Never underestimate the importance of a good concierge. Because the Hagia Sophia Mansions has two receptions, the concierge was actually located at the reception closest to me. I walked in and got a few suggestions of local rooftop fare. The concierge handed me a menu for Tria Elegance Terrace Restaurant and I immediately felt a “yes, go here!”
Because I was traveling in Istanbul alone, I DID NOT want to get lost. After all, it was my first night in the city. After a quick negotiation, a staff member drove me in a golf cart down to a meeting point -and a member of the restaurant staff met me and walked with me to the Tria Elegance Istanbul Hotel and upstairs to the restaurant. I was so happy and I felt so safe.
Even though there are cameras EVERYWHERE in the tourist area, it’s the little details that made the Hagia Sophia Mansions Hilton property stand out above all the rest that I’ve visited in the world.
Once I arrived at the restaurant, I took my seat and basked in the beginnings of the sunset. Overlooking the Bosphorus, I felt the magic of the city come alive. I’d already had such a lovely welcoming evening to the culture and food of Istanbul. I was ready for more.
I started with the PAÇANGA BÖREGI – PUFF PASTRY STUFFED WITH PASTIRMA AND PARMESAN CHEESE (pastirma – sun-dried beef meat, parmesan cheese, hard cheese, tomato, sweet pepper, spices). In every variation I’ve had börek, I’ve loved it. This was no exception. It was absolutely delicious.
Alongside, I was served warm pita bread with olive tapenade with olive oil and spices.
Next, I enjoyed the YAPRAK SARMASI – GRAPE LEAVES STUFFED WITH RICE (rice, pine nuts, currant, spices, grape leaves). Again, no matter what you call it in whatever region of the world I am in, I simply love dolma. This was moist, flavor filled and just a touch of citrus tang.
For my main course, I chose the URFA KEBABI (chopped lamb and beef, herbs, served with grilled vegetables). This was also very good.
As the sun set across the Bosphorus and the numerous rooftop cafes, I felt a sense of peace. But, alas – this is also when my jet lag and the time change started to creep in.
As I made my way back to the hotel (with a guided chaperone) I was in a perpetual state of grateful for the moment, the food and for the city. Dinner at Tria Elegance Terrace Restaurant was the exact cuisine I wanted to start off a lovely stay in Istanbul.
Tria Elegance Terrace Restaurant
Cankurtaran Mahallesi Akbıyık Caddesi
11 Sultanahmet, Istanbul, Türkiye
