Skip to content
Link copied to clipboard

Leziz moves to South St., adding a lounge

Leziz Cafe, the Turkish favorite, has completed its three-block move from Passyunk Avenue - from which it was evicted - to much larger quarters at 216-218 South St.

Leziz Cafe, the Turkish favorite, has completed its three-block move from Passyunk Avenue to much larger quarters at 216-218 South St.

The move was quick, as the restaurant was evicted July 14 from its home of five years.

Leziz has retained the modern design flourishes and open floor plan from the double storefont's previous tenant, Mixed Plate, while adding Turkish art and decorations.

Owner Sal Kucuk says the restaurant is still a work in progress, as a new chef is revamping the menu and the liquor license is pending (so he is comping wine for now).

About 85 percent of the previous menu will remain, including the Lahmacun flatbreads that The Inquirer's Craig LaBan raved about last winter.

Kucuk is prepping the upstairs as Istanbul Lounge, where the hookahs will go.

Leziz opened five years ago as S&H Kebab House at 609-611 E. Passyunk Ave. Kucuk and his business owe $30,094, according to Muncipal Court documents. An initial judgment of $15,548 was entered, but rent continued to accrue.

Kucuk attributed the debt to a bank error. He said the bank never recorded his deposit last fall.