With a name like that, it has to be good right?
Istanbul'lu is a tiny little Turkish place in Teele Square, Somerville. The chef/owner Huseyin Akgun has a bit of a following from his days running Istanbul Cafe on Beacon Hill before moving to Allston and finally ending up in Somerville. He and his crew are turning out large flavors and even larger hospitality. The brunch platter of yumminess is simply one of the most beautiful things I've eaten in a long time. And absolutely delicious.
The platter changes slightly based on the season but you will usually see turkish olives (dreamy), kasar (sheep's milk cheese; similar to a mild unsalted feta), beyaz peynir (turkish white cheese), sucuk (dry spicy sausage), thinly sliced pastrami, fruit (this day lovely kiwis), honey, rose jam, sliced tomatoes and cucumbers -- all served with baskets of warm bread.
$13.50 will feed two, maybe three with another dish or two. They serve omelets and other egg dishes as well as soups and sandwiches at brunch, heartier fare like lamb stew and kebabs at dinner time.
237 Holland Ave
Somerville, MA 2144
http://www.istanbul-lu.com/
