Cafe Smyrna
by Ceyda AydınAntique furniture, wooden tables, comfortable chairs, a home atmosphere with soft illumination, friendly service and delicious food… This is Café Smyrna.
We were fascinated by Smyrna, where we went to celebrate a friend's birthday.
An antique shop at Cihangir, one of Istanbul's oldest districts, is now a café & restaurant. Smyrna is located at the entrance of an old building and immediately attracts your attention when you turn left from Cihangir Square, which is a very small square. The small tables across the bar are an ideal place to sip your coffee and read newspapers. As you pass the bar, a hall with high windows meets you. It is decorated like living room of a house, and its tranquil atmosphere immediately engulfs you. Cihangir is a district, preferred by expats living in Istanbul and naturally most of Smyrna's customers are foreigners.
The menu is quite rich. I strongly suggest the meat dishes. The filet with artichoke heart and sauce was very delicious and soft. The filet with blue cheese sauce was also delicious. The presentation is also excellent. The cheese plate one of our friends ordered was like a picture. The wine is served in thick glasses. Moreover, Smyrna has the most delicious Crème Brûlée I've ever tasted.
Whenever you want to feel at home drop by Café Smyrna for either a morning or an afternoon coffee or for a delicious meal accompanied with friendly service. The prices are reasonable.
Akarsu Caddesi, No. 29, Cihangir
Tel: (212) 244 24 66