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.
Find your way with 236 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Istanbul
Müz Botanik & Kahve
Muses dancing all around
"Müz Botanik & Kahve" in Istanbul is a plant shop, workshop space, cafe & design store in Istanbul. Just the name 'muse' was enough for me to fall in love.
by
Arzu
Damli
Bord İstanbul
Fine dining at the museum
"Bord İstanbul" is one of the city's best restaurants and it's right inside the naval museum. Everything's fresh, organic and seasonal here...
by
Arzu
Damli
Helvetia
Just like your mum's cooking
"Helvetia" in Asmalimescit, Beyoglu, Istanbul is one of my favorite spots to have quick lunch. I really like the cozy communal feeling of this place...
by
Arzu
Damli
Craft Beer Lab
Fancy a pint?
"Craft Beer Lab" in Istanbul is a brand new pub with a big beautiful garden and a huge selection of beers. I know where I'll be brining my friends now!
by
Seyda
Vardar
Sobremesa Coffee
Mi casa es tu casa
"Sobremesa Coffee" in Istanbul's Besiktas: great for meeting friends w/ coffee or working on the laptop. Its name is a Spanish word which is a perfect fit!
by
Seyda
Vardar
Nail Kitabevi & Cafe
Bookstore around the corner
"Nail Kitabevi & Cafe" in Istanbul is in a historical baroque, rococo-style building. I come here for peace of mind and a nice cup of coffee with my book!
by
Vildan
Ay
Dem Kadıköy
Cheesecake heaven
"Dem Kadıköy" is cheesecake heaven in Istanbul. They've got more than 35 different types (!) and all of them are inspired by some Japanese tea on the menu.
by
Vildan
Ay
Firuze İKSV
Sunset dinner at the Golden Horn
"Firuze İKSV" in Istanbul is a beautiful place for meze, cocktail and raki with a modern twist. It has a stunning view over the Golden Horn - how lovely!
by
Arzu
Damli
Maezae
Local design store
"Maezae" is my must-visit place whenever I am in Istanbul's Karakoy. I can just spend hours and hours in this lovely, inspiring local design store...
by
Seyda
Vardar
Jacqueline Cookies
The best cookies I've ever had
"Jacqueline Cookies" Istanbul: my favorite cookies, period, even though they're much more American than Turkish. Try the Extra Dark Chocolate & Pecan Nut.
by
Vildan
Ay
Misk
A lovely taste experience in a flower garden
"Misk" is one of my favorite places in Istanbul -- their beautiful flower arrangements and sense of decoration really pushes their moniker 'floral cafe'.
by
Arzu
Damli
Cuma Cafe
See you at brunch!
"Cuma Cafe" is my favorite spot for a long brunch or coffee & dessert in Istanbul. Their scrambled eggs w/ goat cheese on sourdough toast is a must-taste.
by
Arzu
Damli
Heading to Istanbul?
236 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to Istanbul?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 236 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Istanbul
Our team loves Istanbul
Get to know our other Spotters from Istanbul
As featured on:
