Sarma, the Turkish restaurant in Somerville that continues to win over its customers
Sarma, in Somerville, is known for its vegetable dishes and Turkish and Eastern Mediterranean cuisine, with a bar that is almost always full.
Sarma is known for its vegetable dishes and its own take on bar snacks, such as lentil nachos, fried eggplant, and pistachio labneh chicken wings, served in an elegant yet approachable setting. Its chef, Cassie Piuma, has received several James Beard Award nominations, and her menu focuses on the flavors of Turkey and the Eastern Mediterranean.
Among the starters, the honey and walnut hummus ($24) surprises with its freshness, infused with harissa and ginger, and dotted with sweet figs. The sweet potato wedges ($20) are often served with watermelon or apple, topped with a slightly tangy, nutty tahini sauce.
The barbecue duck with harissa ($37) is served on skewers atop a generous portion of carrot butter. The richness of the harissa complements the fat of the meat, and the other skewers on the menu are also worth trying.
The bar, which seats 20, is almost always packed. The dining room, visible from the bar, seats about 30 more and accepts reservations. The walls are brick or turquoise, adorned with colorful Istanbul dishes, and the atmosphere is lively and relaxed. It's an open secret that the best way to get a table is to arrive right at 5 p.m.
Sarma makes its own frozen yogurt. Anyone craving soft-serve frozen yogurt will find a good option here when it's on the menu. The rich chocolate flavor with salted caramel and miso sauce is highly recommended.