Trattoria Serenzo Istanbul
My neighborhood Trattoria
We were walking around our neighborhood and spotted a newly opened "trattoria". The branding of the restaurant as a trattoria seemed ambitious at first. We thought we'd give it a try and we loved it. We had pastas, with seafood and bolognese. Both were perfectly cooked as if you were in a trattoria in a small street of Venice. The food is really authentic and has character.
The owner and staff are great and they make you feel welcome. Sometimes they join you for a small chat and ask for feedback. Also, the waiter (it's a small place so there's only one) is so fun to talk to and makes very good recommendations regarding what they have fresh that day. Personally I always leave my choice up to him.
"Frutti di Mare", seafood spaghetti is perfect. Lasagna bolognese, grilled meat and other pastas are very good. My wife's favorite is the homemade tiramisu. Also they serve house wine for 60 Tl/bottle. One advantage, you can find pork products. There is a lunch menu with cheaper prices as well.
This is our most favorite place now and we frequently pay a visit for dinner. Parking is available around the small streets. There is live music on Saturdays.
Recently a Turkish gourmet writer visited the place and gave thumbs up especially for the antipasti and pastas. He recently paid them a second visit for a TV show and now the place is busier than ever.
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