Will be in Istanbul at the end of the month. Staying in Sultanahmet but thinking about going to dinner at Sunset Grill or Ulus 29 out in Ulus Park/Levent, or at Tugra at the Ciragan Palace. Both of these look pretty far on the map. Any idea how far/how long it would take to get there? I'm assuming a taxi is the best/only way?

Also what is considered the "prime" dinner hour in Istanbul? I'm getting the sense that people eat pretty late, especially at some of the "trendier" places - but are we talking "Madrid"-time or what? Definitely don't want to be eating in an empty restaurant.

We were in Istanbul a few weeks ago. I haven't eaten at the specific restaurants you mention, but we did dine at FERIYE, a restaurant on the banks of the Bosphorus that's very close to The Cirigan Palace. It took us almost 40 minutes in heavy traffic to get there from our hotel in Sultanahmet. We had a 9:00 PM reservation. As I remember, the taxi ride cost about $20 w/ tip.

Regarding "prime" dinner hour in Istanbul, I'd say it's between 9-10 PM. Although along the coast, people seemed to start dinner later than that!

Ofcourse this timing issue depends on the time of the year. Generally speaking 19;30 to 21:30 hours. If we invite guests usually 20:00 / 20:30, if at resort not before 21:00, winter 19:00 hours. After 23:00 little chance to eat except big cities.

Your restaurant choices are excellent by the way.
Bon A'petite, Happy Travelling,
Murat

Murat,
Are there any restaurants you might recommend in Istanbul that have live music? We too will be depending upon taxi's.
Thank you.

Hi Patsy120,
There are plenty of restaurants with live music. What kind of music you would like to have while dining; gypsy, Turkish Folk, art, bands, jazz?

I will than give you options.....
I always take taxis in Istanbul, avoiding the traffic, getting lost at regions, and ofcourse to be able to drink and not to have to drive after....

Happy travelling,
Murat

Thanks Murat, I guess gypsy or Turkish Folk....though I'm not really sure what either one is. ???