| rev:text
| - This is my first review of Istanbul Sofra, based on a 4 person visit there last night -- 6 - 8 PM.
Reservations were made easily, and honored when we arrived. Our group came in spread out over about a half hour. The server attended to the table frequently, which was off in a side room and not the main area, frequently. This is the area with a small bar, and close to the central "computer" system for managing orders. I think it was the owner/manager who greeted us and took us to our table.
Other Yelp reviewers note that the corner location has challenged other enterprises. The restaurant will need to "manage" the space outside to make it even more presentable. The "corner" with its associated clutter will need to be separated by a visible line or barrier so everyone knows what Sofra's area is, and what the other small business area is. "Ropes" might work, or a line of tables or even taller potted plants - rather than the "entry" being the door, it will need to pushed outside a bit, as in New York restaurants. As trivial fix actually but important as an element in "entryway presentation" or whatever it is that architects say.
Sofra's have been open only 2 months. Most places take 3-5 months to "settle down" - service, quality, presentation - Sofra's is there already. I presume it was the manager/owner who greeted us, and seated us, and came around frequently. I did speak to him on the way out and asked "how it was going." He engaged fully, was pleased I would be asking, and wanted us to return. I do like places where the "management" has an actual stake in the customer experience, and their own fiscal futures.
BYOB - one brings their own wine to the venue, and there is a trivial corkage fee. The ice bucket is provided for the wine. Nicely done in all respects.
Grape leaves - ordered and 5 appeared. Grape leaves as an item vary significantly in the Middle Eastern cuisine. Everyone has their own "signature" grape leaves. These were excellent and well presented on the plate.
Three of us ordered the Shish Kebab - "Char-broiled lamb cubes, cooked on skewers and delicately marinated in Turkish spices. Served with rice, our special yogurt sauce and grilled vegetables." The lamb cubes were perfect and taken off the skewers. Rice tasty and spiced nicely.
Lentil soup ordered by 2 of the 4 -- they've had it before and said it was, again, excellent.
Portions we so amble we could not entertain the notion of desserts. Thus, a "dessert" and coffee run seems to be in order...
As we were receiving our checks, there was the need to separate a bill into two components. One couple was going "dutch." The server simply managed this without a grumble or "look" of any kind. This was not an error on their part - it was a lack of clarity on our part. What is so often an OMG moment was handled with aplomb. Perfect.
There is more to be said but other recent reviewers have said it better than I could.
//Oh, and here is the quick edit -- TV's and TV screens -- NONE. I am so tired of going to 'restaurants' that have a dozen huge TV's playing a variety of channels... it was a relief to experience "dining" versus everyone trying to outdo themselves with large screen TV's. //
If you live on the north side of Pittsburgh, use a GPS to get there. It is easy but does take a bit of navigation - go early to avoid rush hour traffic. Free parking is around the corner and on side streets.
We will be going back there. It is wonderful to find a place that doesn't have 7 different varieties of hamburgers, fries, and nachos as the ultimate in dining delight. Meh... as it might be said to that level of originality... Istanbul Sofra's is a must visit dining experience.
Welcome to Pittsburgh.
F8 and be there.
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