10 Must-Try Turkish Dishes at Pita House Long Island: The Definitive Guide for 2026
Looking for the best Turkish dishes on Long Island? This comprehensive guide reveals the 10 must-try dishes at Pita House, Long Island's premier Turkish restaurant since 1993. From flame-grilled Adana Kebab to handmade Manti dumplings, discover authentic Mediterranean flavors with real menu prices, customer reviews, and insider tips.
Our signature grilled dishes, prepared fresh daily using authentic Turkish recipes
Why Long Island Loves Turkish Cuisine at Pita House
For over 30 years, Pita House has been the definitive destination for authentic Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine on Long Island. Located at 2016 Route 112 in Medford, NY, we've built our reputation on one simple principle: using traditional recipes, premium ingredients, and time-honored cooking techniques to create dishes that transport you to the heart of Anatolia.
Turkish cuisine is one of the world's great culinary traditions, blending influences from Central Asia, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean. At Pita House, we honor this rich heritage while making it accessible to Long Island families from Patchogue to Smithtown, Centereach to Ronkonkoma, and every community in between.
Whether you're a longtime fan of Turkish food or exploring it for the first time, this guide will introduce you to the 10 dishes that have made Pita House Long Island's most beloved Turkish restaurant. Each dish tells a story of tradition, flavor, and the passion we bring to every plate.
The 10 Best Turkish Dishes You Must Try at Pita House
Adana Kebab
Adana Kebabi
Chopped lamb flavored with fresh red bell peppers, gently spiced with paprika, grilled on 1-inch skewers, served with roasted green peppers and tomatoes.
Why Try This Dish:
Named after the Turkish city of Adana, this is the crown jewel of Turkish grilling. Our recipe has been perfected over 30 years using premium lamb and authentic Turkish red pepper flakes (pul biber) imported directly from Turkey. The hand-chopped meat creates a texture you won't find anywhere else on Long Island.
Includes: Served with choice of side salad or soup, white rice or bulgur pilaf, pita bread, and sauce
Perfect For: Spice lovers, meat enthusiasts, and anyone seeking an authentic Turkish kebab experience
Pro Tip: Pair with ayran (Turkish yogurt drink) to balance the spices, or try our Red Lentil Soup
Iskender Kebab
Iskender Kebabi
Gyro kebab in lightly hot tomato sauce over pita bread, served with hot butter sauce and hot yogurt. No rice.
Why Try This Dish:
Created in the 1800s by Iskender Efendi in Bursa, Turkey, this legendary dish features our house-made gyro meat served over fresh pita bread, drenched in rich tomato sauce and sizzling melted butter. The addition of hot yogurt creates an unforgettable flavor symphony that keeps customers coming back for decades.
Includes: Served with hot yogurt and pita bread
Perfect For: First-time Turkish cuisine explorers, comfort food lovers, and anyone who appreciates rich, layered flavors
Pro Tip: Best enjoyed with Turkish tea after the meal to aid digestion
Fresh US Anatolian Special
Anadolu Ozel
Mixed grilled assortment of shish kebabs, gyros, adana kebab, and chicken kebab grilled to taste and served with tomatoes and green peppers.
Why Try This Dish:
This is the ultimate Turkish feast - a spectacular platter showcasing our mastery of different meats and preparation styles. Perfect for the indecisive diner or those who want to experience the full range of Turkish grilling in one impressive dish.
Includes: Served with choice of side salad or soup, white rice or bulgur pilaf, pita bread, and sauce
Perfect For: Groups sharing a meal, special occasions, and anyone who can't choose just one kebab
Pro Tip: Share with friends and enjoy with multiple dipping sauces
Fresh US Loin Cut Lamb Kebab
Kuzu Sis Kebabi
Small cubes of baby lamb marinated in chef's special sauce with green peppers and grilled on skewers.
Why Try This Dish:
We use only premium US loin cut lamb, marinated overnight in our chef's special blend of olive oil, garlic, and Mediterranean herbs. Each cube is juicy, flavorful, and melts in your mouth - this is Turkish grilling at its finest.
Includes: Served with choice of side salad or soup, white rice or bulgur pilaf, pita bread, and sauce
Perfect For: Classic kebab lovers, those new to Turkish cuisine, and anyone who appreciates quality lamb
Pro Tip: Excellent with our bulgur pilaf and Turkish Shepherd's Salad
Manti - Turkish Dumplings
Manti
Traditional Turkish dumplings. Delicious classic boiled tiny Turkish lamb stuffed dumplings served with garlicky yogurt and caramelized tomato paste.
Why Try This Dish:
Manti is one of Turkey's most beloved comfort foods, and our recipe is authentic to the Kayseri region where this dish originated. Each tiny dumpling is hand-crafted and filled with seasoned lamb, then served with two signature sauces that create an explosion of flavor.
Includes: Served with garlicky yogurt and caramelized tomato paste
Perfect For: Adventurous eaters, dumpling lovers, and those seeking authentic Turkish home cooking
Pro Tip: The garlicky yogurt and tomato paste are meant to be mixed together - don't skip this step!
Fresh Domestic Cut Lamb Chops
Kuzu Pirzola
4 pieces of charbroiled baby lamb chops, grilled tomatoes, and green peppers.
Why Try This Dish:
Our lamb chops are the pinnacle of Turkish grilling. We select only the finest domestic lamb and prepare them with a light touch - just enough seasoning to enhance the natural sweetness of the meat. Charbroiled to perfection, these chops are a carnivore's dream.
Includes: Served with choice of side salad or soup, white rice or bulgur pilaf, pita bread, and sauce
Perfect For: Lamb lovers, special dinner occasions, and those seeking restaurant-quality meat
Pro Tip: Best enjoyed medium-rare with a side of shepherd's salad
Calf's Fried Liver
Arnavut Cigeri
Served with red onion, parsley, and lemon.
Why Try This Dish:
This traditional Turkish delicacy showcases the art of Turkish cooking with perfectly seasoned and fried calf liver. The dish comes with a refreshing accompaniment of red onion, fresh parsley, and lemon that cuts through the richness beautifully. Even if you're not typically a liver fan, our preparation might change your mind.
Includes: Hot appetizer served with accompaniments
Perfect For: Adventurous eaters, those who appreciate traditional cuisine, and organ meat enthusiasts
Pro Tip: Squeeze the lemon generously and enjoy with fresh pita bread
Mini Lahmajun (4 pieces)
Mini Lahmacun
Spicy ground lamb over a layer of made crust, served with slices of fresh tomatoes, parsley, and red onion.
Why Try This Dish:
Often called 'Turkish pizza,' our Lahmajun features paper-thin dough that crisps perfectly in our high-heat oven, topped with a perfectly spiced lamb mixture. The traditional way to eat it is to add fresh tomatoes, parsley, and red onion, squeeze lemon, and roll it up for an explosion of flavors.
Includes: 4 pieces with fresh tomatoes, parsley, and red onion
Perfect For: Street food enthusiasts, light lunch seekers, and those wanting to try authentic Turkish fast food
Pro Tip: Roll it up with the vegetables and squeeze fresh lemon for the authentic experience
Beyti Spicy Lamb Kebab
Beyti Kebabi
Chopped lamb flavored with fresh peppers and spiced sauce with paprika, garlic, and onions grilled on skewers.
Why Try This Dish:
Named after the famous Istanbul restaurateur Beyti Guler, this kebab is a masterpiece of flavor. The combination of fresh peppers, garlic, and onions creates a more complex flavor profile than traditional Adana, with a garlicky punch that kebab lovers adore.
Includes: Served with choice of side salad or soup, white rice or bulgur pilaf, pita bread, and sauce
Perfect For: Garlic lovers, those who enjoy bold flavors, and kebab connoisseurs
Pro Tip: Try wrapping pieces in lavash bread with yogurt sauce
Hummus with Pita
Humus
Mashed chickpeas blended with fresh garlic, sesame paste, and herbs.
Why Try This Dish:
As The New York Times noted about our appetizers, our hummus is 'thick and rich.' Made fresh daily using premium chickpeas, authentic tahini, and fresh garlic, this is the perfect start to any Turkish meal. The creamy texture and balanced flavors have made it a customer favorite for over 30 years.
Includes: Served with warm pita bread
Perfect For: Vegetarians, health-conscious diners, groups who love sharing, and appetizer enthusiasts
Pro Tip: Order extra pita bread - you'll want every last bit
Family Specials - Perfect for Groups
Dining with family or friends? Check out our value-packed family specials:
Dinner for Four
$74.00Includes one large Greek salad, choice of four soups, choice of four kebabs, rice, pita bread and sauce.
Mixed Grill Family Special
$63.001 skewer chicken, 1 skewer beef, turkey gyro, lamb gyro, 2 lamb chops, 2 yogurt sauces, 2 pita bread, 2 salads, and 2 soups.
Chicken and Lamb Kebab Family Special
$45.00Served with 2 yogurt sauce, 2 pita bread, 2 salads, and your choice of 2 soups.
Turkey and Lamb Gyro Combo
$43.00Served with 2 yogurt sauce, 2 pita bread, 2 salads, and your choice of 2 soups.
What Our Customers Say
"The Adana Kebab is absolutely incredible! The spices are perfectly balanced, and you can taste the authenticity in every bite. Best Turkish food on Long Island!"
Maria S.
Patchogue, NY
Ordered: Adana Kebab
"I've been coming to Pita House for 15 years. The Iskender Kebab with that buttery tomato sauce is heaven. Nothing else compares on Long Island."
Michael R.
Centereach, NY
Ordered: Iskender Kebab
"The Manti dumplings are a must-try! Tiny lamb-stuffed dumplings with garlicky yogurt - absolutely authentic Turkish comfort food."
Jennifer L.
Smithtown, NY
Ordered: Manti Dumplings
Rated 4.7 stars on Google with 450+ reviews
Read More Reviews on GoogleStart Your Meal Right: Our Famous Appetizers
Red Lentil Soup - $5.50
Pureed red lentil in mixture of meat broth topped with chopped parsley and mint
Stuffed Grape Leaves - $7.50
Grape leaves stuffed with chef's special blend of rice, herbs, and spices
Eggplant Spread (Baba Ganoush) - $7.50
Puree eggplant flavored with garlic, herbs, and parsley
Spinach Pie - $7.50
Lightly layered dough filled with spinach, feta cheese, and parsley, baked golden brown
Turkish Cigars - $7.50
Rolled filo, stuffed with choice of feta cheese or Turkish pastrami
Mujver (Zucchini Fritters) - $14.00
Delightful deep fried fritters, crispy outside, tender inside, with garlic yogurt
Recognized by Leading Food Critics
The New York Times
"The best part of the meal was the beginning, specifically the cold appetizers... We liked the creamy baba ghanouj, which had a smoky flavor, as well as the thick, rich hummus..."
Newsday
"You'll never go wrong ordering eggplant in a Turkish eatery and, at Pita House, the baba ghanoush is a smoky, creamy dream."
Frequently Asked Questions About Turkish Dishes
What is the best Turkish dish for first-time visitors?
We recommend starting with our Iskender Kebab ($26) or the Fresh US Anatolian Special ($33). The Iskender offers a perfect introduction to Turkish flavors with its combination of tender gyro meat, rich tomato sauce, melted butter, and cooling yogurt. The Anatolian Special lets you sample multiple kebabs in one meal, including shish kebab, gyro, adana, and chicken kebab.
Are there vegetarian Turkish dishes available?
Absolutely! Turkish cuisine has a rich vegetarian tradition. Our Vegetable Combo ($24) features a combination of hummus, eggplant spread, stuffed grape leaves, and pan-fried eggplant. We also offer Grilled Vegetable Kebab ($23), Falafel Dinner ($22.50), and Vegetable Iskender ($25). Many of our cold appetizers like Hummus ($7.50), Stuffed Grape Leaves ($7.50), and Eggplant Spread ($7.50) are naturally vegetarian.
Is the food at Pita House halal?
Yes, we offer halal meat options at Pita House. We understand the importance of halal dining for many of our customers and are committed to providing high-quality halal meats prepared according to Islamic dietary guidelines. Please ask your server for specific halal menu items.
How spicy is Turkish food?
Turkish cuisine is flavorful rather than overwhelmingly spicy. Most dishes like Iskender Kebab, Lamb Shish Kebab, and our mezze appetizers are mild and family-friendly. Our Adana Kebab and Beyti Kebab are our spiciest dishes, featuring Turkish red pepper flakes, but they're a pleasant medium heat. We can always adjust spice levels upon request.
What's the difference between Adana Kebab and regular Lamb Kebab?
Adana Kebab ($26) is made from hand-chopped lamb mixed with red bell peppers and paprika, formed onto wide flat skewers - it has a uniform texture and bold spice profile. Our Fresh US Loin Cut Lamb Kebab ($28) uses cubed, marinated lamb pieces threaded onto skewers with green peppers - offering distinct meat chunks with a herbaceous marinade flavor. Both are delicious but offer different experiences.
Do you offer family-style meals for groups?
Yes! We have several family specials perfect for groups: Dinner for Four ($74) includes a large Greek salad, four soups, four kebabs of your choice, rice, pita bread, and sauce. The Mixed Grill Family Special ($63) features chicken skewer, beef skewer, turkey gyro, lamb gyro, 2 lamb chops, sauces, salads, and soups. We also have combo specials starting at $43.
Do you offer takeout and delivery for these dishes?
Yes! All dishes can be ordered for takeout or delivery. We carefully package everything to maintain quality during transport. Our kebabs travel well, and we include all sauces and accompaniments. Call us at (631) 289-2262 or order online through our website.
What makes Pita House different from other Turkish restaurants?
Since 1993, Pita House has been Long Island's premier Turkish restaurant. What sets us apart is 30+ years of perfecting our recipes, using authentic ingredients imported from Turkey, maintaining traditional preparation methods, and our commitment to quality. We've been featured in The New York Times and Newsday, and have a 4.7-star rating on Google with over 450 reviews.
Serving Turkish Cuisine Across Long Island
Pita House is conveniently located on Route 112 in Medford, NY, making us easily accessible from communities throughout Suffolk County. Whether you're coming from Patchogue, Centereach, Ronkonkoma, Smithtown, Holbrook, Sayville, or anywhere in between, authentic Turkish cuisine is just a short drive away.
From Patchogue
10 min drive via Route 112
From Smithtown
15 min drive via Nesconset Hwy
From Ronkonkoma
8 min drive via Portion Rd
Ready to Experience the Best Turkish Food on Long Island?
Visit us at 2016 Route 112, Medford, NY 11763
Call (631) 289-2262 for reservations
Open Mon-Thu 11AM-9PM | Fri-Sat 11AM-10PM | Sun 12PM-9PM
Your Turkish Culinary Journey Starts Here
These 10 dishes represent the very best of what Turkish cuisine has to offer, and each one is prepared with the same care and authenticity that has made Pita House Long Island's favorite Turkish restaurant for over three decades.
Whether you're craving the bold spices of our Adana Kebab, the comforting richness of Iskender, or the handmade perfection of our Manti dumplings, we invite you to join us for an unforgettable dining experience.
At Pita House, we're not just serving food - we're sharing a cultural tradition that spans centuries. Every dish, every spice, every recipe connects you to the heart of Turkish hospitality. Come hungry, leave happy, and discover why Long Island has trusted us with their Turkish cravings since 1993.
