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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