Nar, meaning pomegranate, symbolizes happiness and prosperity in Turkish culture. Our mission is to introduce the vibrant and exquisite flavors of modern Turkish cuisine to New York City. Located in the heart of the Flatiron District, Nar is a collaboration of three passionate investors with deep connections to the culinary world: Pakize Sukan, Erhan Bahceci, and Zeynep Solak.
Nar, meaning pomegranate, symbolizes happiness and prosperity in Turkish culture. Our mission is to introduce the vibrant and exquisite flavors of modern Turkish cuisine to New York City. Located in the heart of the Flatiron District, Nar is a collaboration of three passionate investors with deep connections to the culinary world: Pakize Sukan, Erhan Bahceci, and Zeynep Solak.
Zeynep Solak
Zeynep, Founder of Nar, brings a Mediterranean rooted and globally informed vision shaped by her experience in regional promotion, culinary sourcing, and international collaboration. With a deep commitment to quality, cultural exchange, and gastronomic excellence, she positions Nar as a refined culinary destination that celebrates the richness of Mediterranean cuisine through a contemporary and globally inspired lens. Drawing on her close relationships with dedicated producers across the Mediterranean and select international markets, she ensures that Nar’s menu reflects exceptional ingredients, seasonality, and authenticity. She also fosters emerging culinary talent and builds meaningful connections between regions and cultures. Her leadership is dedicated to crafting a dining experience where tradition and global influence come together with balance, integrity, and lasting impact.
Pakize Sukan
Pakize Sukan brings a sophisticated vision shaped by extensive experience in luxury branding, strategic communications, hospitality, and international business development. With a deep commitment to excellence and cultural authenticity, she positions Nar as a distinguished culinary destination that presents Turkish cuisine with elegance, clarity, and modern sophistication. Drawing on her expertise in brand storytelling and reputation building, she oversees Nar’s brand identity, guest experience, and strategic growth, ensuring every touchpoint reflects quality, prestige, and genuine Turkish hospitality. Her leadership is dedicated to crafting a timeless dining experience where tradition is elevated through contemporary refinement and meaningful connection.
Erhan Bahceci
Erhan, owner of the Food Cellar Market and Amish Market chains, brings a seasoned and globally informed perspective shaped by his extensive experience in gourmet retail and international culinary exploration. With a deep appreciation for quality, innovation, and cultural heritage, he positions Nar as a distinguished culinary destination that honors Turkish traditions while embracing contemporary trends and mindful living. Drawing on his entrepreneurial expertise and passion for gastronomy, he guides Nar’s vision with a commitment to excellence, refinement, and authenticity. His leadership is dedicated to offering a sophisticated dining experience in Manhattan’s vibrant culinary landscape, where heritage is elevated through thoughtful evolution and global influence.
Zeynep Solak
Zeynep, Founder of Nar, brings a Mediterranean rooted and globally informed vision shaped by her experience in regional promotion, culinary sourcing, and international collaboration. With a deep commitment to quality, cultural exchange, and gastronomic excellence, she positions Nar as a refined culinary destination that celebrates the richness of Mediterranean cuisine through a contemporary and globally inspired lens. Drawing on her close relationships with dedicated producers across the Mediterranean and select international markets, she ensures that Nar’s menu reflects exceptional ingredients, seasonality, and authenticity. She also fosters emerging culinary talent and builds meaningful connections between regions and cultures. Her leadership is dedicated to crafting a dining experience where tradition and global influence come together with balance, integrity, and lasting impact.
Pakize Sukan
Pakize Sukan brings a sophisticated vision shaped by extensive experience in luxury branding, strategic communications, hospitality, and international business development. With a deep commitment to excellence and cultural authenticity, she positions Nar as a distinguished culinary destination that presents Turkish cuisine with elegance, clarity, and modern sophistication. Drawing on her expertise in brand storytelling and reputation building, she oversees Nar’s brand identity, guest experience, and strategic growth, ensuring every touchpoint reflects quality, prestige, and genuine Turkish hospitality. Her leadership is dedicated to crafting a timeless dining experience where tradition is elevated through contemporary refinement and meaningful connection.
Erhan Bahceci
Erhan, owner of the Food Cellar Market and Amish Market chains, brings a seasoned and globally informed perspective shaped by his extensive experience in gourmet retail and international culinary exploration. With a deep appreciation for quality, innovation, and cultural heritage, he positions Nar as a distinguished culinary destination that honors Turkish traditions while embracing contemporary trends and mindful living. Drawing on his entrepreneurial expertise and passion for gastronomy, he guides Nar’s vision with a commitment to excellence, refinement, and authenticity. His leadership is dedicated to offering a sophisticated dining experience in Manhattan’s vibrant culinary landscape, where heritage is elevated through thoughtful evolution and global influence.
Chef de Cuisine
Semih Taşdemir developed his passion for Turkish cuisine early, building a strong foundation through formal studies in food and beverage services and culinary arts. He refined his craft at distinguished hospitality establishments, including Polat Renaissance Bosphorus, Marriott Hotels, and Six Senses Resort, where he honed both his technical expertise and creative approach.
He later advanced his career at Fairmont Quasar Hotel before joining Park Hyatt Dubai in December 2018, where he held three progressive roles over 4.5 years. His international experience continued in the United States as a sous chef at the Daxton Hotel in Michigan.
In July 2024, Semih joined Nar Restaurant as Chef de Cuisine. He now leads the kitchen with a vision rooted in tradition and elevated through contemporary technique, bringing the depth and richness of Turkish cuisine to New York City.
Team
Sous Chef
Fahri Atesoglu
Wine Director
Irem Parildar
Mixologist
Yusuf Cakirca
Chef de Cuisine
Semih Taşdemir developed his passion for Turkish cuisine early, building a strong foundation through formal studies in food and beverage services and culinary arts. He refined his craft at distinguished hospitality establishments, including Polat Renaissance Bosphorus, Marriott Hotels, and Six Senses Resort, where he honed both his technical expertise and creative approach.
He later advanced his career at Fairmont Quasar Hotel before joining Park Hyatt Dubai in December 2018, where he held three progressive roles over 4.5 years. His international experience continued in the United States as a sous chef at the Daxton Hotel in Michigan.
In July 2024, Semih joined Nar Restaurant as Chef de Cuisine. He now leads the kitchen with a vision rooted in tradition and elevated through contemporary technique, bringing the depth and richness of Turkish cuisine to New York City.
Sous Chef
Fahri Atesoglu
Wine Director
Irem Parildar
Mixologist
Yusuf Cakirca
