” A Gem of a Restaurant in Sultanahmet”- by Joe Switz / İstanbul

Having just returned to the U.S.A. from a month in Turkey, I’m happy to report that all you may have heard about the excellence of Turkish Cuisine is true! In general Turkish food is tasty, varied, fresh, easy to like, amply portioned and above all moderately priced. There is, however, a noticeable similarity in the dishes prepared by many of the restaurants. A marvelous exception to this sameness can be found in the Cennet restaurant.
Located on the street that the tram runs on about 6-7 small blocks west of the Hippodrome. (I was told that the old building that the restaurant occupies was once a Turkish bath, perhaps part of the historic Cemberlitas Bath that is still in operation and a must!) As you enter the restaurant linger in the doorway for a few moments and soak up the visual joys of the place: The lucious assortment of meze/appertizers/salads on the table to your left; the profusion of pillows, carpets, low tables and stools scattered about the place; the three chatting ladies in their typical Turkish/Anatolian attire on the raised island in the center of the room busily preparing Gozleme the speciality of the house (the best crepes you’ve ever eaten!); and if your timing is right the exotic sight and sounds of Turkish music played on exotic instruments by the costumed resident musicians. Definitely not your run of the mill eateries.
O. K. Now your ready to go in. Find a pillow, rug, stool that fits your frame and feast on their simple, delicious food. As I recall there are only three types of Gozleme to choose from so choose all three; they are that delicious! My favorite, favorite was the potato gozleme. Of course chay (tea) must be consumed with the meal!
Linger and continue to enjoy the ambiance. But save room for the greatest pleasure that comes at the end of your evening when you are finally presented with the bill. So much pleasure for so litttle money!
I really can’t take credit for discovering this gem of a restaurant. The credit goes to my young friend Adnan, an employee of the charming Hotel Historia where I stay when I am in Istanbul.