Lunch at Cuma is a very laissez-faire event. We sat down for a light lunch at approximately 1:30PM on a damp Sunday in Beyoglu and didn't leave until 4:30PM. We were not there for an extended 3-hour period because we ate for 3 straight hours (though the food is so delicious it would be possible), we were there because Cuma has such a warm atmosphere that encourages slow eating and meaningful conversation that continues even long after the food has all been consumed. As a contextual note from my Turkish language learning, Cuma means 'Friday' in English, and the philosopher in me wants to believe that maybe the sentiment of this delightful, petite establishment is to live each day as if it is Friday. (Though this remains unconfirmed, I am happy to believe this to be true. After all a statement on their website leads me to believe I am somewhat on the right path: "Özel günlerinizi Cuma'da kutlayabilirsiniz" which would roughly translate to "You can celebrate your special days at Cuma".)
We had settled on this second-story cafe located on Çukur Cuma Caddesi by the recommendation of a friend who had happened upon it a few days prior. It's a wonderful thing when a menu holds something for everyone. An afternoon meal at Cuma starts off with a rosemary-infused red tomato feta and croutons. This complimentary appetizer is then followed by a limitless basket of homemade buttery black olive focaccia and whole wheat sourdough. Both breads were divine and it was clear then that our meals would most likely follow suit. Two in our party ordered tost (toasted bread topped with select ingredients). One tost is particularly notable; piled high with perfectly ripe avocado, sweet cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, fresh basil and then topped with a heavy dousing of aromatic garlic olive oil. It was tasty, filling, and healthy to boot.
My spouse repeatedly clings to the tried-and-true Turk kahvaltī regardless of the time of day. I appreciate an establishment that doesn't take itself too seriously and is willing to offer their breakfast selections for any meal. Thankfully, all of Cuma's breakfast items are served all day here. And this breakfast spread did not disappoint; it was complete with çoban salatī ('farmer's salad' of tomatoes and cucumbers), 3 different types of Turkish peynir (cheese), and hazelnut butter (the long lost and extra exotic cousin of American peanut butter). I indulged in an exquisitely executed Ispanklī gnocchi (spinach gnocchi). The gnocchi itself was green, spiraled, and spinach-flavored - and perfectly fluffy! It was topped with steamed spinach and parmesan and the sauce was immaculate, a creamy tomato-based sauce with hints of basil and roasted red pepper. Prices were commensurate with the other posh, hipster cafes that dot the Beyoglu streets, ranging from 12TL to 25TL per plate.
The modern rustic interior design is beautiful to look at. From its wooden communal tables and white-washed brick walls to its chic exposed venting ducts, Cuma is an enchanting restaurant that has it all. It was a delicious end to a lovely weekend in Istanbul.
The modern rustic interior design is beautiful to look at. From its wooden communal tables and white-washed brick walls to its chic exposed venting ducts, Cuma is an enchanting restaurant that has it all. It was a delicious end to a lovely weekend in Istanbul.