MR
Mahjabeen Rahman
Sep 28, 2026
We had such a great experience at Avora! From the moment we sat down, we were welcomed with warm Turkish bread, which was such a nice start. We tried the mixed grill, lamb liver, and butter shrimp, and everything was flavorful, fresh, and really delicious.
The mixed grill was especially satisfying with a great variety, the lamb liver was cooked perfectly, and the butter shrimp was rich and tasty. We finished with künefe for dessert, and it was the perfect ending to the meal - warm, sweet, and absolutely yum!
The service was excellent as well - friendly, attentive, and welcoming throughout. Beautiful atmosphere, great food, and a lovely overall experience. We’d definitely come back!
BS
Braunier Solano
Sep 26, 2026
My family and I went for my aunt's birthday and we had a middle eastern gentleman as our server (we unfortunately do not remember his name). He got one of our orders wrong which is not a big deal, it happens but he then proceeded to be a bit judgemental towards me when I asked for a dish with no vegetables. At the end, we wanted to split the bill in 3 and he said that it was too much work for him to split it so we should just pay one bill. You can go to god damn Applebee's and they will split the check no problem, but this "fancy" expensive restaurant has server that are to lazy to split the check for their guests? Luckily there was a really nice and friendly worker by the name of Lluvia and she treated us incredibly well. In the end, we went to pay the bill and this restaurant charged us a whole 15 dollars more just for paying with a card, it's a bit outrageous, so we reduced the tip by 15 dollars and gave most of it to Lluvia despite her not being our server because our actual server is honestly a lazy man and should be replaced by someone that wants to work instead.
Avora is a solid pick for Mediterranean food. The menu has a lot of options, and everything we tried was really tasty. Food came out fast, which was a nice surprise for a busy Friday night.
Service was excellent, though they clearly need more staff. It looked like one waitress was covering most of the tables. She did a great job, but that's a lot for one person on a weekend.
The only other downside was the heat. The AC wasn't on, which makes sense for fall, but with a full room it got really warm inside even though it was cool outside. Turning on the AC or opening things up a bit would make a big difference in an otherwise nice vibe.
Overall, I'd go back for the food. With a bit more staff and a cooler dining room, it could easily be a five-star spot.
AP
Art Projects
Sep 23, 2026
Our Newcomers and Neighbors of Somerset Hills group recently enjoyed our monthly Dining Out at Avora Mediterranean Restaurant in Somerville, NJ—and what a wonderful experience it was! ✨
From the appetizers to the entrées and desserts, every dish impressed us. The Turkish cuisine was absolutely fabulous, and everyone was delighted with their selections. 🍽️
Hosting a group of 20 can be challenging, but the team at Avora made us feel truly welcome. Several days before our dinner, they took the time to discuss the different seating areas with us so we could choose the perfect location for our group. Their thoughtful planning and hospitality made the evening even more special. ❤️
A heartfelt thank-you to the servers, manager, and owner for their professionalism, kindness, and attention to detail. We truly appreciated the warm hospitality, delicious food, and inviting atmosphere.
If you’re looking for a wonderful Mediterranean dining experience in Somerville, be sure to visit Avora! We look forward to returning. 🌟
#AvoraMediterranean #SomervilleNJ #TurkishCuisine #MediterraneanFood #DiningOut #RestaurantReview #GroupDining #NewcomersAndNeighbors #FoodieFinds #SupportLocalRestaurants
I normally don’t leave bad reviews, but unfortunately, I felt I had to share my experience.
I came to this restaurant for dinner with my family and guests. Unfortunately, my card was declined at the time of payment. I completely understand that card declines can happen, and I had no issue providing another form of payment.
What really disappointed me was the way the manager handled the situation. Instead of discreetly pulling me aside and letting me know that my card had been declined so I could provide another card, he repeatedly pointed it out in front of my entire family and guests, showing them that the card had been declined.
This was extremely embarrassing and humiliating for me, especially in front of people I had invited to dinner. A payment issue should be handled privately and professionally, with respect for the customer’s dignity and privacy.
I have no problem with the card being declined—it happens. My concern is entirely about how the manager chose to handle the situation. Unfortunately, the way I was treated left a very negative impression, and I would expect much better customer service and professionalism from a restaurant manager.