Akaretler is one of the most enviable neighborhoods in the city thanks to its central location and its proximity to Nişantaşı and Beşiktaş. Add to that its chic vibe, wide avenues and the cool summer breeze we don’t often get to experience in the cramped side streets, and you get the feeling that Akaretler is a European utopia that just happens to be steps away from Beşiktaş Çarşı. Now there’s a brand new eatery there that you really ought to try.
Located right next to W Hotel in the center of Akaretler, Pizza East is the second Istanbul restaurant by the Soho House group. Its name might have you thinking it’s just another ordinary pizza chain, yet it would be more accurate to call it a boutique chain with locations in the UK and US.
In addition to their tasty and generous pizza, you’ll also find delicious antipasti, oven-baked dishes and veggies galore. The emphasis on using local ingredients wherever possible has culminated in fusion flavors like fried squash blossoms with ricotta and honey (25 TL), pizza with lamb sausage, pickled peppers, goat cheese and mint (35 TL), and vanilla sundae with helva or raspberries (22 TL). The main courses all come from the woodfired oven, and though the lasagna or the mac & cheese might tempt you, we urge you to try the shrimp and mussels with fennel and rice (50 TL). The lemonade, ginger beer and iced teas are made on premises, with our favorite being the slightly bitter signature iced tea featuring red forest fruits, Earl Grey, elderflower syrup, lemon juice and honey (12 TL).
The design is reminiscent of Soho House’s club buildings, with steel construction complementing the worn elements for a fresh, non-antique feel. If anything, the lamps hanging from the ceiling and the wooden floors had us feeling as if we were on the deck of a ship. Although the interior is pleasant, the outdoor seating area remains the place to be and be seen.
The good news for charcuterie and cheese fans is that you can buy your bresaola, Milanese sausage or parmesan cheese to take home. Pizza East also serves an open-buffet brunch on Sundays from 11.00-17.00.