Bona’me is Kurdish. It means ‘our house’, and that’s what it actually kind of looks like, even if a very busy house…

You are warmly welcomed at the entrance and you get a ‘keycard’ to pay with when you leave. The interior is cozy and warm with all sorts of oriental details, like little lamps, small silver teapots, long tables and seating areas.

And then of course there is the long line of open kitchens.

The concept is ‘self service’ and you can find the menu everywhere in the room, but actually I always choose my meal by sneaking a peek at all the other plates.

Usually I look for a free table with my companion and then we head to the open kitchens to be inspired by all the freshly prepared dishes.

The food is Kurdish-Turkish and all made with many spices, herbs and fresh and crispy ingredients.

There are meze (appetizers), salads, vegetables on flatbread, noodles, pide, manti and a lot of grilled dishes. Served with bulgur e.g. or just with mint yogurt (also a lot of vegetarian and vegan dishes).

At the food stations, you use the keycard and you get a box that flashes when your meal is ready for pickup. A separate bar serves drinks, dessert, coffee and Çay (tea).

As satiable/filling as this all sounds, it is! It’s always a lively and satisfying evening in the Bona’me

(breakfast and lunch also served).