Dinner at Nicole Restaurant Istanbul

Hello everyone,

I’m finally back to London and I’m quite happy to be back home in my comfort zone. I’m here until Friday and I’m headed to one of my favorite places in the world for the weekend. As you all know, I have been sharing my experiences from Istanbul and this week I will upload the last two posts from 2 amazing restaurants that in my opinion are a must if you are in Istanbul. First is a dinner at Nicole Restaurant Istanbul and the second one I will reveal tomorrow, so stay tuned.

Nicole restaurant Istanbul is located on the top floor of Tom Tom Suites, which is one of the best small luxury boutique hotels in Istanbul.

Nicole Restaurant Istanbul consists of an amazing terrace offering stunning views of the Old Town and Princes Islands and a bar with a few tables set inside.

The service was 20 out of 10 and I felt so looked after; it was amazing. The whole experience from the table choice, food, wine and the service was absolutely spot on, so much so that it’s difficult to even describe and I can only urge you to give it a shot.

Nicole Restaurant Istanbul serves contemporary Mediterranean cuisine and as the restaurant manager Ferruh suggested I went for the Nicole 10 course menu together with some corresponding wine choices. I absolutely love that their restaurant menu changes every 6 weeks to follow the seasons offerings and I was fortunate enough to meet the head chefs Aylin and Kaan who personally introduced the dishes to me. It brought the whole experience to another level.

I started with a lovely glass of champagne taking in the magnificent views of Istanbul before being served a welcoming Amuse-bouche that tasted divine and really set the scene for what was coming.

The following meal was a tomato with pistachio and nectarines paired with a Musket a 2014 white wine. All the wines that were paired with my dishes are made in various regions of Turkey which I was particularly excited about as trying new things makes me really happy.

Following on from the Tomato dish was the Black Sea Carp with Firik Boulgour and Green Lentils paired with an Allure Chardonay 2014 from the region of Kayra. This was so tasty that I’m kinda lost for words.

Octopus with Eggplant and Grilled Onion was the next dish to arrive. This dish was paired with a selection of Narnice & Emir, 2011 from the Kavaklidere region.

The octopus was followed by a Courgette made in Cows Milk Curd, Watermelon and Lavander paired with Cotes d’Avamos Sauvignon Blanc, 2013 from the Kavaklidere region. The aromas and flavors were from another world honestly.

I didn’t think it could get any better until they brought out Duck with Corn and Red Plums! I never thought that corn would compliment this combo so well but it was so flavorsome and to make it even better, it was paired with Karasakiz wine, 2014 from the Suvla region.

Last but not least my meat choice was a Lamb Sucuk with Humus, Harissa and Herbs as I’m such a meat lover. It was paired with Centrum Syrah, 2012 from Sevilen area. It was so so delicious, you guys.

Deserts were as amazing as mains, I had a pre desert followed by the Millefeuille fruit of the Day and it was Figs paired with a desert wine Madre Okuzgozu & Bogazkere, 2008 from the Kayre region in Turkey. I finished with a Chocolate with Sourcherry and Pistachio ice-cream.

Honestly it was one of the best dinners and I’m so happy that I went even though I was on my own as this experience would have been so much better, if shared with someone. Nicole restaurant is perfect for special occasions, anniversaries and even birthdays for all of you who like to treat yourselves to a great experience like I do.

I hope you like this post and as always please leave your comments for me.

Lots of Love.

Tania xxx