Okay, let’s admit it quickly. Name of Cukurcuma’da Bahar is definitely not an easy one to remember, maybe even for the Turkish. However, pretty convinced that you’ll want to remember when you reach the end of the this review. Writing it down or bookmarking this page might be a good option.
Cukurcuma’da Bahar is located in the heart of Istanbul (or one of the hearts, considering Istanbul accommodates more than 14 milion people). Streets are narrow and feels a little chaotic but the neighborhood definitely has its charm and should already be on your list even it wasn’t for Cukurcuma’da Bahar.
It’s not easy to guess what’s waiting for you in the beautiful garden at the back when you’re entering through the main entrance of Cukurcuma’da Bahar.Once you step into the garden hidden in the middle of buildings, it feels like you’re no longer in the crazily crowded Istanbul.Lots of green, simple wooden tables and cobblestone yard promises you a very serene setting to enjoy your breakfast, lunch or dinner. Especially if you’re coming from Europe, you will enjoy the fact that most restaurants in Istanbul are ‘service continu’ and Cukurcuma’da Bahar is no exception.
Even though the interior of Cukurcuma’da Bahar is decorated with taste, winter garden increases the versatility of the open air area in colder times. Lots of green, surrounded by stone walls and stone ground makes it a very cozy hideout.This beautiful table with 10 seating has definitely been our favorite spot.As previously mentioned, interior of Cukurcuma’da Bahar is beautifully decorated. Here the laid-back ambiance of the garden has been modified with white table cloth and darker lighting.Believe we spent enough time for the ambiance, it’s time to go for the second highlight of Cukurcuma’da Bahar, the food. Meze restaurants (mezedes in Greek, small plates similar to tapas) is not difficult to come by in Istanbul but Cukurcuma’da Bahar has been one of the best we have tried lately.All ingredients are procured from their original regions in Turkey. There are a few specialties that we hadn’t come by before and every single one of them was alone a reason to go back to Cukurcuma’da Bahar.Ciroz (salted and sundried fish, usually mackerel) rolls were the perfect amuse-bouche, with a salty and strong taste in the mouth.Our selection of cold mezes for the evening: Ciroz Rolls (front), Crushed Pistachio (middle left), Seabass Marinated in Mustard (middle right) and two types of Cowpea (ground on the left and sea on the right). We definitely enjoyed all of them but Crushed Pistachio was the surprise and the star of the evening.You can’t enjoy a Meze dinner enough without a nice green salad and its vinaigrette.Grilled squid stuffed with cottage cheese was another pleasant surprise of the evening. We had never tasted this interpretation of the grilled squid and was definitely spectacular.We continue the warm Mezes with Borek, savoury pastries common to Turkey and Balkans.Most inventive dish of the dinner was the Octopus Served on top of creamy roasted eggplant puree. Even though eggplant puree and octopus are common in Turkish cuisine, it’s very uncommon to find them served together. Another dish that made our taste buds cry with joy. Definitely recommended.Karides guvec (shrimp casserole) was as rich it was supposed to be and was the perfect finish to our dinner.
