akdeniz

okra stew (seriouseats.com)

shepherd's salad (seriouseats.com)

Another great find in the theater district. If it were anywhere else in Manhattan I probably wouldn't be writing about it, but its reasonable prices, flavorful (if simple) turkish/mediterranean dishes, and cozy, quiet setting make it a gem in the west 40s. Everything I tasted was good: bright, fresh salads (my favorite was the calamari, char-grilled and tossed with roasted red peppers, onions, tomatoes and parsley, though the chicken salad was delicious as well, and HUGE), satisfying appetizers (cacik - cucumbers blended with yogurt and dill - and eggplant salad - eggplant blended with roasted red and green peppers, garlic, olive oil and lemon juice) and hearty entrees (the grilled shrimp served with arugula and shredded carrots marinated in a tangy vinaigrette). I've since mentioned this place to a few friends, and those who have been had similarly enjoyable experiences. Apparently, the okra stew (served over the same eggplant puree that we ordered as an app) is not to be missed.

The restaurant is small but not cramped, and less tourist-y feeling than most of what you'll find nearby. Perfect for pre-theater.

19 W 46 St (bw 5th and 6th avenues)
website

*recommendations:
 cacik
 eggplant salad
 grilled calamari salad
 grilled shrimp skewers