Tasting Notes
Sembol is at Islam Kerimov Caddesi 2 in the Mansuroğlu quarter of Bayraklı. This İzmir restaurant opened after the Istanbul branches. Free sides such as çiğ köfte and onion salad come to the table, and booking is required.
Liver, kuşbaşı and kebabs
The ocakbaşı list gives liver, kuşbaşı (cubed lamb), the Sembol kuşbaşı and chicken in half and full portions, so a table can order several half portions rather than one full one. The kebab list has köfte, wings and the classics Adana, Urfa, haşhaş and ali nazik, with pistachio, aubergine and tomato versions, and Sarma Beyti.
Lahmacun, starters and dessert
Lahmacun comes in the classic, walnut and thin “tabak altı” forms, and there is fındık lahmacun, lentil soup and çiğ köfte. Desserts are cheese künefe, baked and burma kadayıf and şıllık tatlısı with pistachio or walnut.
“Share half portions of liver, kuşbaşı and one kebab, and book ahead.”
LR Kitchen — field note