Araka

Istanbul, Turkey

Set on a quiet side street in the well-heeled Yeniköy district, Araka exudes an easy charm, with its stripped-back brick and plaster walls, its vases of seasonal flowers and its whitewashed, plant-twined facade. Simplicity is the watchword for chef Zeynep Pınar Taşdemir and her team, whose calm, self-assured style of cooking lets the ingredients shine through. Dinner might start with first-rate sourdough bread, slathered with anchovy butter, followed by smoked cauliflower with thyme-scented fava beans or sea bass ceviche with cucumber and sorrel. The lamb shank is a standout, served with freekeh and salted yoghurt, but seasonal herbs and vegetables also get star billing, some grown in the restaurant’s own garden. Afterwards linger over honeyed quince or fig baklava, with a glass of local dessert wine.

Key Information

• Average price per person $97
• Tasting menu from $156
• Lunch and dinner: Tues – Sun
• 90 533 392 72 23
• Visit Araka's Website

Location

Kapalı Bakkal Sokak No 8, Yeniköy, Istanbul, 34464