Istanbul is a big city with lots of burgeoning little neighbourhoods. The upmarket Bebek area on the water’s edge is where the stylish Turkish ladies “do brunch”. Mangerie is one of the most popular hang-outs here, located at the top of an unlikely, scruffy building with a favoured outdoor terrace offering enviable views of the Bosphorus River.
The bright interior is chic and characterful; white walls and distressed wooden floorboards give the feel that the place is well used and very loved. Though we weren’t sitting on the terrace, we could feel the benefit of the blissful breeze and awesome views. The eatery is a favourite for international breakfasts, offering favourites like Eggs Benedict, pancakes, toast and quiches. We went along for an early dinner when there is a contemporary menu featuring delicious sweet and savoury dishes with a Turkish twist.
We tried two of the seasonal cocktails, a melon margarita and pear mojito, fruity aperitifs before the meal began. Everything on the menu sounds delicious, it is a task to choose just a few options. I started with a multicoloured pepper and goat’s cheese bruschetta while my guest opted for marinated shrimps. The portion sizes were enormous, piled high and seasoned with fresh torn herbs. The jumbo shrimps surprisingly were served cold, big and fleshy, they couldn’t have been fresher and were particularly well paired with halved red and yellow cherry tomatoes. My bruschetta felt healthy and guilt-free: homemade wholegrain bread with masses of vibrant soft sweet peppers topped with grated parmesan.
The main courses are wholesome and comforting. The lamb chops were wonderful and covered in a rich gravy, though the accompanying mashed potato was a bit lumpy. The Mangerie burger consisted of a 220g patty, grilled onion rings, tomato and melted Abaza cheese with a portion of chips. The patty was made from excellent meat and was seasoned well, though it could have been cooked a little less. The fillings all worked well, but mayonnaise was needed to add some moisture to the burger.
Dessert was the highlight, a giant warm, freshly baked triple chocolate brownie. I am not usually a fan of these child-friendly cakes, but I was converted with the Mangerie recipe. Crumbly yet gooey with big indulgent chunks of chocolate, it was utterly irresistible, served with contrasting ice-cream. Sharing was our only regret… we had to fight over the final mouthful.
This restaurant is a delight, and reason alone for venturing out to Bebek. For a relaxed evening meal or an unforgettable weekend brunch Mangerie caters for every occasion.
More information here: www.mangeriebebek.com