A classic family-owned restaurant, Havan’dan gets the “Beff” in its name from the first initials of the names of owner Ekin Uzunyol’s family members. The menu changes daily, so depending on when you visit you might get to try pumpkin soup made from Uzunyol’s mother’s recipe or a pie that uses seasonal ingredients. The olive-oil dishes and meat-based main courses are quite delicious, but what really stole the show for us were the desserts, like the surprisingly light pumpkin pie. It’s no surprise that desserts are the only items permanently on the menu, which means you’ll get to try the cinnamon roll and white-chocolate brownie any time you visit Havan’dan.
On Saturdays, the restaurant serves rib burgers: the beef ribs are rested in a spice rub for three days, then slow-cooked for seven hours before the fat is removed and the ribs are served with caramelized onions between homemade buns. While you’re savoring that burger, be sure to look around the restaurant, where you’ll see an assortment of items for sale – if you find yourself wanting to take some of the flavor home, Ekin Uzunyol’s recommendation is to try Turkish cheese brand Buffa’s burrata cheese and Antebella’s pistachio paste.