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Dining Guide: Turkuaz Grill

BARBARAELLEN KOCH PHOTO | Manager Mustafa Gulsen (left), wife and co-owner Deniz Gulsen (center) and co-owner and sister Demet Bozatli.

Owner: Deniz Gulsen and Demet Bozatli

Year established: 2011

Location: 40 McDermott Ave., Riverhead

Phone: 631-591-1757

Attire: Casual

Wheelchair accessible: Yes

Hours: Seven days, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

Turkuaz Grill in Riverhead serves delicious Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine in a bright and comfortable setting. Since taking ownership of the restaurant in 2011, Deniz Gulsen and Demet Bozatli have received an enthusiastic response from the community. “We want to thank the North Fork for the warm welcome,” the sisters said.

“Everything is homemade,” Ms. Gulsen continued. Popular appetizers include hummus; babaganoush, charbroiled eggplant purée mixed with tahini, garlic and lemon juice; and Turkish cigars, thin dough rolled with feta cheese and parsley, then pan-fried.

Entrées feature doner kebab, marinated thin-sliced lamb stacked around a vertical rotating skewer, cooked, thinly sliced and served in a gyro; special beyti kebab wrapped in lavash bread, topped with yogurt and tomato sauce and served with bulgur pilaf; and falafel, served with tahini sauce, grilled tomato and pepper.

A selection of pideler, or Turkish pizzas, is offered, and includes lahmacun, topped with ground beef, onions, red and green peppers, tomatoes and spices; pepperoni pide; and spinach pide. Baklava is one of several sweet endings.

Ms. Gulsen suggests bringing your own bottle of wine, which is opened for a $5 fee. Delivery to local businesses is available with a $25 minimum order. Turkuaz Grill caters to parties, weddings and special events of all sizes.

The Dining Guide is not a review column. It appears as a courtesy to Times/Review Newspapers advertisers.