Openings & Closings: Leyla, Arba, Elysian Fields, Island Burgers

A new Turkish restaurant called Leyla plans to open at 108 West 74th Street near Columbus Avenue on March 6. “Conceptualized by Huseyin Ozer [of Bodrum] and his business partner Berna Erbilgin Gundogdu, LEYLA brings a piece of the duo’s home to New Yorkers,” a press release says. They plan to serve Turkish and Mediterranean dishes” including breads, salads and meat — lamb and braised beef tongue are each on the menu. There will be a bar, a main dining room and a garden room dining area.

Arba, a restaurant on Columbus and 83rd Street we wrote about a few weeks ago, is actually co-located at the new gluten-free kosher bakery Modern Bread and Bagel, The Times of Israel notes. “Both Gottesman and Zook see the restaurant as being a space where diners come to relax. In the morning customers can choose from babka bread pudding, lemon ricotta hotcakes, a bagel with in-house smoked salmon — or perhaps order a sandwich to go. In the evening diners can enjoy one of 200 kosher wines, 20 of which will be available by the glass. They can order a la carte from Arba’s menu, or enjoy a six-course tasting menu featuring locally sourced vegetables and fish.

A Mediterranean restaurant called Elysian Fields opened on Amsterdam between 119th and 120th in January.”They are doing everything right — great, reasonably priced Greek food in an attractive, comfortable space with good lighting, great music, and sweet service,” writes our tipster Nancy. “A meal at Elysian Fields will run you upwards of $25, drinks not included,” the Columbia Spectator reported. Mezedes, or small plates, vary in price from about $5-$16, and some large plates, like the Seafood Pasta, go for $23. The portions are generous, but be warned that a $12 salad from the menu will not fill you up.”

Island Burgers & Shakes at 422 Amsterdam appeared to be closed as of a few days ago, with a “business opportunity available” sign on the window. No one has been picking up the phone and the owner did not respond to an email message. Thanks to Gavan for the photo.