Pera Palas

Newly opened in 2014, in a 600 year old building the décor is modern and in fussy. Starters (inc. mezze) priced from £2.99, mains from £7.50 and desserts from £3. We had the cheese Boragi and humus (their spelling) and both were outstanding. The Boragi pastry was crisp and flavourful and the fresh ricotta-​type cheese enhanced by a touch of mint. The humus was home-​made and creamy delicious. Our mains were the Kuzu shish (chargrilled skewered lamb) and Geltik kebab (chargrilled beef strips with special fried potatoes and spicy tomato). In both dishes, the meat was tender, lean and we ate every scrap washed down with Turkish red wine — a bit unsophisticated and acidic, but works with the food to make it feel authentic. Desserts were the baklava and Turkish rice pudding. Not as good as the savoury dishes but pretty good.
Great value for money and only didn’t get the 5^th star because the menu was missing half the descriptions, the rice pudding came in a foil takeaway container and the service, though good and well-​intentioned needs a bit more warmth. Also, be warned, the bar area you walk into off the street is cold and unwelcoming but don’t let that put you off!
Note: The restaurant in on the first floor, accessible only by a flight of stairs. Disabled diners, and those preferring to, can eat in the ground floor bar area.