Sarma is the third outpost in restaurateur Ana Sortun’s Boston empire after the acclaimed Oleana and Sofra. Meyhanes—literally, “houses of wine”—have been social gathering places in Istanbul since Byzantium, and Sarma channels the communal spirit of these traditional Turkish bar/restaurants while serving up craft cocktails, local beer, and of course wine, not to mention typical meyhane snacks like parsnip fritters and lamb kofte (albeit the latter in slider form). Mezes, the eastern Mediterranean’s version of tapas, are also dished up alongside sarma wraps and shish kebab: Chef/owner Cassie Piuma gets creative with the latter, skewering and grilling scallops, quail, and barbecued duck.
More Recommendations
Mediterranean and Middle Eastern Tapas
Sarma is modeled after the meyhanes of Turkey, serving a menu of small plates or mezes that are designed to be shared like the tapas of Spain. The unusual cocktail selections pair perfectly with variety of dishes spiced with Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors. Grilled octopus, flavored with cilantro and mint melted in my mouth and was cooled with a homemade yogurt. Fried olives have the sent of cumin and seven layer humus is unlike any you have ever tasted. This type of menu encourages drawn out meals with lots of great conversation between family and friends. Each dish leaves you curious about what is coming next. The bite sized food reflects the name Sarma—wrapped or enveloped; an embrace. One of my favorite restaurants, arrive early if you don’t have a reservation and enjoy the bar scene at this destination worthy spot.
