Although Turkish cuisine is one of the best (ok… *maybe* we’re a little biased here), finding inventive and truly delectable food in a classy yet down-to-earth setting proves a challenge in Istanbul where a new mediocre restaurant opens up on an almost daily basis. Yeni Lokanta, which entered the dining scene over two years ago, is in the hands of experienced chef Civan Er who used to be Changa’s chef and who always delivers the best in terms of food, atmosphere, and service at his own Yeni Lokanta.
This chic restaurant serves delicious contemporary Turkish food with a menu that includes arugula and basil salad with chicken and pears, hummus with beetroot and pomegranates, and lamb shank with beetroot, spinach, and walnut sauce. They offer two meze platters, one cold and the other warm, which are ideal pairings with rakı. The olive oil braised celery with quince is the star of the cold meze platter and is a must-try. The dessert menu is select yet totally spot-on, so make sure you try one (or two). Bon appétit!
Yeni Lokanta
Kumbaracı Yokuşu no: 66, Beyoğlu – (0212) 292 25 50
We highly suggest you make a reservation in advance, especially if going on a weekend or in a large group.
