Turkish cuisine appeals to the eye as much as it does to the palate... Treat your senses!

The historical centre around Sultanahmet is increasingly well-served by decent restaurants, although there's always been a higher concentration of eateries around Taksim and Beyoglu; the Balik Pazar, behind the iek Pasaji off Istikll Caddesi, is a great area for meze, kebabs and fish, while iek Pasaji itself offers similar fare but is now somewhat overpriced and touristy.

Snack options - which abound in all areas - vary from the dubious fish sandwiches served off boats by fishermen in Kadiky, Karaky and Eminn, to kokore (skeins of sheep's innards) sold from booths in less salubrious areas.


Afacan (Turkish)	Istanbul, Turkey
Very reasonably priced lunch stop with an excellent take on Turkish home cooking and some of the best stews in town. There's a second branch in the building next to Istiklâl Cad's only mosque.
Recommended Istiklâl Cad 331, Beyoglu
Alem (Turkish)	Istanbul, Turkey
Newish place serving meze , fish and kebabs, with a huge upstairs dining room. Popular with the younger crowd.
Recommended Nevizade Sok, Balik Pazari, Beyoglu
Boncuk (Turkish)	Istanbul, Turkey
Old, traditional restaurant, still serving some of the best food on this street despite the ever-growing competition.
Recommended Nevizade Sok, Balik Pazari, Beyoglu
Cennet (Turkish)	Istanbul, Turkey
Serves only two dishes: Gözleme (fried pastries with various fillings) and Manti (Turkish ravioli), consumed from cushions on the floor to a backdrop of traditional decor, accompanied by live music. Immense fun and reasonably priced.
Recommended Divan Yolu Cad 90
Degustasyon (Turkish)	Istanbul, Turkey
Run by Turkey's only TV chef and offering unusual variations of Turkish dishes. Boasts an adjacent wine bar.
Recommended Balik Pazar, Beyoglu
Sehzade Mehmet Efendi (Turkish)	Istanbul, Turkey
Wonderfully atmospheric restaurant located in the medrese of the Sehzade mosque. Excellent value pide , kebabs and stews, and exemplary service.
Recommended Sehzade Camii, Sehzadebasi Cad

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