I keep coming back to Nevale Mutfak, not just because it's a few blocks away from my apartment, but because the food is amazing and healthy, and the women who run the place are kind, friendly people.
I've been in İstanbul for three months, living in Beşiktaş for most of it, and I can say this restaurant is a breath of fresh air after all of the burgers, kebaps, tavuk dürüms, and fried street food in this area. If you want delicious, satisfying food that also doesn't destroy the lining of your stomach, you've found the right place.
Located on a calm, quiet side street, the storefront and interior are charmingly designed and immaculately clean. It's very relaxing and comfortable to eat inside, but they also offer intelligently packaged takeaway, where all the mezzes are sealed in hard paper containers with perforated lids, which makes them convenient for using as serving bowls at home. Plus it makes them recyclable.
Highlights on the menu: this muhammara is one of the best I've ever had, and I can't ever pass it up. I usually don't like tabouleh, but this one with quinoa and nectarine has converted me. The stuffed sundried peppers and eggplant are to die for and very filling. The scrumptious focaccia sandwich (with smoked turkey, the only non-vegetarian thing I can see) is also very hard to pass up. Although I don't see it on the menu, they will make you a delicious special lemonade, which really hits the spot on a muggy summer İstanbul day.
Nevale Mutfak is owned and operated by women. Each time I've gone in, they've been very friendly and helpful despite my lack of Turkish language--ordering in English is not a problem. There is no table service--you order at the counter and, if dining in, pick up your tray once they've prepared it. You can conveniently browse the menu on their site and even place your order through it, which helps when you are trying to create a balanced menu from a long list of mezzes. I have even placed an order ahead of time to go pick up via this same menu. They will usually throw in an extra mezze or free chips/bread, which is not necessary because the portions are generous and filling, but it is a friendly gesture.
Overall, this has become one of my favorites in İstanbul--a go-to I will fondly remember when I leave soon, and I will surely return the next time I am in town. read more