Borsa Lokantasi in Istinye Park
The open air, high-end shopping square of Istinye Park Mall hosts world famous designer brands from Chloe, Fendi, Louis Vuittion and Christian Dior to Giorgio Armani. With flashy jeeps parked all around the outdoor luxury goods vicinity, the environment makes for exciting people watching, lavish shopping as well as fine dining.
On a sunny weekend Istanbul socialites can be observed lounging around sipping iced cappuccinos with their Versace sunglasses and beige Hermes Birkin bags, mingling with their acquaintances.
Although the cafes here offer great ambience and prime crowd watching, with regards to food and a true exquisite Istanbul meal, Borsa Lokantasi (Pinar Mah. Istinye Bayiri Cad., Istinye Park Mall, Istinye, Istanbul. Tel: (0212) 21234553) on the second floor overlooking the square and the shops is the best address to head to.
Around since 1927
The initial Borsa Lokantasi was established in Eminonu in 1927 on a street where the Zahire Borsa (Grain Exchange Office) was located- hence the name of the restaurant. It later moved to Sirkeci in 1983 and was then acquired by the brothers Rasim, Tahsin ve Ali Resat Ozkanca.
Further developing Borsa’s culinary skills, the Özkanca brothers opened the renewed restaurant on top of Lutfu Kirdar Conference Center in Harbiye.
Asian side
Other branches of this beloved Turkish kitchen were introduced in Fenerbahce and Kandilli, on the Asian side of Istanbul.
In terms of the superb taste of food, Borsa Lokantasi is one of the world’s finest culinary establishments; every dish from the cold olive oiled vegetables to the meats tastes close to perfection with the juicy zest of fresh ingredients disintegrating in one’s mouth with each bite.
Upon seating, a basket of warm fluffy pita bread, fresh butter and a thick slice of Tulum cheese are brought to the table.
Regarding the appetizers, Gavurdagi Salatasi, which is simply a straightforward chopped tomatoes and onion salad, is heavenly! The eggplant salad in taste is very typically Turkish but its architectural design and presentation at the table is flamboyantly westernized (thin slices of grilled eggplant twirl around a lump of mashed eggplant). Garden Cress and Rocket Salad burst with flavor. And the seasonal artichokes with olive oil and warm Humus are fantastic.
Grilled Octopus is a good starter but not as amazingly melt-in-yourmouth as the vegetable appetizers.
Doner in charcoal grill
Borsa offers over 20 various dishes cooked in traditional Turkish style. The most famous is Yogurtlu Dana Kofte; the thick yogurt next to the meatballs is made from the milk of water buffalos and brought here from Kemalpasa. Another admired dish is the Akcaabat Koftesi and Borsa Doner all cooked in a special charcoal grill.
From the thinly cut juicy doner kebab, the Doner Iskender over pita bread and thick yogurt is a popular choice. And Anatolian style Adana and Urfa Kebab, Kulbasti Veal (charcoal-grilled veal) and Konya method cooked Lamb Tandir Kebab (Kuzu Tandir) are some of other well-liked meat dishes.