Hi,<BR>We'll be in Istanbul next week and are looking for your reviews on restaurants. Any info will be appreciated.<BR>Elizabeth

Hi Elizabeth,<BR><BR>We were in Istanbul last April and loved every minute of it. Our favorite restaurant was called Cennett and you sat on cushins on the floor. Be sure to order the apple tea, it is delicious! I can't remember the address though but it is famous so you should be able to find it. Very crowded though so go early. We got many great restaurant recommendations from www.frommers.com and then did a search for Istanbul. That site had tons of info on attractions and other helpful tips. Have fun!<BR>Christi

Thanks Christi,<BR>Your info. was helpful!<BR>Elizabeth

Cennett - I read a review saying that this place was either a living hell or jolly good fun - depending upon your perspective. For us it would have been a living hell - you will be able to tell how you feel when you look in the window.<BR><BR>I can thoroughly recommend the Can restuarant - also on Divan Yolu Cad (Cennet is further up walking away from the Aya Sophia and towards the grand Bazaar

Elizabeth: I would recommend you to explore the "Cicek Pasaji", an old flower market now a mall for eateries. Lots of small restaurants where you can choose small plates with delicious typical "mezze". Especially funny in the evening. Live music around. Very popular with younger people.<BR>Another nice place is the "Pandeli" in the Spice Market (1st floor) where I would definitely recommend reservation. Ask the hotel concierge. A very nice place.<BR>Enjoy Istanbul, a great city!

Thanks Ursula & Jan for the info.<BR>Elizabeth

Elizabeth-the area around the Bas. Cisterns near the trolley stop(off the Hippodrome park area) is where we found some great inexpensive restaurants when we visited Istanbul last spring. Please forgive my"senior moments"-they are coming frequently but one of the restaurants was called the Mosiac and the other place was across the alley or little side street. For $7 american dollars,we had the BEST flaming steak with veggies,potato,bread and red wine.BE<BR>STILL MY HEART........All of these restaurants (there was also a local pizza place that we ate outside near the above that had wonderful turkish pizza) were full of locals and some tourists everytime we went in.They were very clean and very safe to eat at-just don't drink water from the tap(very old plumbing system)and make sure you don't eat raw fruit or veggies-safer than most countries but you might run into the "sultan's revenge"?.The two places that offered the wonderful cooked turkish meats had great atmosphere and a fun waitstaff.Our family would go back to Istanbul and Turkey in a heartbeat-delightful people and surprising country.<BR>Do try and stay away from the "tacky" bellydancing nightclub type restaurants-bad food and a ripoff!

there is a selection of nice restourants of istanbul in that site..<BR><BR>www.istanbulshotels.com

Thanks Debbie and Simurgh for the great information. We leave tomorrow!!!!!!

Well, if you check the board one more time....my favorite restaurant in Istanbul was Daruzziyafe, opposite the entrance to the Sulamniye Camii (mosque). It was by far the best place we ate in. It was upscale but comfortable; and with the exchange rate, the prices were extremely modest. <BR>Enjoy the trip-- Turkey is a wonderful place!

Oops, the name of the mosque is Sulamaniye Camii!