Selvi Lokanatasi � a non-descript Turkish buffet-style restaurant located off of Taksim Square � is one of those places I have frequented many, many times. And it�s one you should put on your list if you�re looking for an inexpensive, home-cooked meal while you�re in Istanbul.
When I was taking Turkish lessons at Dilmer, I stopped in for lunch at least twice a week at Selvi. At least I would eat a delicious meal before I started crying again or pulling my hair out over my dreadful Turkish homework.
What I like about Selvi Lokantasi is the food is always fresh, there�s a nice variety of menu options, the service is fast and friendly, and there�s always soup on the menu. I love soup even when it�s 90 F outside! It�s one of places where you simply point to the food that you want even if you don�t speak Turkish. However, usually, one of the workers speaks a little English.
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| Just walk up to the counter at Selvi Lokantasi and point to what you would like to order. |
Breakfast service starts at 6:30 a.m. with two kinds of soup in the summer and four kinds in the winter, or a traditional Turkish breakfast also is available. Lunch service begins at 11 a.m. The sign says the restaurant also serves dinner until 1 a.m. to catch the late night revelers in Taksim, but I haven�t been by that late. At that time of night, I�m more in the mood for tantuni or a late-night d�ner kebap.
Selvi Lokantasi is a longtime family-owned restaurant. In the 1950s, the father, Ayvaz Hacizade, started out with a pudding shop and later started his first restaurant with his four siblings. In 1970, the restaurant was the first to introduce the idea of self-service in Turkey. (You go up to the counter, select your food, place on it on a tray and then you pay.) Today, the son, Metin Hacizade and his wife, �igdem, run the restaurant. Apparently, the family has even used the same butcher for 40 years.
Recently, my husband and I stopped at Selvi for lunch at 11:45 a.m. The buffet trays looked like they had just been refreshed. The four soup kettles were steaming hot. I ordered one of my favorite Turkish soups - mercimek �orbasi (lentil soup). The employee pointed out the main dishes, which ones contained tavuk (chicken) or dana (beef). Our total bill, including drinks, was under 30 tl. A great bargain!
When you�re done eating your home-cooked Turkish meal, one of the friendly employees will usually come around and offer you �ay. I have even stayed long enough to drink two glasses of �ay. I like to leave a few lira on the table for the good service.
The restaurant is always busy with neighborhood locals stopping by for a quick lunch and the occasional tourist. If you arrive during the noon rush hour, you may even have to wait for a table.
Selvi Lokantasi is one of those foodie gems that I�m glad I found in Istanbul
Location:
Katip Mustafa �elebi Mah., Siraselviler Cad. 6/I, Cihangir, Istanbul.
If you exit out of the Taksim metro stop at the square, turn left down the street by the Burger King and row of d�ner kebapplaces. Selvi is about 10 doors down from the corner.
Phone: +90-212-293-8964