monicapileggi

I've been going through some postings for restaurants in Istanbul and most seem to be very expensive ($80 + for 2 people). It's been over 10 years since I was last in Istanbul and I remember it being dirt cheap.

Does anyone have recommendations for little local spots with atmosphere, good food, and inexpensive prices (say $40 and under for 2 people)?

Thanks!

Monica

bardo1

From another board:

SULTAN AHMET---------------------------

Kebap:
http://www.gastroville.com/archives/...pe/000035.html

Beyti and Iskender are my favorite kebaps.

-HAMDI
Tahmis Caddesi, Kalcin Sokak No:17 EMINONU
http://www.hamdirestorant.com.tr/hamdien.htm

More Traditional Food (they have kebaps as well)

-KONYALI: (0212-513-9696)
Topkapi Palace, Sultanahmet, Eminonu
http://www.frommers.com/destinations...ul/D39906.html

Famous/historical meatball place (stay away from its imitations):
-TARIHI MESHUR SULTANAHMET KOFTECISI
http://www.frommers.com/destinations...ul/D39916.html


BOSPHORUS-----------------------------------------

Balik (Fish) on the Bosphorus:
- ISKELE
Take a cab to Bebek (small town on bhosposrus) and ask for Iskele
restaurant
While in Bebek go to historical BEBEK BADEM EZMESI to buy some
marzipan (Made of sugar, egg whites and almonds)

or another good sea food rest on Bhosporus
-BALIKCI SABAHATTIN
Seyit Hasan Koyu Sokak 50, CANKURTARAN

Sunday Brunch on the Bosphorus:
-CIRAGAN PALACE (Hotel)
http://www.ciraganpalace.com.tr/rest...id=3&lng=2

Night Club on the Bosphorus:
-REINA
http://www.worldsbestbars.com/city/i...a-istanbul.htm


BEYOUGLU--------------------------------------

Traditional Cuisine around Beyouglu
-HACI ABDULLAH -meals made with olive oil, sea food, ottoman
classics....
http://www.haciabdullah.com.tr/


Cheap food:
-KIZILKAYALAR on Taksim Square -hamburger and banana drink
http://tirania.org/blog/pic.php?name...=Kizilkayalar%
20Hamburguer


Dessert:
-INCI (protiferol)
on Istiklal Caddesi (main avenue in Beyouglu)

- SARAY MUHALLEBICISI (traditional desserts like ekmek kadayifi, ayva
tatlisi...)
http://istanbul.metblogs.com/archive...eet_talk.phtml


Other Food You Should Try:
- Kokarec (cart like food. eat it at Sampiyon in Beyoglu )
- Simit (Best for breakfast..buy when it is fresh..early
morning!..street vendors sell it)
- Doner (on every corner)
- Fried Seafood (you might see these stores around touristic places)
- Gozleme (same thing with Italian Pediana -try to find it in Bodrum)
- Durum (small sis kebap in a wrap -very good late night snack)

monicapileggi

Thanks!!!

Monica

Dukey

Bardo:

How likely is it that any "local" restaurants will have no trouble with English-only speakers?

ekscrunchy

Monica, I was in Istanbul last fall and was quite surprised at the prices; I had also been there years ago when it was very cheap to eat and stay in a hotel.
Two places that I liked, in the moderate category, which would fit your budget, are Haci Baba on Istiklal Caddessi, and Hamdi in Eminonu. Haci Baba has traditional Turkish dishes and is quite a fun and bustling place. Hamdi is very good for kebabs; the English level of the staff is not great but it does not matter too much..the menu is translated there, and at most other places you will patronize. You should try to reserve a table on the terrace at Hamdi; the place has several floors.



Fish/shellfish might be the most expensive thing on many menus.....if you stick to the regular lamb/veg offerings you will be fine. I had a wonderful time discovering foods in Istanbul. Please do not neglect to seek out the tiny shops specializing in the meat- or cheese-filled pastries called boreks (bureks);amazingly tasty and very inexpensive. And, depending on season, the vendors selling fresh pomegranite juice. And look for (often hand-written) signs on restaurant windows which note seasonal foods..I think the word is "mevislmi." And do not forget to try manti, Turkish ravioli/pelmeni-like dumplings with spicy yougurt sauce. WOW!

monicapileggi

Thanks ekscrunchy for your recommendations. Yes, I would prefer to stick with the lamb/eggplant/etc type dishes and the wonderful mezes they have.

Monica