Paşazade Ottoman Cuisine Restaurant, in the busy restaurant district of Sirkeci (map), is eminently recommendable.
Decorated to look like a Turkish mahalle(neighbourhood) of little wooden Ottoman houses inside, its menu features authentic Ottoman cuisine. The dishes have been researched by the chef, and are presented in a refined but comfortably informal atmosphere.
The fixed menus are a great way to sample a selection of dishes you might not have thought of otherwise: çıplak börek (“naked” savory pastry), for example, or ekmek kadayıfı (crumpets in a thick syrup with clotted cream) for dessert.
The short but well-chosen wine list is perfect for those not familiar with Turkish wines and wine grapes. It ranges from the simple, basic, inexpensive Turkish labels to some of the finest vintages.
Paşazade (PAH-shah-zah-deh), by the way, means “Of the Family of the Pasha.” (Paşa: a general or high government official in Ottoman times.)
Prices for meals here are moderate, especially considering the quality of the cuisine, service, atmosphere and staff.
Paşazade Ottoman Cuisine
İbni Kemal Sokak No. 5/A (map)
Sirkeci, Istanbul, Türkiye
Tel: +90 (212) 513 3750
Fax: +90 (212) 511 2117
info@pasazade.com
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