Ah, so many places to eat, so little time! Here is a short list of some of the great restaurants in Istanbul:
Fine Dining
Reina (Ortakoy): Fine dining, Mediterranean food
Ulus 29 (Ulus Park): excellent Turkish and International cuisine, along with tasty sushi
Tugra (Çirağan Palace Hotel Kempinski, Çirağan Caddesi 32, Beşiktaş): Ottoman cuisine served in one of Istanbul’s most popular restaurants. Its main claim to fame is its fabulous dessert buffet. It also serves beefs, chicken and lamb cooked in the traditional Ottoman way.
Balikci Sabahattin (Seyit Hasan Koyu Sokak 1, Cankurtaran). Expensive food, but well worth the price, as this is one of Istanbul’s best.
Asitane (Kariye Hotel, Kariye Camii Sokak 6, Edirnekapi) Go back to the days when Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent held his sway over the city. Here, you can have a taste of what was served during circumcision feasts.
Feriye Lokantasi (Çirağan Caddesi 40, Ortaköy) An excellent place if you are in the mood for a romantic dinner. You should also try the Sunday buffet (mornings).
Mikla (Marmara Pera, Mesrutiyet Caddesi No:167/185) Serves Mediterannean cuisine amidst the old city ambiance.
Korfez (Korfez Caddesi No.78 Kanlica) A fine combination of great seafood, a great view and an ambiance only the Bosphorus can provide
On a Budget
Hala (Istiklal Caddesi 211, Beyoğlu): Easy on the pocket and yet heavy on the stomach. Try the ravioli, Istanbul style and the stuffed pancakes (gozleme).
Saray Muhallebicileri (Istiklal Caddesi 102, Beyoglu) This is where you can go during snacktime, and since it has a number of branches in Istanbul, it will be easier to find. Serves traditional Turkish foods like kebabas and Turkish pudding, but the restaurant also serves pastries and cakes.
Cep Sanat Galerisi (Asmalimescit Sokak 41, Beyoglu) Sit and relax, even as you enjoy a good book along with your coffee. No one will disturb you here.
Adem Baba (Satışmeydanı Sok No:2 Arnavutköy, Bebek) Unpretentious food never tasted this good. The atmosphere is also cosy. One drawback, though, the staff doesn’t speak English, so it will be useful to know a few phrases to help you in your ordering.
Asmalimescit Balikcisi (Asmalımescit mah.Sofyalı sk.No.5A Tunel-Beyoglu) Free Wi-Fi Connection, as well as the best seafood, served buffet style, makes this an excellent choice.
Nature and Peace (Büyükparmakkapi Sokak 21-23, Beyoğlu) A vegetarian’s haven, the food is freshly and made only when you order so be prepared to wait.
Canim Cigerim (Asmalimescit Mahallesi Minare Sokak 1, Beyoğlu) If you’re a liver lover, then this is the place for you. Fast, cheap and fresh, a definite must-try!
Special Interest
Ciya Sofrasi (Kadikoy Market): serves one of the most authentic (and tastiest) Turkish food. Definitely worth a try.
Konyah (Mimar Kemalettin cad. No:5 Vakif Han Sirkeci)
Haci Baba (Istiklal Cad No: 49 Taksim) – Mezes, mezes, mezes! You will literally have hundreds to choose from. Forget about the main course, try a variety of tastes and textures without paying an arm and a leg!
Haci Adbullah (Agacami, Sakizagci Cad. No:17, Taksim Istanbul): Turkish and Ottoman cuisine, as well as the mezes.
Kasibeyaz (Catal Sok No:10, Florya- Ist) Serves excellent meat dishes
Sahan (Barbaros Mah. Halk Cad no:12 Atasehir and other locations) Kebaps all in their tasty goodness.
Yeni Yildiz (Cankurtaran Meydani 18, Cankurtaran) Cosy and relaxed, this is a great chance to mix with the locals, even as you enjoy your kebab.