Tavanarası

For a casual but intimate evening spot – with alcohol to accompany your food – Tavanarası in Beyoğlu’s Asmalımescit area is well worth the effort it takes to find. Enter the building marked ‘Emre Han’ on the right-hand side of Asmalı Mescit Sokak coming from İstiklal Caddesi, take the rickety elevator up to the top floor and you’ll emerge into an attic-like restaurant with tightly packed tables and wooden decor. The service is efficient, the atmosphere friendly and the menu expansive: try one of their signature güveç (casserole) dishes – the spinach and potato is our top pick – salads or hot and cold meze plates. Grilled fish is also available for pescetarians. Arrive early in the evening or book a table; this small place fills up fast. Alcohol available.