Winter is usually a time for slowness to settle in. Trying new cuisines or a comforting meal is a great choice for a cozy activity this time of year, and Toros Restaurant is an establishment that fits the bill. Located at 594 Valley Road in Montclair, Toros Restaurant serves up the highest quality of ingredients to make traditional Turkish dishes that are sure to satisfy any craving. Read on to discover what makes Toros Restaurant in Montclair special and which appetizers The Montclair Girl thinks are a must-try.
About Toros
Toros Restaurant and its other locations are run by Huseyin Bayram and his family. Mustafa Bayram, Huseyin’s father, opened his first restaurant, also named Toros, in Turkey in 1972. After immigrating to America in 1993, Mustafa opened the first Turkish restaurant in Paterson and then Clifton. The Bayram family chose to open a location in Montclair because of its vibrant and diverse community that is always willing to welcome different cultural cuisines, as well as its proximity to Manhattan.
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The restaurant takes pride in serving seasonal desserts and vegetarian specials all year round. Its food is preservative-free, and everything is made fresh daily — the bread is even made right in-house. “What sets us apart from other restaurants is our commitment to using the freshest, highest-quality ingredients,” Nazli, Huseyin’s sister, said. “As a family-owned restaurant, we offer a personal touch – you’ll always find a family member available to address any concerns. Our customer service is warm and genuine, making every guest feel like part of our family.”
What to Expect
For any reader who is new to Turkish cuisine, expect ingredients such as eggplant, lamb, yogurt, and dill in most of its dishes. Cold appetizers such as Coban Salata (Shepherd’s Salad) and Zeytinyaglı Yaprak Dolma (stuffed grape leaves) are refreshing enough to give visitors a taste of summer during these cold months. Hot appetizers like Mucver (pan-fried zucchini dill, parsley, feta cheese served with yogurt sauce) and Sigara Boregi (pan-fried crispy filo dough filled with feta cheese, parsley + dill) are also available if more warmth is needed.
Delicacies including Manti (poached beef dumplings served with yogurt sauce) and Tavuk Kebab (lean chunks of chicken, tenderized in milk, skewered and grilled over charcoal) are available for entrees along with other traditional Turkish recipes and kebabs with the option of combination plates. Toros also serves Turkish tea, coffee, and juices to enhance any dish and make the full cuisine experience. There’s even a lunch special available from 11:30AM-3PM daily, which includes a soup or salad, appetizers, entree, and drink all for $17.99 for guests to enjoy.
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Toros Restaurant has a beautiful atmosphere, including a back patio area for the warmer months, and private rooms for parties that host up to 30 guests. Huseyin, Nazli, and their family are excited to open their next venture: Toros Café in Paterson. Although no opening date has been announced yet, the café will serve specialty coffee, tea, and juice drinks alongside crepes, waffles, European pastries, seasonal beverages, paninis, and nutritious salads, making an even cozier experience for a proven comfort cuisine. Toros Restaurant is open from 12PM-10PM daily.