Istanbul Restaurants

Almost as well known for its ability to attract celebrities as it is for its food, this restaurant looks and feels like the quintessential mountain lodge, albeit one with a generous dose of opulence. While the warm wood decor a... more

Originally founded by a group of German ex-pats and specializing in traditional German fare, this restaurant has expanded its menu to include delicious Austrian, Russian and Hungarian food, along with the standard Turkish stapl... more

This mellow restaurant offers excellent seafood dishes with a view of the Bosphorus from the Asian side. The Angel is a classy place, patronised by Üsküdar's well-heeled locals and tourists who have spent the day sightseeing. T... more

Sultanahmet is painfully short of high-quality eateries, but Tarihi has a constant stream of locals and tourists queuing out the door and down the street. It's strictly a fast food-style köfte restaurant. The tasty walnut sized... more

The Apricot Hotel is the perfect example of why inexpensive doesn't have to mean cheap. Hakan, the owner, is bucking the trend of inflated neighborhood prices by supplying a clean, bright, family-style atmosphere at fixe... more

Despite a fairly good French-influenced menu, most of the moneyed clientele come here to be seen rather than eat. Dressed in their colourful finery, the well-heeled customers enter through a narrow corridor, walking over colour... more

Located on the Sea of Marmara coast just west of Kumkapi, this place serves excellent south-eastern Turkish cuisine. Starters include delicacies such as sharp and crumbly tulum cheese and walnut spread. Meat dishes include pist... more

In summer, several candle-lit tables are set up on the pavement in an attempt to catch a cool breeze. Come wintertime, guests retreat inside where a lovely crackling wood fire accompanies the fine European and Ottoman cuisine o... more

The Kiz Kulesi Restaurant is located in the Maidens Tower, a small tower on a tiny islet near the Asian shore of the Bosphorus Strait. It was built by a Byzantine emperor in the 12th century who confined his daughter on the isl... more

If you're into power lunching, this is a superb place to dine while in Istanbul. The city's wheelers and dealers also gather here in the evenings to experience some of the finest Italian cuisine in town. Try out the classic pas... more