If you want a cozy, upscale restaurant that offers actually peaceful outdoor seating in New York City, then you will love Pera Soho!

I have been to Pera many times now, and every time I leave feeling satisfied and happy. I love anything Mediterranean, so having a diverse array of options in that cuisine has kept me coming back here time and time again. Whether you are in the Soho location or the Midtown location, Pera remains consistent. One aspect of Pera that I want to highlight is that, depending on how much time you have, you can either have a relatively quick meal or a relaxed, sit-down meal. The service is more than willing to accommodate your needs.

First and foremost, the overall restaurant atmosphere in both the Midtown and Soho locations features warm lighting, cozy tables, and a view of the chef as he cooks your food, depending on your order. The vibe felt casual with an elevated flair, which presents numerous opportunities to try Pera out. Perfect for a date night or just a night out with friends! There is a nice melody of music in the background, but nothing so overpowering that it would take away from the overall experience.

Now, let’s discuss the food. For my main, I had the Chicken Shashlic, and it came with bulghur rice and a nice side salad (I asked for tzatziki sauce as well). The chicken was moist and juicy, most likely from the delicious yogurt-based marinade that makes this dish work. The bulghur rice and salad were the perfect little touches to make the meal feel complete. If I had to add anything to it, I would add some grilled vegetables onto the kebabs that the chicken is cooked on, just to add some versatility and fun. Moving to the side, I love the Brussels sprouts, which are offered at the Soho location, or the Grilled Vegetables, which are offered at the Midtown location. Both add amazing caramelization and add to the already exceptional experience.

When looking at the price, you have to keep in mind that this is New York City - everything is expensive. When considering this factor and the portion/quality, it is more than fair. The appetizers ranged from $12-$24, and the mains ranged from $20-$48. I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a moderately upscale, cozy dinner spot with high-quality Mediterranean food.

Service: 8/10

Food: 8/10

Atmosphere: 9/10