Owner and chef Musa Dagdeviren, who hails from the southeastern Turkish city of Gaziantep, is something of a culinary anthropologist, collecting recipes from around Turkey and publishing a journal devoted to Turkish food culture. His no-frills eatery turns out memorable, uniquely seasoned dishes—such as galye, a stew of lamb, quince, apricots, and chestnuts. Desserts are equally remarkable and include candied olives, tomatoes, or eggplant, served with sweet clotted cream. The menu is seasonal and changes daily, but always features a variety of vegetarian dishes. Çiya Sofrasi is the original restaurant; across the street and a bit farther up, Çiya Kebap has the Sofrasi menu as well as a top-notch range of kebabs; Çiya Kebap 2 just does kebabs.
Reviewed by opaldog from Massachusetts on 11/7/09
Our best dining experience in Istanbul. We took a ferry over and walked along the streets finally locating the restaurant. The waiter(s) were very friendly and although they did not speak much english and we spoke no turkish we were able to communicate. We let them recommend different items for us from a cafeteria/buffet style of set-up. We also had kebaps. Everything was delicious.
Reviewed by Murad from Philadelphia on 7/21/09
Price/value rate is at its best.
Different dishes daily along with regulars. Every meal with seasonal ingredients.
Kebabs are best meat although mostly lamb. Veal fans can eat lamb here.
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