Welcome Pierre Loti—Park Slope’s Newest Arrival—at Its Grand Opening Tonight!
Photos by Austin McAllister
Fifth Avenue is widely considered to be Park Slope’s restaurant row, and is home to such beloved spots as Convivium Osteria, al di la, and Blue Ribbon. Well, now this popular stretch has a welcome new addition in the form of Pierre Loti, an intimate restaurant that draws from both Turkish and French cuisine (hence the name…Pierre Loti was a late 19th-century French novelist and naval officer with a strong connection to Turkey, and there is even a coffee shop in modern Istanbul that bears his name) as well as offering a varied, impressive selection of wines and a full range of cocktails.
We stopped by the restaurant last week, while it was still in the very last stages of construction, and spoke with consummate hosts and owners Burak Argun and Ismail Topal (there is also a third partner in this venture, Orhan Cakir), who spoke of their excitement at opening a Brooklyn location, and the ethos with which they imbue each of their culinary ventures. The Park Slope location marks the fourth restaurant that bears the Pierre Loti name—though the first in Brooklyn—and it shares the same warm, welcoming design aesthetic for those familiar with the Manhattan locations. And for those not familiar? Well, what you can expect is the kind of gracious hospitality that you’d doubtlessly receive if you were a guest in one of the owner’s homes. It’s a small, cozy space—perfect for a date night or a small gathering of friends or family—but one that invites you to linger. And the food ranges from small bites that are easy to share (of note are the tangy, creamy labneh and well-curated cheese and charcuterie selection) and larger entrees like the salmon served on a bed of roasted beets and mushrooms, or the savory manti—Turkish dumplings filled with meat and doused in a delicious yoghurt sauce.
Even though Pierre Loti is the new kid on a block with, well, dozens of other restaurants, it already has the feel of a more established place due to the easy atmosphere, wonderful hosts, and comforting food. The grand opening is tonight, but even if you can’t stop by then, you’re sure to feel welcome at any time.
Pierre Loti; 78 5th Avenue, Park Slope pierrelotiwinebar.com
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