Pera Mediterranean Brasserie

“Tried the Chef Mezze Sampler at PARA Mediterranean Brasserie and it was absolutely delicious—perfect variety of flavors and beautifully presented. The ambience is stylish yet relaxed, making it a great spot for both casual dinners and special occasions. Service was attentive and friendly, which made the whole experience even better. Definitely a place worth visiting!”

“A true local gem just steps from Grand Central. The service strikes that perfect balance~attentive without ever feeling rushed~so you can actually relax and enjoy your meal. The food was delicious, and beautifully prepared. It’s one of those places you keep coming back to, A great experience.”

“We hosted our wedding dinner at Pera this January, about 120 people on a Friday night, and overall it was a wonderful experience. The space is beautiful, especially in the winter, and it barely needed any extra decor. Being right next to Grand Central made it incredibly easy for guests coming from all over. Before choosing Pera, we looked at a lot of NYC venues and kept running into the same issues: places that were too expensive, too small, or technically fit our guest count but were broken up into weird rooms, alcoves, or hallways. Pera stood out because it was reasonably priced, had true restaurant-quality food, and offered one large, continuous event space right in the heart of the city. We were able to do a cocktail hour, a seated dinner, and speeches all seamlessly. From the start, Pinar and Emi were kind, responsive, and patient as we asked a million questions. They really worked with us to make sure the night felt right. Communication was strong throughout, and we always felt heard. We booked about a year in advance, and during planning there were some natural adjustments as menus and pricing evolved. What mattered most to us was that when it came time to lock things in, they worked with us thoughtfully and collaboratively so we could land on a menu we were excited about. That flexibility made a big difference. The food was excellent. Multiple guests told us how delicious everything was. The service during the night was smooth and professional. Overall, Pera delivered a great evening for us. It’s a beautiful space with strong food, a solid team, and a very convenient location, and we’d recommend it to anyone looking to host a large dinner or event in the city.”

“A delightful spot for lunch and impressive ambiance. Cocktail No. 5 is now absolute favorite. The soujouk were the undeniable best way to start a meal but the lamb adana on top of the watermelon heirloom tomato salad stole the show. Easily top 5 lamb preparations I’ve ever had. Welcoming and higher tier staff. Beautiful open kitchen. Finely curated spot that is definitely worth a visit.”

“We had a great team lunch at Pera Mediterranean Brasserie—terrific staff, a welcoming ambiance, and definitely a spot worth considering for events or business meals. The space feels polished yet approachable, and other reviewers have noted how it shines for group dining and upscale gatherings.  Here’s how our meal went: Starters • Grilled octopus: Cooked well and crisp at the edges, but I felt it could have used more seasoning to truly stand out. • Hummus: Creamy, smooth, and flavorful—a strong start that I enjoyed. Main Course • Beef shishlik: Tender and well executed in terms of cooking technique; however, it lacked a bit of seasoning punch. I’d rate it about 3.5 out of 5—good, but left a little room for improvement. Overall, we really enjoyed ourselves. With the strong service, atmosphere, and overall experience, I’ll definitely be returning to try more dishes. If you’re planning a lunch with friends or colleagues and want somewhere that balances style and comfort—this is a solid choice.”