Efes Grill is now open in Jersey City. The New Brunswick-based restaurant is located in the space formerly occupied by AI Pho & Vermicelli at 515 Jersey Avenue.
The restaurant, which is named for the ancient Greek city of Ephesus, got a slight makeover offering a more rustic vibe. Otherwise, it remains similar to the layout at AI Pho. In terms of the menu, Efes Grill offers traditional Turkish dishes like mousakka (pictured), manti (lamb) dumplings, kebabs, and more. On the vegetarian front, there are a few meatless options like an okra casserole, falafel plate, and veggie casserole. Entree prices are in the $11 to $30 range. (Most are priced under $20). The restaurant also remains BYOB.
The New York Times gave Efes a positive review when they visited their Princeton location back in 2012. “The food at Efes is worth the bother. Ingredients are fresh; recipes are traditional,” wrote the Times. They especially recommended the lamb chops, branzino, and dorado.
We’ve only tried the mousakka, which was delicious and made with little cubes of eggplant, ground lamb, and seasoned with herbs. While they don’t have a dedicated lunch menu in Jersey City, they do offer various sandwiches, pitas, kebabs, and gyros. All are priced under $9.
Efes is currently accepting indoor dining at 25% as well as offering takeout, pickup, and delivery.
