A new restaurant on Main Avenue in Clifton is betting that shisha lounges and Turkish comfort food belong on the same menu. Aura Lounge, located at 1500 Main Ave., serves Turkish and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine with a modern twist, according to owners quoted by Best of NJ, alongside premium hookah offerings and a weekend DJ scene that stretches late into the night.
The restaurant is the first restaurant-industry venture for owners Josh Yazici, Ali Tekke, and Serkan Birdal, as reported by Best of NJ. The trio said they aim to grow Aura Lounge, improve the guest experience, and introduce new menu and dining-event ideas going forward, per the same outlet. Their venture occupies a sizable footprint: 8,000 square feet that can hold approximately 220 guests indoors at full capacity.
A Menu Built Around Shared Plates and Shisha
The kitchen turns out dishes like saslik, skewered and grilled cubes of meat, alongside steak Aura, the Aura rib-eye burger, and coconut curry chicken fettuccine. The owners personally recommend the short rib wrap and the tuna tartare as standout picks, according to Best of NJ's reporting. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are also available, though Aura Lounge encourages guests to discuss dietary restrictions with their server before ordering.
Drinks lean into the nonalcoholic side of the bar program. The restaurant serves premium nonalcoholic specialty drinks, including a signature creation called Ice Age and a virgin strawberry mojito. Aura Lounge is BYOB, and OpenTable's listing for the restaurant notes BYO liquor and BYO wine among its offerings, per OpenTable.
Breakfast, Lunch, and a Kid-Friendly Touch
Aura Lounge serves Turkish breakfast until 2 p.m. as well as lunch, giving the space a daytime identity beyond its nightlife reputation. There's no dedicated children's menu, but kid-friendly options are on offer, including penne pasta, a kids' burger, and fried chicken. The restaurant's executive chef brings nearly 20 years of international experience to the kitchen, according to Best of NJ.
For private events, Aura Lounge has two private dining rooms that accommodate up to 50 guests combined, and the restaurant offers private bookings for special occasions and corporate functions. OpenTable's private-dining page for the restaurant lists live DJ performances starting at 8 p.m. every Friday and Saturday, with the venue also promoting Halloween events on October 30 and 31 featuring live DJs, dance performances, themed desserts, and special drinks, per the same listing.
Reservations, Pickup, and the Fine Print on Big Nights
Reservations are accepted, and the restaurant offers takeout for pickup, though it does not offer delivery through third-party platforms. Guests planning a big group outing should take note: OpenTable's listing shows a $90 per-person minimum spend applies on Friday and Saturday evenings after 7 p.m., excluding tax and an 18% service charge, and for parties of nine or more guests, an exclusive set menu is mandatory at $79.95 per person, also excluding tax and the service charge.
Those looking to book a table or inquire about group dining can call 973-400-0333. With its blend of Turkish comfort food, shisha, and weekend DJ sets, Aura Lounge is positioning itself as both a daytime breakfast stop and a late-night destination for Clifton diners.
