"Sabah Akşam" Restaurant - Where to dine in Istanbul

 

If you live in Istanbul, you might have heard of an area called 'Başakşehir'. Başakşehir is one of the most prestigious and modern neighborhoods in Istanbul and an example of many places in terms of smart city and new technology production. In Başakşehir, there are many domestic and international companies, institutions, technical universities, techno-parks, and of course a lot of restaurants.

In this blog, I will be reviewing a restaurant that I visited with my family called "Sabah Akşam" which means "Morning Evening". The review will include the location, atmosphere, service, menu, price, and recommendations.

Located in the heart of Başakşehir in what is known as ikinci etap, Sabah Akşam is suitable for the whole family members to visit. When you first enter the restaurant, the nice and modern decor and the spacious area will be the first thing you set your eyes on. Next, you will be greeted by the nice staff who will lead you to the table of your choice. You can either choose to sit next to the entrance where there are big windows or a little closer to a workshop-like kitchen where you can see the staff working.

Let's talk about the thing you are going for "FOOD", Sabah Akşam's menu offers a wide variety of delicious and mouthwatering starters and main courses that will appeal to all family members of different age groups. The chef is Lebanese, so prepare yourself to taste the Lebanese flavors that you always heard of (or maybe have already tried). The menu contains both Lebanese-made-way food and western food. I will be posting the menu of the restaurant below!!

When you choose your place and sit, starters will be placed on the table (the starters were on the restaurant, we didn't pay for them). So, while waiting for your order, you have two choices either to start with these delicious pastries or you and the kids can try to solve the crossword that was placed on the table. Check the pictures below.

Our order included one plate for each of us, plus a delicious plate of "Kızarmış Patates ve Çeddar" which is Fried Potatoes with Cheddar Cheese. Note, that both my kids and us, were full going through half of the plate only as their plates are big (of course this might be different for you). All the products used were fresh and the dishes had the warmth of homemade food. 

The male waiter that took our order was nice and checked our needs every now and then and if we ask for something it would come immediately. The staff spoke both Arabic and Turkish, we haven't tried speaking in English. Maybe when going there you would meet the restaurant's owner, we did and had a friendly conversation with him.

For us, after finishing our food (and packing the extra that remained) the owner was nice enough to offer us to try a couple of dishes to taste. Including both savory and sweet dishes. One of which is the Lebanese "Meghli" which is a humble spiced vegan rice pudding topped with soaked nuts and desiccated coconut. "Meghli" is a Lebanese dessert typically reserved for special occasions such as heralding a newborn. This spiced rice pudding is made for the new mother as it is believed to help with the milk production via the spices within; cinnamon, caraway, and anise. The restaurant's owner made it clear that he had made the "Meghli" himself according to his mother's recipe which includes stirring it for 3 consecutive hours (which is the original way).

Now, you may be wondering about the prices. The prices were suitable and we found them cheap according to what was offered and if you usually visit restaurants in the area, you will find it relatively cheaper compared to the others. You have to visit Sabah Akşam and try yourself!

This is The Menu which you can read in both Arabic and Turkish.

Sabah Akşam's Instagram Account

Location

Recommendations

I liked everything about the restaurant but wished there was a small area for the kids to play in case we wanted to stay a little longer and try out their cappuccino which I heard is very delicious (will try it soon insha'Allah).

I would definitely advise you to visit Sabah Akşam restaurant and try out the various dishes they have. I would also recommend trying out the Lebanese "Meghli" as a sweet. We have also tried earlier the Lebanese "Manaeesh" but I haven't taken photos of them. They have different types with Zaatar, Cheese, Keshek, etc...(If you have ever tried the Lebanese Manaeesh you will definitely like the ones offered by the restaurant). After we have finished our lunch, we knew that they sell the Lebanese Burger made of Lebanese ingredients, but it had a different name in the menu, maybe next time we might try it.

Enjoy Your Visit !!