Ribeye, Bulgogi, Wagyu Beef Tongue, Chicken, NY Strip, Filet Mignon, Pork Neck, Pork Belly, etc.
Ice Cream
Located adjacent Shanghai Plaza at 4240 Spring Mountain Road California’s Mr. BBQ entered a growing All-You-Can-Eat Korean Barbeque scene in late-2022, the term “P.A.Y.C.E.” suggesting premium quality at a price of $48.99.
Open 11am until 11pm or later daily, a lively atmosphere plus pop-art and booming music creating a scene completed by televisions showing sports, it was without a wait that six guests sat down to dinner where grills with hidden ventilation assure patrons won’t go home smelling like smoke.
Offering Soju Cocktails, Korean Beers and Soft Drinks, the former highlighted by one that tastes like Tang and another thickened by Yogurt, Banchan arrives fast featuring everything from Kimchi and Sea Cucumber to airy Potato Salad and marinated Radishes.
Served at a suitable pace with grills changed quickly Proteins run the gamut from Prime Ribeye to Galbi, the Wagyu Beef Tongue previously unseen but entirely delicious as was the Pork Jowl and Belly.
Also conjuring up Stews and Egg Souffle, plus Offal for the brave, additional highlights include Pork and Chicken marinated in fiery Gochujang plus a scoop of Ice Cream that comes just before an admittedly modest check.
Dreamed up by The Cosmopolitan and Spiegelworld Superfrico bills itself as “Italian American Psychedelic Cuisine,” in other words a lot of familiar plates reconceptualized and served amidst a roaming troupe of actors and art divided across the space that used to be Rose. Rabbit. Lie.
A curated environment from Heather Harmon and Lisa Stolist, artworks atop murals with ornate light fixtures all part of a busy environment also featuring ballerina flights and mermaids, it is once seated that service proves off-beat but also knowledgeable.
Seated in “The Artery” as opposed to the bar area with a DJ spinning vinyl most will begin with drinks, a color-coded array including many using Vegetables that pair quite well to starters including complex Sicilian Meatballs, a Salad bright with Fennel and Hamachi dredged in Olive Oil.
Making a big deal of house Mozzarella, the elaborate $80 presentation passed up in favor of a fried wedge with tangy Marinara, Pizzas from Anthony Falco are indeed special whether in a square Detroit form with Mortadella and Pistachio or large and round with a billowing Crust beneath lots of Mushrooms.
Dinner and a show but far different from Delilah or Mayfair, new acts changing the room’s dynamic at random intervals, it was during a strip-tease on-the-run that Chicken Parm joined Sides, the Bird itself fairly average while creamy Polenta, fried Brussels Sprouts and roasted Fungi tossed in smoked Egg Yolk are each commendable.
Changing the Pasta menu frequently, Shrimp Fra Diavolo seemingly Superfrico’s lone holdover, little here will outpace the likes of Esther’s Kitchen or Basilico in terms of taste or price though the Duck Pappardelle with piped Cheese offers a lot of diversity from bite to bite with lots of flavor.
A no-brainer in terms of Dessert, offered individually or as a “Parade,” it is best to cast caution aside and go all-in because dollar-for-dollar the price proves better for anything more than four and missing the Tartufo, Olive Oil Cake, Sourdough Crumble Gelato or Roasted Pineapple Sorbetto would be a mistake.
Panna Cotta, Lemon Thyme Goat Milk, Port Sauce, Nutmeg Tuile, Blueberry
Fresh off a JBFA nomination at Anima by EDO comes Chef Francesco Di Caudo’s Basilico Ristorante Italiano, a sizable space at Evora in Southwest Las Vegas where the native of Italy looks to add much needed modernity to Las Vegas’ Italian dining scene.
Originally encountered at Ferraro’s in 2015, ideas such as Artichokes with Cinnamon and Risotto bolstered by Espresso carried over to Di Caudo’s first solo project, it is amidst contemporary décor that diners are invited to relax on comfortable red chairs with stone, wood and Wine bottles adding elegance.
Fusing inside to patio through the bar, Cocktails built on Italian Spirits offered alongside regional Wines, service is convivial but polished while describing a menu featuring housemade Pasta, Pizza and the sort of Bread Basket that far outpaces its price-point thanks to Spreads including whipped Lardo or Buffalo Ricotta beneath shaved Chocolate.
Starting the night with daily Canapes such as Croquettes and Carrot “Jerky,” all off-menu but befitting a theme that features top quality Ingredients infused with innovative touches, Basilico’s “Caprese” looks like a dish offered at retrobottega in Rome while the Dashi Braised Octopus shows Francesco’s willingness to explore flavors outside his motherland with precision.
Priced appropriate to what is offered, Squash Blossoms with spicy Sausage and Uni quite unlike anything else offered in Las Vegas today, Basilico’s duo of Duck works as well in the mouth as on Instagram whether creamy “Foiemisu” or the “Duck Cigar” unveiled in a puff of smoke.
More classic in terms of Pizza, a Margherita overlooked in favor of the medium-spicy Diavolo, Pastas are a centerpiece whether in their traditional form or utilizing soaked Noodles to make Bread surrounding the complex flavors of Putanessca.
Showing a great memory by bringing back Artichokes, Caviar and Cinnamon for one night only it was with bellies already full that Di Caudo dropped fried Veal stuffed with Ham and Cheese, and although Modern Italian will always be a polarizing subject there is no denying Liquid Nitrogen tableside Parmigiano Gelato is a signature Dessert that lives up to it’s billing.
Opened in April 2021 at the intersection of East Sunset Road and Annie Oakley the forth Pinkbox Doughnuts was the first with a drive-thru, but aside from that and some serious branding the location adheres to the same high standards that Roberto Armanino set out with from the beginning.
More and more social-media savvy over the years this visit entailed far beyond the usual “OG Classics,” and although PinkBox’s Old Fashioned Cogwheels are still Las Vegas’ best additional traditional choices are mostly as expected making “Fancy Pancy” or “Show Off” choices a necessity.
Open 24-hours with fresh bakes replenishing supply as necessary, high volume assuring everything is fresh, Lil Blue and Crumb Bum each suggest a good grip on the basics while “Baby Got Razz,” “Mr. Blueberry” and “The Caramelo” each upgrade traditional Bismarks by way of Cheesecake Filling.
Fully committed to clever nomenclature, “It’s Ya Birthday” packed with Frosting beneath party décor, “Hockey Puck” celebrates a Golden Knights partnership in the style of a Ding Dong alongside other favorites such as the Oreo-fluff “Blackjack” and campfire classic “Gimme S’more.”
Channeling Glendora’s Donut Man for “Sup Shorty,” and the south for “Banana Puddin’,” fans of Ube will find themselves bathing in the “Purple Rain” before stopping short to get a bite of Croissant Doughtnuts Iced, beneath Bacon or as a monthly special titled “El Guzman” with Guava and Cheese.
Located in Spring Mountain Center, across Jones Boulevard from EDO, SeaFresh and China Mama, Noodlehead has quietly been earning a reputation thanks to handmade Noodles and Asian small plates offered at bargain prices with exemplary customer service.
Offered at a range of spice-levels, Malaysian Curry using Coconut Milk to keep Chilies in check, Dan Dan Noodles come tingly but not fiery in a huge bowl for just $10.95 while similarly priced Chow Mein performs well for more timid palates.
Adding Chinese Beef Rolls that come densely packed with Meat but no grease “Spicy Wontons” arrive afloat in in Chili Oil with delicate Noodles loosely adherent so as to absorb every last drop.
Open for lunch and dinner daily Noodlehead offers exceptional handmade Noodles, bright flavors, bargain prices and impressive service across a diverse menu from which almost anyone can find something to suit their tastes.
Already visited six times since reopening under new ownership there is little doubt that The Palms is seeking to regain its title as Las Vegas’ best Off-Strip resort, a goal thus far sucessful in terms of dining thanks to Chef Marty Lopez, Tammy Alana and General Manager Jorge Pagani at Scotch 80 Prime.
Debuted late-Spring of 2018, stalwart N9NE Steakhouse making way for a room decorated in Basquiat and Haring, guests visiting Scotch 80 today will find much of the original aesthetic maintained minus paintings kept by past owners, the Bar still well-stocked with rare Whiskeys and service predictably impeccable.
Located at the resort’s east end with an entirely revamped menu, seasonal changes occurring alongside a Tasting Menu and Wagyu Samplers including A5 varieties straight from Japan, it was deferring Carte Blanche to the kitchen that Dinner began with Truffled Chips, Scallops beneath Uni plus Caviar and all-new Tuna Poke utilizing Kombu-cured Bluefin and Avocado dressed in Tamari-Gochuchang.
Not forgetting delicate Milk Bread or Angus Carpaccio around Octopus nor creamy Fondue, the nightly Foie Gras special was omitted in favor of Shrimp Toast atop toasted Brioche with Ikura Chili Jam followed by good Buratta more Uni and Balsamic.
All-in for the official debut of Marty’s Kagoshima A5 Wagyu Sando between slices of Tammy’s inked-Milk Bread, all beneath Quail Eggs and Caviar, Salads offered an enjoyable transition to Entrees alongside individual tasting portions of Blue Crab & Corn Bisque.
Channeling Spring for an all-new Beef Cheek setup, the blend of Favas and Morels with fresh Peas creating one of Sin City’s best Risottos, fans of Fish will surely enjoy meaty Halibut bathed in Lemon-Caper Meunière and with or without one of Scotch 80’s signature sides.
Faced with tough choices and limited capacity as three Steaks arrived, Aussie Wagyu competing with Creekstone Farms Rib Cap and Porterhouse, “Famous” Hash Browns earn their moniker while Lobster Fried Rice and Forest Mushrooms in Foie Gras-Porcini Foam are anything but “the usual.”
Torn between saving room for Dessert or sampling all six Sauces on additional bites of Steak the decision to do both proved fortuitous, Marty’s Bordelaise made the right way as good as anything one might find in Paris before delving into Pastry Chef Tammy Alana’s delicate new Thai Cheesecake and Butterscotch Crème Brulee.
Getting fancy for the #gram with Fireball S’mores, flaming Liquor poured tableside revealing Warm Chocolate Cake, Tammy’s Pear Tartarine is elegant yet simple while the dish unveiled in a swirl of smoke finds five types of Chocolate varying in taste, texture, intensity and temperature.
Consistently Las Vegas’ toughest reservation Delilah debuted at Wynn in July of 2021, the “social dining” experience from L.A.’s h.wood Group making good use of Michelin 2* Alex’s former footprint with million dollar upgrades and aspirations to redefine a modern day Supper Club.
Long awaited and debuted with an opulent Grand Opening of A-List celebrities, guests are immediately met by a small foyer before entering the thirty-seat Little Bubble Bar whose rich fabrics overlook the main Dining Room two floors below.
Accessed via double staircases, with bronze and marble gilding the space envisioned by Wynn’s Todd-Avery Lenahan, tables reside between a main stage and larger bar with posh materials and wood surrounded by plaster ceilings above numerous original paintings.
Fusing interior to outside via paired courtyards, one abutting the Chef’s Table and secret dining room directly accessed via the kitchen, it was in the middle of the action that four diners sat Wednesday to enjoy fifteen plates from Chef Josh Smith and team.
Over-the-top in a good way, from contrasting patterns and custom porcelain to gracious servers with encyclopedic knowledge of the Chef Smith’s Cuisine, it is once Beverages are ordered that tables receive complimentary Milk Bread, each slice piping hot with a delicate crumb ready to be slathered by some of the best Butter in America.
Sparing no expense in terms of Ingredients or décor, Wagyu Carpaccio enjoyed amidst murals and mirrors, Appetizers from Chef Smith continued with Hamachi Sashimi dressed in Chiles and Crab Cakes that certainly bring the Meat with almost no filler.
High energy in the main room, easy for conversing until live music starts, additional small bites include Wagyu Beef Sausage wrapped in crunch Croissants and “Delilah’s Famous Chicken Tenders” that justify their signature status in terms of both taste and texture.
Onward to Entrees, Delilah’s Beef Wellington omitted in favor of new items such as Salmon with Citrus and Grilled Branzino given a Greek treatment, Short Rib Diane makes fast fans thanks to hearty Root Vegetables amidst Mushrooms and thick Polenta.
Not forgetting sides, Snap Peas simple but seasonal alongside a delightful Vegan Cauliflower dish, it remains pretty tough to beat Josh’s vertical Macaroni with Mimolette Fondue and Black Truffle Béchamel brought over from Bardot.
Growing livelier by the minute, but never too loud, it was around 8:15pm that the Captain poured Molten Chocolate overtop “Kendall’s Slutty Brownie,” but no matter how good this or Delilah’s Rocky Road Sundae are it will still take more to outpace Josh’s Grandmother’s world-class Gooey Butter Cake as Las Vegas’ best Dessert.
Banking on “street style” branding including Biggie quotes, spraycan “tagging” and suggesting their Cookies “Smack” The Cookie Plug started out mid-pandemic, a dozen flavors ranging from “OG” Chocolate Chip to “Pink Elephant” offered as whole rounds or two-bite Plug Poppers.
Expanded since through franchising, hello Crumbl from a brand who mocks the idea of “Cookie Cutter” concepts online, guests visiting the location at Spring Mountain and Fort Apache will find friendly service happy to make recommendations, though the product itself is hit and miss.
“FAT, THICC, and BOMB AF,” “a twist on cookies that has never been seen before” despite Pucks doing so locally while Gideon’s and Levain have been baking larger cookies for decades back east, The Cookie Plug’s best bites come from traditional flavors including Snickerdoodles and the aforementioned “OG” with Walnuts while Strawberry Cheesecake and Purple Velvet are underbaked and taste artificial “AF.”
Reportedly using high quality Ingredients, a dubious claim as the Chocolate has a paraffin sheen up close, suffice it to say that Purple Potato, CraftKitchen, Coffee Class and Chocolate Chip Cookie Company are all better choices for locally baked rounds.
Cold Bean Curd Noodles with Housemade Scallion Oil
Crab Yolk Xiao Long Bao
Spicy Wonton in Chili Oil
Shanghai Fried Rice Cake
Chocolate Banana Xiao Long Bao
Still doing good business despite growing competition, with Shanghai Plaza now one of the most difficult places to find parking in town, it was as a party of four that diners sat down to once again enjoy an outstanding meal at ShangHai Taste.
Tucked inside Suite 104 of a two-story complex on the corner of Arville Street and Spring Mountain Road, a ground floor flagship since day one, it is upon entry that eyes are immediately drawn to Chinese-born Chefs working inside the restaurant’s glass prep-room, and with Chef Jimmy Li’s time at 3 Villages, 1900 Asian Cuisine and Niu Gu well-known to fans the fact that everything on-site is made from scratch should come as no surprise.
Seating approximately 40 guests from 11:00am until 9:00pm seven-days-a-week it was with greetings from partner Joe Muscaglione that twelve items were received in the course of two hours, the majority old favorites but also one new Soup.
Affordable without skimping on Ingredients, all thanks to Chef Li and Joe Muscaglione’s dedication, a distinctive feel is ensured by the fact that almost every single item on-site is imported from or near Shanghai, and starting with good Tea plus housemade Noodles fans of Soup Dumplings, or XLB, will be happy to know ShangHai Taste’s set a high standard whether made with Pork, Beef or Crab.
Able to accommodate most dietary preferences, fried Soup Dumplings in two varieties desirable to all but vegans, those eschewing all Animal products will likely gravitate to fried Pancakes with Scallions, though even more interesting bites are found in the form of Fried Rice Cakes and Cold Bean Curd Noodles with Housemade Scallion Oil.
Built on family recipes handed down to Chef Li, his Fat Noodles with choice of Protein always a crowd-pleaser, Dumplings taste wonderful with or without spicy Oil while Chicken Salad is another unexpected stunner.
The Loving v. Virginia – The Legal Marriage between a Cookie and a Brownie
The Rocky Road Cookie
The S’mores Turnover
The Cranberry Almond Muffin
The Pistachio Rose Zucchini Matcha Cake
The Oatmeal Raisin Cookie
The Banana Flax Cake
The Chocolate Peanut Butter Surprise Cookie
The Blueberry Muffin
The Peanut Butter Snickerdoodle
The Triple Chocolate Muffin
The Carrot Cake
Having enjoyed David Mozes’ and Chef Peter’s Bronze Café at The Center, The Market and Juice Stars, it was to #supportlocal that lunch was catered from their North Buffalo location on Friday, a collection of old favorites arriving on time with plenty of plates and utensils that allowed staff to enjoy every second of their lunch hour.
Located near Desert Shores in Summerlin, the former home of Beau Monde Bakery providing turnkey access for a Restaurant offering Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, it is focused on health-conscious and diet-friendly fare that many guests began with Vegetables or Salad including “David’s Special” that remains popular thanks to Quinoa, Garbanzos, Hemp and Avocado that compliment thinly sliced Kale.
Continuing with “Sammiches,” both California Turkey and “The What What” receiving praise from those fortunate enough to snag a half, it was a bit more slowly that the double-Bacon LGBTQ and rebranded “Basil Chicken Salad” disappeared, though these remain personal favorites.
Happy to receive a glut of Desserts, all Vegan, those missing Beau Monde’s gluten-free offerings will be happy to know both the Banana Flax Cake and newly added Pistachio Rose Zucchini Matcha Cake are made without any Wheat protein, as too is a fully loaded Carrot Cake that only gets better with time.
Continuing strong with the cleverly titled Loving v Virginia, a Brookie that sees both halves nicely textured, Chai Spice and Blue Raspberry Lemonade Cookies are soft and almost Cake-like while those seeking something new should consider the Vegan Danishes or rich and indulgent Chocolate Peanut Butter Surprise Cookie.
Not forgetting a Peanut Butter Snickerdoodle, still Vegas’ best Cookie, Peter’s Cranberry Almond Muffin outpaces the already excellent Blueberry and Triple Chocolate versions while an update to the S’mores Turnover sees it better and more balanced than ever.
COUNTRY FRIED STEAK, biscuit, prosciutto gravy, crispy fried egg
TRUFFLE POLENTA, sunny side eggs, roasted mushrooms, frico chip
Last visited for Brunch before the pandemic a Saturday afternoon visit once again found Esther’s Kitchen firing on all cylinders, the soon-changing menu filled with past favorites in addition to new plates executed at a fair price with exacting standards.
Now serving Las Vegas for over 5 years, every available superlative already used to describe James Trees’ Restaurant that revitalized the Art’s District, it was with a packed house that three guests sat near a window up front with Coffee from Vesta and Baker Dylan Jobsz’s city-best Sourdough starting things off.
Seasonal and rustic in a good way, Ham and Cheese Biscuits not pretty but wholly delicious even without Butter, Toasts come topped in everything from soft-scrambled Eggs to chunky Raspberry Jam with housemade Pistachio Butter.
Intermingling sweet and savory, Cardamon-laced French Toast topped with Chocolate-Hazelnut Spread served alongside a Pizza Roll mellowing spicy Sauce with Poached Eggs, seasonality is showcased through Apple Pancakes featuring warming spices while any time of year is right for Country Fried Steak.
Finishing with Polenta ground on-site, the fried Cheese lattice a necessary component during the day when Sunny Side Eggs might otherwise make the Cornmeal runny, the only bad news is that the group was not large enough to order more – a mistake that will not be repeated next time.
Last visited almost eleven years prior Bouchon Bakery remains ever-popular, the presence of two additional outlets inside the Venetian/Palazzo complex doing little to diminish long lines and even less to compromise the quality of Baked Goods from a man who has built an empire on the phrase “it’s all about finesse.”
Part of the property since 2006, Viennoisseries including a textbook Kouign Amann and iconic Cheese Danish as good as ever, new additions include a weekly Parfait this time featuring Bananas plus Butterscotch and Banana Bread as good as one will find anywhere.
Forever *the* spot for palm-sized Macarons, not forgetting the TKO or Better Nutter, Bouchon’s Almond Croissant looks good but lacks the flavor of Rosallie off-strip – a small gripe in the face of the Dark Chocolate OH-OH or Oatmeal Cookies that outpace Grandma’s or any other tasted to this date.
Coconut Tapioca – Butterfly Pea, Passion Fruit, Mango Sorbet / Deep Fried Banana Roll – Banana wrapped in a Rice Paper Crepe, Honey, Coconut Gelato / Green Tea Flan – Lychee Cream, Black Sesame Tuile / Chai Tart – Whipped Cream, Cardamom / Thai Chocolate Cake – Cinnamon, Cardamom, Vanilla Gelato / Pineapple Upside Down Cake – Shredded Coconut, Coconut Gelato, Maraschino Cherry
Already the rare Las Vegas recipient of a James Beard Foundation Award, Chef Saipin Chutima named Best Chef: Southwest in 2011, Lotus of Siam needs no introduction – though its recreation on Flamingo and fanciful digs at Red Rock suggest the Chef’s children have bigger things in mind about the Restaurant’s legacy going forward.
Having visited the unassuming icon of Thai Food thrice prior, a lunch in 2012 and two dinners separated by five years, Tuesday evening found the concept from Tao Group owner Lou Abin and Lotus of Siam’s Bua Food Group at Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa as busy as it is beautiful.
Built out of former Buffet space, lanterns and hanging vines creating a vibe across spaces from bar to the back, it is with a truncated version of Chutima’s Northern Thai traditions that Lotus at Red Rock pays homage to the original despite somewhat stiff service and “running out of Ingredients” including signature Issan Sausage by 6:00pm on this particular night.
Requesting everything level five of ten, Thai Coffee a prudent choice for those looking to quell the fire, Dinner began with a hot pot of Chicken Tom Kha alongside funky Catfish Larb and flawless Nam Kao Tod with just the right amount of acid.
Replacing the Sausage with Garlic Squid, a new item that delivers on its name, round two found Nam Prik Hed face-to-face with fiery Steak Tartare teaming with Chilis and Garlic Crispy Prawns that earn “Mom’s Highlights” status with edible Shells still on.
All in on Noodles and Curry, Chicken Pad See Ew well executed but lost in the wake of creamy Burmese Khao Soi, Pineapple Fried Rice also found itself forgotten as served in line with Crispy Duck Chu-Chee, Panang Curry with medium rare Ribeye and aromatic Short Rib Yellow Curry.
Not exactly “known” for sweet stuff, though the Red Rock iteration seems intent on correcting that, Dessert arrived as a platter featuring everything from time-honored deep fried Bananas to Coconut Tapioca, Chocolate Fondant and Pineapple Upside Down Cake served warm with Coconut Gelato.
Located just off the 405 in Inglewood is Randy’s Donuts, this year celebrating its 70th year slinging fried Dough under an iconic 32-foot sign 24/7, and now growing the name globally with 20+ locations stretching to South Korea and Dubai – or in this case Sin City.
Unimpressive in 2015 at the Original, though new outposts trend cleaner without the cash-only policy, Randy’s on South Rainbow Boulevard opened in August 2022, recipes reportedly unchanged since day one though premium toppings and savory items have been added.
Busy at noon on a Monday, though a full selection was available, it was in exchange for $50 that two dozen Donuts were received, the Apple Fritter far better than those at Randy’s flagship thanks to crackling Glaze over a soft center while the laminated “Crondy” failed to rival Pink Box or Coco.
Recalling Cake Donuts greasy, Randy’s Red Velvet actually performing well, Maple Frosting is featured abundantly with taste artificial but pleasant in comparison to Chocolate that is undoubtedly cheap and applied too thick.
Doing justice to Jelly Donuts, Strawberry trumping Raspberry or Lemon, Randy’s Bear Claw is something of a hidden gem thanks to good rise and plenty of filling that trends less sweet than many thanks to an abundance of Cinnamon.
Well-priced in the current market, “cheaper-by-the-dozen” offers growing less common, Cereal-topped specials execute as expected while Maple Raised with Churros and a big spiraled Cinnamon Roll both prove worth the cost and calories.
Founded by Mucahid Kaan Damgacı Pier Habib seeks to differentiate itself from other Baklava purveyors through modernity, the tiny tiled space in Beşiktaş decorated in everything from tiles to disc balls while friendly servers offer crispy Phyllo soaked in sweetened Milk.
Intentionally a fusion of French and Arabic names, embroidered carpets making Pier Habib seem as much like a luxury goods store as a Dessert shop, the East-West fusion continues by way of ingredients such as Bananas and Chocolate though the best bites remain rooted in Pistachios from Antep light with Honey and sopping wet yet still crunchy.
Open from 11h00 until 04h00 the next day daily Çitir Pide Ve Lahmacun Salonu in Beşiktaş has earned a reputation for quality and affordability, the menu focused but customizable while every piece of Bread is baked fresh to order.
Fast paced and popular, limited seating frequently full but fast to turnover, it is once at a table that fresh Salad is served complimentary while guests watch bakers fulfill order after order.
Friendly in terms of service, language barriers overcome thanks to picture menus, Kebap and Corbasi take a backseat to Pide including the “Special” with Pastrami, Sausage and Cheese while Lahmacun with a good amount of Meat arrives hot and crisp for about $2USD.
Focused on re-envisioned Turkish delicacies, lighter and more balanced than those on nearby Istikal Caddesi, Yeni Lokanta has found itself on many “lists” despite a casual approach that focuses on local Ingredients and traditional techniques.
Conidered a “Tavern” in Beyoğlu, though the relaxed atmosphere still comes with great service, Chef Civan Er mans a wood-fired oven that produces plates focused mainly on Vegetables though Meats are also utilized across both a la carte and Tasting Menus.
Offering mostly Anatolian Wines, a second location in London spreading Er’s name and reputation, it is beginning with Bread that the 1,950 Lira journey progresses to traditional Mantı Dumplings followed by slow-cooked Beets with Cherries, Nuts and Cheese.
Committed to seasonality with Eggplant, aged Port and Figs course four places housemade Lamb Sausage next to a dollop of smoky Yogurt balanced by Grapes and Molasses with just a hint of acid.
Almost Italian with Fennel and Citrus Salad, a pair of Prawns to follow finding themselves amplified by Carrots and complex aromatics, Lamb Neck finishes savories with tender flesh plus crispy bits juxtaposing Mushrooms and Spinach kissed by Tamarind.
Served complimentary Tea with Dessert, both portions and quality outpacing Michelin-starred neolocal or Mikla, Yeni Lokanta’s Desserts include golden Phyllo with Pistachios plus Coconut Ice Cream and masterful Rice Pudding lent complexity by Raspberries, Nuts and Pismaniye.
Although it is reasonable to assume none of the Lokum or Baklava is made on-site the team in charge of Sadrazam has Turkish hospitality down to a science, inviting passers-by in for a taste that will see many eventually seated on a carpeted terrace with everything from Ottoman Coffee to Dondurma plus some Candies vacuum sealed to take home.
Situated not far from Galata Tower is Sirin firin Bakery, a space perhaps best known for an international melange of sweets but one that also serves excellent Menemen plus Tea, Borek and several Turkish staples.
Small and hidden on a one-way street, limited inside seating and a covered part of the sidewalk greeting guests daily, it is with flare for the #gram that a youthful staff serves designer Croissants plus Basque Cheesecake, though if one asks for a recommendation the oversized Baklava slice and buttery spiral with Nuts and Chocolate are pretty tough to beat.
With eleven locations in Istanbul Viyana Kahvesi seeks to embellish on Vienna Coffee culture, the Beans originally imported by Turkey of better quality than other local shops while Pastries trend westward to Austria, France and Belgium.
Spread over two stories at the Kuledibi location, an online menu available in English helpful to foreigners, fans of Biscoff will find the Cookie well-represented from Pudding to Puree with both the infused-Cookie and laminated Pastry benefiting from its inclusion.
Working with various techniques, Pate a Choux holding up well to Hazelnut Cream and Salted Caramel in between layers of a Paris Brest, “Creamy Damascus” comes recommended as something of a signature featuring lightly-sweetened Crackers and Pistachios in two forms beneath a pour of Dark Chocolate.
