Hello All,

In preparing for my trip to Istanbul this May I've found a great big void where independent foody blogs usually thrive. Oh there's plenty of sites trying to steer you into one restaurant or another but very few unbiased, reliable-sounding voices out there on the subject of dining in Istanbul.
So far I've found a nice site called
cafefernando.com which has nice photos and even some good recipes.
then there's a more professional looking blog of restaurant reviews called istanbul eats. Not having taken my trip yet and thus not able to vouch for the recommendations, I cant say for sure, but the reviews look great. mostly local looking places, cheap good eats.
www.istanbuleats.com
If anyone out there has any other good resources to recommend please respond!
thanks.
I will update this post after I return from my trip in late May.

I don't know of any good online resources but I can give you some recommendations from a recent trip. Hamdi was the best restaurant we found relatively near Sultanahmet. It's right on the water, the clientele was local, prices affordable, and delicious food. Our other favorite was Sofyali 9 in Beyoglu neighborhood. Really charming place, more upscale traditional food. A hip, young local clientele.

For more info visit our Istanbul post at http://patrinadoestheglobe.blogspot.com/

Click on my name and you will find my trip report. The last part is on Istanbul and mentions some of the restaurants where we ate.

Thanks for the replies. Michael, I will check your trip report. Katrina, I will put Sofyali 9 on my list. I will be staying in Beyoglu so that should work.

How about Karakoy Lokantasi? Any experience?
I heard an NPR report on the place one time. sounded good.

One of the most popular places is a restaurant called Mavi Balik in Eminonu area, it is right there under the bridge over Golden Horn.

The current issue of Conde Nast Traveller (US) has a good feature on Istanbul with quite a few restaurant, and other, recommendations.

thanks all.