Homestyle in the heart of Istanbul

Thursday, July 17, 2008

Tavanarası, a half open space on the sixth floor of old building in the heart of Beyoğlu, provides a taste of great cuisine in the atmosphere of an old country house. Its menu includes a range of varied and healthy breakfasts

MARZENA ROMANOWSKA
ISTANBUL - Turkish Daily News

Istanbul restaurateurs compete not only in terms of the attractiveness of their menus, but also with regard to the interior design and comfort of their customers. For those, however, who find the minimalism of many places in the city a bit soulless and the interiors too empty, Tavanarası (Garret) may be the perfect place.

A half open space on the sixth floor of an old building in the heart of Beyoğlu, Tavanarası provides a taste of great cuisine in the atmosphere of an old country house. Once inside the building, one needs to take the elevator to the top floor. Solid wooden tables are long enough to serve customers who like spending their time with a greater number of friends. Smaller benches situated on the terrace are optimal for more intimate meetings and, on cooler evenings, one can warm oneself up with the colorful covers available in the restaurant.

Vegetarians most welcome

As Tavanarası opens at 11 a.m., the menu includes a range of varied and healthy breakfasts, offering a choice of �student,� �kid,� �clerk� and �grandmother� menus for YTL 6 to 9. Not very crowded at early hours during the week, on weekends Tavanarası is full all day long, starting from breakfast and brunch enthusiasts arriving as soon as the place is open. Lunch and dinner suggestions include not only meat and fish, but also a highly recommended assorted vegetarian menu, very much appreciated by frequent visitors of Istanbul restaurants.

Chef's choice

Upon arriving, guests receive a menu as well as piece of paper and pen on which to write their orders. Tavanarası's distinguishing feature is delicious food offered at a reasonable price. Traditional soups and starters are all available for under YTL 5, including highly recommended mercimek köfte. Different kinds of güveç (hot pots) seem to be the chef's specialty as the menu offers over 10 types of the dish, including delicious béchamel variations. Frequent visitors also know that lucky are those who have ever tried lor peynirli köy erıştesi or cevizli-kaşarlı köy erıştesi (country style macaroni with special kinds of cheese and walnuts), listed on the menu but rarely available upon ordering.

No reservations

It is difficult during the week and literally impossible on weekends to find a free table at Tavanarası after 7 p.m. The restaurant does not accept any reservations, so those who want to spend a wonderful evening there should come and grab a seat as early as possible. Apart from delicious meals, the restaurant offers a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

Tavanarası Yemelik İçmelik open every day 11 a.m.-2 a.m.

Asmalı Mescit Mah., Emir Han Apt. no:10 kat:6

Beyoğlu/İstanbul, tel. 0 (212) 244 28 82-92

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