Pars Kahve, or Leopard Coffee, opened late summer 2021 and celebrates Turkish traditions with a modern twist. I visited earlier this year for çai and baklava, and have wanted to return for a full meal ever since. As someone who has spent a lot of time in Turkey, I appreciate the effort the owners have gone to to create a welcoming and very authentic experience. From the bazaar selling Turkish ‘eyes’ and carpets, to the Börek and Simit bagels I have eaten myself in Instanbul and Antalya.

The shop recently began opening late on Fridays and Saturdays and so I enquired to see if it were possible to make something that my husband could eat. I was told it was and so together with the dogs we visited last Friday evening.

I chose from the regular dinner menu, but after speaking to Adem, the chef and owner, he said he would create a gluten and dairy free mezze platter for my husband from what he had available. Fabulous service!

The free from platter included Hummus, marinated Izmir olives, Roka Salatasi (rocket salad), Biber Dolma (stuffed pepper), Patates Salatasi (Spiced Potato salad) and a side of Karides Guvec (Baked tomato prawns). Along with some gluten free pita this was devoured with great enthusiasm. He loved every bite and has come home and tried to recreate the peppers since!

I being the hungry thing that I am ordered Izgara Halloumi (Grilled Halloumi), Izgara Sucuk (Grilled spicy beef sausage), Yaprak Sarma (vine leaves filled with rice and herbs) and an absolutely enormous Lahmacun (crispy flatbread topped with minced meat and herbs). I often eat Lahmacun whilst in Turkey so couldn’t not order one here! We enjoyed this beautiful food with some lovely Turkish white wine recommended by our friendly waitress.

We ended the evening with a glass of çai each before heading home full and happy. A fabulous independent in a fabulous city, with great staff, great service and unbelievable food for a very reasonable price. We will definitely be back soon!