It's been talked about for months, and it's finally here: Japanese restaurant Zuma has opened as part of the very successful Istanbul Doors Group (Da Mario, Wan-na, Anjelique, Vogue). Zuma has taken the place of Erguvan in the Ortaköy Radisson SAS Hotel. One wall is entirely covered in sake bottles. Another wall is glass, in order to take full advantage of the Bosphorus view. The tables are encircled with leather couches and thick-cushioned comfortable chairs. You could classify the décor as modern, classy but simple. The decoration is more or less the same as the other Zumas (there are other locations in Hong Kong and London); everything down to the hand-made plates is from Japan. The main floor has a sushi bar, as well as a “robata grill” section where you can watch your meat selections being grilled right in front of you. If you are not with a big group, this grill section is the most entertaining, as you can ask the chef questions while he is preparing your food. The menu is the same as the other Zumas, except for a couple Turkey-specific additions. The Korean spiced lamb and sesame cucumbers are exclusive to Istanbul. Executive Chef Brendon Speed, in from the restaurant's London location, uses paprika and many seasonings to balance the strong flavor of Turkish lambs. There are many smaller items on the menu including salads, Zuma specials, tempura, soup and rice, vegetables, seafood, meat options, Nigiri sushi, sashimi, maki rolls and other rolls. Even if you don't like sushi, give Zuma a chance. If you still don't like it, take advantage of the robata grill option and try the delicious grilled meats. Zuma's cocktails are almost as famous as its food- try the South East Asian Cooler (paradise fruits, house-made cinnamon vodka, apple juice, lime and sugar mix); it's their most popular drink. Right behind is the Zuma Mai Tai (white rum, pineapple, blood orange, lime, lemon, sugar) and Sakura (raspberry, sake, cucumber, vodka, lemon juice). Each is 25 YTL. During the day, it is not very crowded, and thus perfect for a chill-out meal in the Zen garden; at nights, it is almost impossible to get a reservation. The restaurant holds 145, the lounge and bar 95 and the terrace 100. The prices aren't as high as you might imagine. Dinner runs about 80 YTL per person. Smoking not permitted in the sushi bar.
Menu
Zuma Mai Tai 25 YTL
Edamame 6 YTL
Sashimi (3 pieces) 7-19 YTL
Chef's selection (7 pieces sushi) 79 YTL
Korean spicy lamb chops 29 YTL
Sarafin wine (glass) 18 YTL
Exotic fruit chavan mushi 26 YTL
Everyday 12.00-01.00. Credit cards