Lokanta

Turkish food aficionados have long loved Midtown’s Sip Sak. The owner of that spot, Orhan Yegen, has expanded to Astoria with Lokanta. His inviting café is appointed with black-and-white tiles and junglelike wallpaper reminiscent of a Rousseau painting. Start with comforting chicken soup or mezze like muhammara, a thick red pepper and walnut spread. Generous main courses include beef manti dumplings in yogurt and garlic sauce, whole fish and stuffed Cornish hen with aromatic rice. Its BYOB, a bonus for bargain hunters.