Pittsburgher

We'll be in Istanbul later this month - 3 nts at Empress Zoe, then 3 nts in Cappadocia, then 3 more nts in Istanbul (Fehmi Bey). Would appreciate any dinner suggestions from all of you who've been there recently. Not looking for 5-star dining, but interesting, good food in the $15-$25 per person range. I've seen the articles in NYTimes and the new Bon Appetit, but would also appreciate your suggestions - and whether reservations are necessary? We'll be there Weds-Thurs-Fri and Tues-Weds-Thurs nights.

Thanks!

nancy

Bringing this to the top as I will also be in Istanbul. Thx,nancy

Weadles

Check the wonderful post, THINGORJUS EATS TURKEY for great suggestions about where to eat in Istanbul.

worldinabag

Hi

For a great inexpensive lunch snack set in lush surroundings go to the Green Corner Cafe. Opposite the exit of the Cistern in Sultanahmet. We had a lovely authentic dinner at Yeni Yildiz Cafe restaurant. Again in Sultanahmet - head towards the railway.

Pittsburgher

Yeah, I've been drooling over Thingorjus Eats Turkey -- well, not literally . . . but can't wait to try some of those out. Just wondering whether we'll need to book ahead, or just wander around and see where we wind up -- sounds like there are plenty of options, and my son says all the food is great. Thanks for these ideas. Nancy, when will you be there?

Seamus

For a great, authentic food - especially seafood - try Nevizade Sokak, which has several restaurants favored by locals. it is off Istikal near Galatsaray square. Lipsos was my favorite . From Istiklal walk into Cicek pasaji (the old flower market street), turn right on Sahne then left on Nevizade.

progol

Our favorite Restaurant was Daruzziyafe, opposite the entrance to the Sulamaniye Camii. The food is excellent, and tables are set around a lovely courtyard. It is probably more than $25/person for dinner, but we ate there for lunch one day and loved it. Highly recommended for good dining.

Paule

bktport

We just returned from Istanbul last Tuesday. Mostly we ate in local sidewalk places. The food all over is great, especially at the Express Restaurant on corner of Aga Yokusu and Venzneciler Cad. Eat up stairs. Tell them the American’s with the cast on the arm sent you. Food is local and typical. Try the trout.

Also, try Vogue (tel. 0 212 227 4404) at Suleyman Seba Cad. Belsiktas Plaza A Blok Kat: 13. The cousin of a Turkish friend took us there. The food was great, but a little expensive (50 Euro/person). It was recently written up as one of the best restaurants with ambiance for the beautiful view of the Bosporus in Istanbul.

Pittsburgher

Thanks so much -- I'll add all these to my list! Any others?

worldinabag

Hi again

I was informed Sultanahmet is good for Kofte (meatballs). We visited Tarihi Sultanahmet Koftecisi. This place is apparently an institution. Located at 12 Divanyolu Caddesi, near Sultanahmet Square (Sultanhamet Meydani). The meatballs were good!

Or dine like the locals. Catch a ferry to Ortakoy. Buy Kumpir (stuffed potatoes) and eat them at the ferry dock. Here's a photo of the potato stalls - http://www.trekearth.com/gallery/Mid...hoto103478.htm. Very atmospheric at night with the mosque lit up. There are several restaurants there too. Lovely views but beware of "surprises" on your bill.

Another option is the many fish restaurants at Kumkapi. Didn't try them though.

nancy

Pittsburger: I will be in Turkey beginning April 28 but we stay an extra 2 days in Istanbul(May 13 & 14)following our tour. So, I wanted some restaurant suggestions, too. Finally found the Thingorjus post!!

richardab

I can't find the post THINGORJUS EATS TURKEY , can someone link it?

Pittsburgher

Richard -- I think I have it and will try to post. When are you going?

Meredith

Yum. Bookmarking for our upcoming trip!!

patandhank

O.K. this isn't in the "fine dining" category, but one thing we did that we enjoyed while in Istanbul in September was taking in the show (with dinner) at the Orient House. The show was a sampling of various Turkish dances, instruments, whirling deverish, etc. It was a fun night.

richardab

i am going at the end of May

Weadles

richardab,

I just topped the "Look out Zagats: Thingorjus Eats Turkey" post so that you can find it. I'll be in Istanbul this July, so I'm looking forward to your trip report! Have a great time.

nancy

richardab: hope this link works for the thingorjus thread. I had a heck of a time finding it. I'll be in Istanbul on my own May 13 & 14 so was looking for restaurants after my tour.

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34654093

ozlem

Try Komsu Kebap for meat. It is one of the best meat restaurants in Istanbul. (As a local, the best one in my opinion. The phone number is 224 96 66, it is centraly located in Nisantasi.)

Weekender

Try the Balikci Sabahattin. Excellent restaurant with outside dining and just a few blocks from the Empress Zoe. We loved the hotel! Be sure to have cocktails at the Four Seasons which is across the street from the hotel.