Oba Mediterranean Gyro and Grill opened just a few months ago but is already a mainstay on bustling Austin Street in Forest Hills. “All Natural, All Healthy, All Homemade” is their slogan and nothing could be truer when it comes to Oba. One taste of this authentic Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine will prove that.
“Oba” is the Turkish name for ancient tents where nomadic families and friends gathered for meals and conversation. Indeed Oba’s casual eat in or take out dining room with its open kitchen buzzes with activity. All of the dining room’s rustic tables were full of happy diners devouring generous servings of delicious kebabs, doner, vegetables and more. Orders ‘to go’ move at blinding speed out the glass doors of this corner, glass-enclosed location. The sidewalk seating is now open and ready to welcome you to dine al fresco.
Oba Mediterranean Gyro and Grill uses only the finest ingredients including halal meats for its traditional recipes. There are plenty of vegetarian dishes to choose from as well. Mediterranean appetizers called meze are my favorite part of the meal. Make it easy on yourself and order the mixed platter with a selection of seven of the chef’s specialties such as eggplant dip, creamy hummus, yogurt dill dip, stuffed grape leaves and more, all served with hot, fresh bread called pide. Hot appetizers include flaky pastry filled with feta cheese, delicate falafel perfectly seasoned and golden brown, and crispy fried calamari. Order a shepherd’s salad with tomato, Kirby cucumbers, green pepper, onion, parsley, lemon and olive oil for the table and let the meal begin.
Entrées from the grill are served hot and juicy, as everything is cooked to order. Oba’s kebabs are outstanding, whether you choose skewered lamb chunks, spicy lamb adana, beef shish, kofte, which is ground meat and seasonings, or chicken, you’ll enjoy every juicy morsel. Lamb chops are prepared Turkish style and then passed over the charcoal flames for incredibly good flavor. Order a half chicken, organically raised and marinated in delicate spices before hitting the charcoal grill. There’s even a ribeye steak to dig into, and all meat entrées are served with salad and rice or French fries. If you can’t decide, just order the mixed grill with four kebabs including shish kebab, adana, lamb chops and succulent gyro sliced off the rotating grill ($25.95 for 2 people).
Lahmacun (pronounced lock-mah-JUN) is a Turkish style pizza of sorts, filled with spiced ground meat, parsley, tomatoes and red peppers in a thin dough, then fired in the hot oven for a crisp, golden treat for lunch, dinner, or snack. All of their meats and falafel can be wrapped up into a hand-held sandwich with red cabbage, lettuce, tomato, onion, parsley, and dressing to stay or to be delivered to your home or office. Let Oba cater your next event and have your guests try something different and delicious.
Oba’s Turkish dessert pastries and creamy puddings will leave a sweet taste in your mouth, and their baklava is light, crisp, and sweetened with honey and ground pistachios.
Oba Mediterranean Gyro and Grill is open seven days a week from 11am to 11pm to eat inside, eat outside, take out, or have it delivered. Either way, just go to Oba for a fabulous Mediterranean meal.
70-35 Austin Street
Forest Hills – 718.544.0915
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