a place like Tabac. With that being said, I think it's important to connect food with origins and understand where food comes from and how it is prepared! Kudos to Hannah and Darcy and the entire Yelp team for putting this together! So grateful for the opportunity to expand my pallet to the diverse blend of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern traditions. Every detail was on point- from the moment I walked in to being seated at the table, from menu to service, and music to ambiance, everything was curated to reflect Mediterranean hospitality. It truly was a delightful experience! The food was absolutely amazing- fresh, high-quality ingredients, meats cooked to perfection, mezze and greens were delicious (tons of flavor), and of course rich yogurt sauces to accent every dish! The Ottoman Feast and Four Cheese Pinsa were my fav- the flatbread was light and airy with a nice crusty char on the edges! The roasted almond chicken was also very delicious, packed with herbs and spices and very flavorful! Overall, I was very impressed and also grateful for the new friendships! Excited to see what the new experience brings! read more
The space is incredible! Such cozy lighting. The food was delicious. Such interesting flavor combinations. It was tough not to eat too much of something to make sure I had room to try everything! The description of each dish by the staff was a wonderful touch, as well. Huge thank you and I look forward to bringing friends in the future! read more
1 month ago
Such an amazing night and such a great Yelp Elite event! Big thank you to the Tabac team and to Hannah for hosting. I loved how well our table meshed and it was so fun meeting other Yelp Elites having great conversations and getting some new food recs. Upon arrival, we were immediately greeted and directed to our tables which were set up soo beautifully. I loved the attention to detail in everything from the interior and decor down to the plating. We even got to learn a bit about the design elements inspired by their roots in Turkey this made the whole experience feel even more special and authentic. The owner and general manager were both so lovely and the staff was beyond friendly and attentive. The tasting experience menu they put together for us was really good and every course was delicious. My favee dish was the roasted almond chicken! The meat was super tender, perfectly sauced and packed with flavor! The rice pilaf was also really good and flavorful. The beef skewers and beef tava were a 10/10 too! The whole menu was amazing! Be sure to add the Ottoman sherbet to your drink order ! I cannot tell you how good and refreshing this drink was. I loved it so much! The way the spices and floral notes blended together was so good and super unique, but still light and refreshing. I'll definitely be back because I'm already craving the saffron milk cake and cold baklava. I need these desserts in my life lol. This is the perfect spot to hang out for a nice dinner, a birthday or really any occasion. read more
1 month ago
THANK YOU TABAC+ FOR HOSTING US FOR THIS FANTASTIC YELP ELITE EVENT! Also, a big shoutout to Hannah for coordinating this. This is my first community Yelp event and I was completely blown away. Everything was amazing from the food, the service, and the attendees. It's an awesome feeling to be surrounded with like minded people, discussing our favorite restaurants and meeting new friends. Onto the restaurant, Tabac+ is beautifully decorated and the food was great. Got to meet both the owner and general manager of the restaurant and I must come back for breakfast and hookah. The tasting menu allowed us to try many different options that they serve here at the restaurant and some of the standouts to me were the roasted almond chicken (their best seller), the Pinsas (flatbread), the dumplings, and most definitely the saffron milk cake! I'm going to highly recommend this place to others and bring my family/friends to dine here and just to hang out. Happy yelping! read more
This was a special event that I had been looking forward to all week. It was awesome sitting with our table of ten and chatting about food, life, travel and more! Made new Yelp Elite friends that I am looking forward to seeing at many future events! The table sizing was perfect and allowed for great conversation. The food was awesome, 3 courses with multiple dishes per course, we were spoiled. My favorites were the Roasted Almond Chicken which was so juicy and flavorful and the Saffron Milk cake which was bursting with flavor and the perfect way to end the evening. Thank you so much to Hannah, Darcy, Tabac, and Yelp for such an incredible experience! I will have to be back for another slice of the milk cake and perhaps to try their famous Turkish breakfast on the weekend. read more
28 days ago
All I can say is Wow! What an event! I kept putting off this review because I knew my words wouldn't do this event the justice it deserves. First of all, a ginormous thanks is in order to Tabac+ for hosting us. Your hospitality was out of this world! I felt extremely lucky to be one of 20 Yelp Elites who got to experience this one on Night 2! Shout out to Hannah and Darcy for organizing this exquisite event! I loved everything about this event! I loved the pretty venue. We were split between two tables with 10 people at each table. The place settings were neat with each plate having its own Tasting Experience menu. The service started with a non-alcoholic welcome drink, the Ottoman Sherbet, which I really enjoyed! It was refreshing! Then it continued on to a multi-course meal with multiple dishes within a course. There was so much food that I was down to sampling everything after the halfway point! If I had to pick a favorite dish out of each course, I'd say the Mezze Garden, Ottoman Feast Flatbread, and the Manti Dumplings were my faves! Of course, I saved room for dessert, funny how that happens! The star of the desserts for me was hands down the Saffron Milk Cake! It was so soft, flavorful and moist with the perfect amount of sweetness! I would return for the cake alone....and definitely a flatbread too! We had such a great group of attendees. I couldn't have asked for a better group of people to dine with - our table had such lively and fun conversation. I'll definitely remember this night for a really long time. Thanks again to everyone! Y'all really made my night! read more
18 days ago
I never knew this restaurant was tucked away in little Italy between the buildings! The outside patio is really nice and spacious while being shaded. The food itself was of high quality and we enjoyed everything they served. My favorites were the four cheese pinsa, dolmas and roasted almond chicken. Amazing service and overall great experience. read more
Thank you Tabac+ and Hannah for organizing this amazing event! What a generous dinner! So much delicious food! It was lovely to catch up with old and new friends. Ambulance was nice and laid back. The dining patio was open air but it did not feel like we were out in the elements. The food was a wonderful assortment of flavors and colors! My favorite dish was probably the roasted almond chicken! Everything was super yummy! What a wonderful little gem! We will have to keep this place in mind and come back for a visit! read more
LOVEEE their vibe in the restaurant. Their location is a little hard to find parking but once you do, you're surround by so many things to do which I enjoyed. My favorite dish I had was the roasted almond chicken, I wish I had more! Unfortunately we didn't get to try the beef cop shish or the saffron milk cake but I suppose that gives me more of a reason to go again! It was only the 10 of us, which I actually really enjoyed since I got to talk to people and get to know them more! read more
14 days ago
Truly an honor to be part of such a special and intimate event! I discovered this night that most people reserved their coveted one selection a month through the All-Star program. So we were very lucky to attend with the All-Stars. This place is incredible and was so generous with these dinners. Everything photographed like it was the cover of a food magazine its presentation, bright colors, and truly fresh ingredients. I could eat Mediterranean food everyday! The entire group agreed that the chicken entree was a favorite. I wish we had gotten more servings of that. It was super tender and delicious. But everything was seriously amazing especially the super cheesy flatbread pizzas. I was a little bummed that we didn't get to try the saffron milk cake because I am such a sucker for saffron. But the portions of the baklava were super generous and we all got to take a large serving home. This was my first exposure to Tabac+ And definitely won't be the last. What a great place, thank you so much for having us! And thank you to Hannah for allowing myself and my guy to attend. It was very special and appreciated. You are the best. read more
1 month ago
Thank you Hannah and Darcy! This was a very unique experience as I don't often get to sit with my fellow yelpers for a four course meal. The restaurant has a lovely open atmosphere and the seating was very cozy with pillows. I got to sample many varieties of Mediterranean food, many of which I've never had before. I can see why this is considered the healthiest cuisine in the world. Lots of tomato and yogurt that has probiotics. I thought everything was wonderful, the baked pinza was so fluffy and delicious (and the cheese draw on that 4 cheese pinza ), the sherbet was light and fruity, the lamb and chicken were cooked perfectly, and I get two amazing desserts (baklava and saffron milk cake) to satisfy my sweet tooth at the end of the night. Best of all, it's all shared between wonderful yelpers and I got to meet some new friends :) great evening! read more
1 month ago
Thank you sooo much Hannah for a wonderful time this experience was a great one from all the tasting experience from the Pinsa, the signature dishes and desserts.... Made new friends and caught up with the oldies but goodies :) read more
Wow! What an amazing meal!! I was lucky enough to be a part of this event, and I'm so glad I was able to experience this. Thank you to the Yelp team and to the Tabac+ staff for hosting this event! Food: I loved every single dish. I don't have a ton of experience eating Mediterranean/Turkish food, but wow the flavors were exceptional. Started off with Mezze Garden, which was a variety of dips and small plates, which were delicious. Garden salad was pretty good, but nothing too special. The Zaatar pinsa, Ottoman feast, and Four cheese reminded me of pizza/flatbread. Not too salty, perfect chewiness in the bread, warm; I think I enjoyed the four cheese the most. Zaatar pinsa was also good, but I got a little confused on how to eat it since it came with some veggies. Thankfully, the server explained how to put it together to eat. My favorite savory dish has to be the Roasted Almond Chicken; it was so tender with the perfect crunch. Looking back, I don't think we ever got the Beef Cop Shish (beef skewers), which I'm sad about since that sounded interesting, but that's ok; the rest of the food was still amazing. The desserts were sooooo good! Saffron milk cake was so moist and delicious, and the baklava was flaky with a nice crunch. We also tried the sherbet drink, and wow, it was delicious!! I don't normally order drinks at restaurants, but I will definitely order this during my next visit. Ambiance: Beautiful restaurant. I would come only to experience the ambiance/decor. Very modern, clean, pretty. Perfect for date night, birthdays, special occasions, or just a nice night out. Be aware that it is also a hookah lounge, so don't come if that makes you uncomfortable seeing other customers with hookahs. Service: So friendly! They explained every dish very thoroughly, and they plated the dishes so beautifully! Peep the pics to see how pretty the dishes (and the restaurant) are!! Parking: Can't comment since I took public transportation to the restaurant, but my table-mates stated that street parking was relatively easy. Overall, I had such a good experience and enjoyed everything that was served. I have started recommending this establishment to my friends because I think it's that good! I noticed that there's a happy hour menu, but be aware that I did not see any alcohol on it so this is NOT the place if you want alcohol. read more
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