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Istanbul
- Overview
- Attractions
- Events
- Kids Attractions
- Restaurants
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Restaurants in Istanbul
Istanbul not only bridges the cultural and geographical gap
between Europe and Asia, but also blends its culinary offerings.
Eating out in Istanbul restaurants gives diners a taste of the
splendid fusion that can be created by combining the traditional
cuisine of the two continents.
Dining options abound in Istanbul. If in doubt, head for the
Sultanahmet area which has the most restaurants. Traditional
Turkish fare such as turbot with saffron and raspberry, or cinnamon
flavoured chicken kebabs, can be enjoyed at restaurants in the
Edirnekapi and Ortaköy areas, while the best seafood is in
Kanlýca. Istanbul restaurants serving a fusion of Turkish,
Mediterranean, and Asian cuisine are found in Beyoglu and Sisli,
while Taksim and Ortaköy are home to some excellent
cafés.
With so many restaurants in and around the city, diners will find
somewhere to eat any time of any day. Menu prices are generally
quite fair and generally you get what you pay for. A tip of at
least 10 percent is customary. At most Istanbul restaurants
reservations are either required or strongly recommended.
360istanbul
An aptly named restaurant, 360istanbul is situated on a rooftop terrace with beautiful views and a sleek concrete and glass design. The menu offers fusion cuisine featuring Turkish, Mediterranean, and Oriental ingredients. There's a variety of options, with dishes including lamb rack confit, saffron risotto, and a popular rock lobster arrabiatta. Open for lunch and dinner Monday to Friday, and dinner only on weekends. Reservations required.
Address: Tomtom Mahallesi, Istiklal Cd No:8 D:163, Beyoğlu/Tepebaşı/Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Turkey
Telephone: +90 533 691 0360
Website: http://www.360istanbul.com/eng/index.html
Cezayir
Cezayir serves Turkish cuisine with an international influence. Indian spices are used in a Turkish samosa, and other menu favourites include the salmon carpaccio and the borek (grilled spinach and cheese pastry). With wicker chairs and pale yellow walls, the mood in this restaurant is very calm and relaxed. Open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Reservations essential.
Address: KuloÄŸlu Mh., Hayriye Cd. No:12, BeyoÄŸlu/Ä°stanbul, Turkey
Telephone: +90 212 245 99 80
Email: cezayir@cezayir-istanbul.com
Website: http://www.cezayir-istanbul.com
Asitane
Set in a 19th century mansion overlooking the Golden Horn, Asitane serves authentic Ottoman cuisine. Featuring Central Asian, Anatolian, Middle Eastern, and Balkan influences, some recipes span some 500 years. Veal in apple sauce and cinnamon flavoured chicken kebabs are just two of the delicious menu options. Open daily for lunch and dinner, and brunch on Sundays. Reservations recommended.
Address: Edirnekapı Mahallesi, Kariye Cami Sk. No:6, Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey.
Telephone: +90 212 635 7997
Email: info@asitanerestaurant.com
Website: http://www.asitanerestaurant.com/English/
The House Cafe (Ortakoy)
Boasting two terraces on the Ortakoy's waterfront, this trendy restaurant's decor blends beautifully with its seaside location. While the menu features excellent seafood dishes, the pizza with pears, honey, and Roquefort is also sublime. Open daily, reservations required.
Address: Yıldız Mh., Salhane Sk. No:1, Beşiktaş/İstanbul, Turkey.
Telephone: +90 212 227 2699
Website: http://www.thehousecafe.com
Korfez
The Korfez lies nestled in a cove on the Asian side of the Bosphorus Straight, with tables set on a deck right over the water and a view of the bridge. Korfez is often purported to be the best seafood restaurant in Istanbul. Start the meal with Turkish vegetable starters or from a selection of seafood appetisers. Fish meals are salted lightly and grilled to perfection. The restaurant provides a ferry for customers coming to dine there from the European side of the straight. Open daily except Mondays. Reservations essential.
Address: Anadolu Hisarı Mh., Körfez Cd. No:78, Beykoz/Ä°stanbul, Turkey.
Telephone: +90 216 413 4314
Feriye Lokantasi
The Feriye Lokantasi is a multi-purpose venue with its own bar, cafe, conference hall, and two separate seasonal venues for the one restaurant. The best way to enjoy this facility is on the outdoor terrace on a balmy summer evening. The menu, like the venue, is flexible and based on what is seasonal, offering Turkish cuisine cooked in the Ottoman tradition. The menu offers delicious meals such as grilled turbot, with saffron and courgette balls, in raspberry puree. Open daily for lunch and dinner, reservations required.
Address: Yıldız Mh., ÇıraÄŸan Cd. No:40, BeÅŸiktaÅŸ/Ä°stanbul, Turkey.
Telephone: +90 212 227 2216
Website: http://www.feriye.com/
Mikla
Located on the top two floors of the 18 storey Marmara Pera Hotel, this gourmet restaurant offers glorious 360 degree vistas of the lights of Old Town. Chef-owner Mehmet Gurs prepares Turkish and Scandinavian meals such as sauteed scallops with vegetable risotto, and Ragu beef cheeks with porcini mushroom soup. An absolute favourite is the lamb escargot for mains, followed by a tachio and tahini ice-cream dessert. Reservations are essential.
Address: The Marmara Pera MeÅŸrutiyet Caddesi 15, BeyoÄŸlu, Ä°stanbul, Turkey.
Telephone: +90 212 293 5656
Email: info@miklarestaurant.com
Website: http://www.miklarestaurant.com/en
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