A lovely restored 19th-century, high-ceilinged building provides the setting for the modern and elegant Flamm, the latest arrival on Sofayali Sokak, a foodie’s paradise for Mediterranean cuisine in Istanbul.

Set up by hotelier Irfan Kuris, Flamm offers a more formal option than the meyhanes next door, as well as alternative tastes, serving up a mixture of classic European and Turkish dishes, with prosciutto, steak and kebabs all floating around (although happily not in the same dish).

Though all the courses are excellent, the puddings are fantastic and the warm chocolate cake, baked on the premises, might well be the best in the city.