Bosforo brings Istanbul's food scene to Normal Heights
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We ordered cocktails, assorted small plates, the kofte main dish and pistachio dessert. Photos: Kate Murphy/Axios
Bosforo, a new modern, meyhane-style Turkish restaurant and bar, delivers an authentic taste of Istanbul in Normal Heights.
Dig in: Owner-chef Seckin Sage Anlasbay and his Turkish kitchen staff blend the country's Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors in hot and cold mezze, wood-fired pizzas and kebabs that are meant to be shared family style.
- The hot new spot opened in late May.
Best bites: Dip the toasty sesame pide flatbread in the eggplant atom, a cool yogurt dip topped with smoky eggplant and chili oil.
- The kofte, herby chargrilled meatballs, were balanced with a bright arugula salad.
- For dessert, the subtly sweet antep kadayif is a must. The syrup-soaked shredded filo dough pastry is smothered in pistachios and topped with maras style ice cream that's thick and almost chewy.
Bosforo's cocktails also have a Turkish twist:
- The toros mixes smoky mezcal with hibiscus, sumac, lime, thyme and a licorice flavor from the Turkish spirit raki.
- The silk road gin cocktail is light and fresh with melon, lime, kefir and basil.
- The cappadocia is a fruit-forward old-fashioned with apricot and pineapple.
If you go: Expect a warm, lively, open dining room, kitchen and bar that already feels like a neighborhood favorite on Adams Avenue.
- It's open 5-11pm Tuesday-Thursday, 5pm-1am Friday-Saturday, and 5pm-9pm on Sunday.
💭 My thought bubble: I had high expectations of this meal, given I had just returned from visiting my husband's family in Bulgaria, a Balkan country where grandmas and restaurants serve similar dishes.
- Next time I'll bring friends, so we can order more.
