The Bosphorus Istanbul Cafe★ ★

Since it opened in August 2002, this cozy, colorful cafe inside a restored house in the Holy Rosary neighborhood has been one of our most consistent ethnic restaurants, introducing local diners—especially nearby Lilly employees—to the aromatic cuisine of the Middle East, Greece, and the Eastern Mediterranean. Silky, tahini-rich hummus is a must, alongside exemplary falafel, creamy eggplant salsa, and borek—buttery phyllo stuffed with feta and parsley. But few dishes are as comforting as the Sultan’s Delight, with tender cubes of lamb over a roasted-eggplant purée. Lunch Mon.–Sat., dinner daily.