istanbul
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2012
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
istanbul
Hello
I am celebrating my 50th birthday with my family (two sons and girlfriends) in February.
I think one of them is a bit disappointed - and I am now a bit nervous about going - although it is a place I have always wanted to see. I am hoping the weather will be kind to us. We are staying in the Sultanahmet area.
I would welcome any recommendations regarding the best places to try local cuisine etc. I am sure my family would enjoy a cookery lesson too.
We are only there for four nights and it would be so easy to cram too many things in - I want to absorb and enjoy what I see and not have a mad dash around the sights.
I would welcome your thoughts
I am celebrating my 50th birthday with my family (two sons and girlfriends) in February.
I think one of them is a bit disappointed - and I am now a bit nervous about going - although it is a place I have always wanted to see. I am hoping the weather will be kind to us. We are staying in the Sultanahmet area.
I would welcome any recommendations regarding the best places to try local cuisine etc. I am sure my family would enjoy a cookery lesson too.
We are only there for four nights and it would be so easy to cram too many things in - I want to absorb and enjoy what I see and not have a mad dash around the sights.
I would welcome your thoughts
#2
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If you are looking to really get an authentic sense for their cuisine Istanbul Eats offers food walking tours that takes you off the beaten track and you really get a great feel for the Turkish cuisine and way of life. I did the Culinary back streets and it was fantastic. Its almost an entire day activity but totally worth it. They have a few other option for similar tours, one in particular that goes over to the asian side. These tours offers an opportunity to get out of the high tourist areas. I understand that the Asian side has some of the better places to eat, Sultanahmet has a great selection of restaurants but it is incredibly touristy and the quality is just ok.
Why is your family disappointed? Istanbul is a phenomenal city that has so much to offer. I was there 6 days and didn't get a chance to see everything I wanted to.
Why is your family disappointed? Istanbul is a phenomenal city that has so much to offer. I was there 6 days and didn't get a chance to see everything I wanted to.
#4
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 22,987
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
For a splurge, from my trip report:
Giritli ($155) (http://giritlirestoran.com) was fabulous, and is a must for a relaxing evening. The more the merrier, four would be better than two, six even better. The meal includes all you can drink of raki and wine. We started with 18 mezes, including tuna sashimi, ceviche and the tenderest octopus we ever had. But most of the mezes are vegetarian, including seaweed salad and a nettles and feta (the Turks would not call it that) salad. The picture on the web site gives a good idea of what is offered.
Giritli ($155) (http://giritlirestoran.com) was fabulous, and is a must for a relaxing evening. The more the merrier, four would be better than two, six even better. The meal includes all you can drink of raki and wine. We started with 18 mezes, including tuna sashimi, ceviche and the tenderest octopus we ever had. But most of the mezes are vegetarian, including seaweed salad and a nettles and feta (the Turks would not call it that) salad. The picture on the web site gives a good idea of what is offered.
#5
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
clarkey.. happy birthday! .. please dont be nervous about taking your family to Istanbul. it is a wonderful city! there is a restaurant i went to (september) that was so great, we went back often. its called Aloran Cafe and Restaurant, in the Sultanahmet area. DEFINITELY worth finding. Great food and great experience. you can read my trip report for more information.. or lots of reviews on tripadvisor. i think my meal was under $20 each time. my mouth waters at the memory of their turkish ravioli. have a great trip !!!
#7
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,051
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Istanbul is wonderful! In September I took a cooking class with http://cookingalaturka.com/ It was a fun time.