Rated a Top 5 Newcomer by Zagat 2008, Pera Mediterranean Brasserie brings an authentic taste of eastern Mediterranean cuisine to Manhattan. Located at 303 Madison Avenue, Pera is the first venture from Burak Karacam of BK Restaurant Partners, LLC. Pera has enlisted Sezai Celikbas of internationally renowned Kosebasi restaurants in Turkey and Jason Avery, previously of the Regent Wall Street, as the restaurant’s co-executive chefs.

Pera derives its name from an elegant neighborhood in Istanbul that has served as the melting pot for many cultures and cuisines since the 17th century. The executive chefs lead a team of specialty cooks from Turkey and are collaboratively introducing lesser known mezes and meat preparations to a New York audience. Pera features numerous mezes, specially prepared and marinated cuts of grilled meats and seafood, traditional and modern Mediterranean side dishes and regional breads baked a la minute.

Signature mezes include warm hummus, beef and bulgur tartare, mini shish trio of marinated lamb, harissa shrimp and soujouk with fresh lavash and fresh baked pidettes (mini Turkish flatbreads) topped with a choice of traditional options such as eggplant, ground beef and soujouk (spiced Turkish sausage). The main courses focus on delicately marbled grilled meats that are cooked on a 10-foot-long open flame grill. Guests can choose from a variety of different cuts of lamb, beef and chicken, or opt for the traditional chefs tasting menu featuring assorted successive servings of house specialities.