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One of the wonders of city life is the stacking, not the melting, of cultures—as illustrated by this Turkish restaurant plunked down in the middle of Sunset Park’s teeming Chinatown. Amidst markets selling live seafood and cheap sneakers, Elite is a hub for Muslim locals, who gather on its small patio with strong tea and cigarettes. Despite the name, Elite is no bastion of exclusivity; the spic-and-span dining room, decorated with a few Turkish tapestries, welcomes everyone equally. The food’s not bad, either: Plump, sweet grape leaves taste homemade; cold cucumber soup is refreshing, thick, and garlicky; a whole trout, split down the middle and with nicely charred cheeks, is tenderly grilled. And anything involving lamb or yogurt shouldn’t be missed. From the breakfast platter of honey, feta cheese, olives, and hardboiled eggs to the lack of air-conditioning, Elite feels authentic. It just happens to be in Chinatown, in Brooklyn, New York. — Melena Ryzik

The space belongs to an adjoining mosque, so no alcohol, not even a bottle you bring in yourself, is permitted. If you can’t abide by a meal without beer or wine, a neighboring Turkish grocery sells worthwhile take-home snacks.

Stuffed grape leaves, $4.50; eggplant salad, $2.95, lamb kebob, $9.50; grilled trout, $16.50