We will be in Istanbul for 2 weeks... does anyone have any PERSONAL recommendations for places that they have enjoyed eating at? ..We're not interested in the dining room of the Four Seasons, nor places with belly-dancing for tourists, or Doy Doy. A number of people have told me that this district is a culinary wasteland...but I am not sure what they are using for comparison.<BR><BR>We will be there during /the 2nd half of November (during Ramadan). Would like to enjoy "iftar" (sp?), not stuck eating in hotels or tourist-orientated joints.<BR><BR>Sorry if I sound fussy or elitist!)

Hi Ridem,<BR><BR>For Iftar Divan Kurucesme is good.It is near Bosphorus and really delicious.(fix menu)Don't eat much before you go there.<BR>Soap,mezes,hot meal and deserts....<BR>Unlimited turkish tea and water..<BR><BR>For Dining prefer Taksim-Beyoglu area.<BR>You should go to Nevizade(Boncuk is the best there)in Beyoglu..<BR>K.V at Tunel is a secret place but very nice.<BR>Anjelique,Dulcinea,Soho,The Marmara Cafe .....You can either have a drink or dinner.<BR>Don't miss to eat fish(Definitely grilled LUFER)Try ADEM BABA at KURUCESME<BR>(cheap fresh -but no alcohol)<BR>Hope you enjoy <BR>

My husband and I had our best meal at Daruzziyafe, opposite the entrance to the Sulamaniye Camii. It was excellent food in a lovely courtyard and was by far, the best meal we had in Istanbul.<BR><BR>We also had a good meal in Mavi Ev, the hotel we stayed in; others have praised it highly, and though I'm not that enthusiastic, it was definitely one of the better meals. But eat there if you can sit on the rooftop terrace-- THAT is spectacular, and will make any meal satisfying!<BR><BR>

Hmm, just realized you're going to be there the 2nd half of November. The rooftop at Mavi Ev will probably be closed by then, and the weather not appropriate to outdoor dining...but IF it is, then go there.<BR>

I highly recommend Balikci Sabahattin behind the Armada Hotel in Sultahmet (0212/458 1824). Little English spoken but it doesn't matter since the price is fixed (about $17, including house wine). It's a fish house with incredible mezes, not frequented by many tourists. The delicious food just keeps coming. Our only regret is that we ate there the first night (Four Season's concierge recommendation) and none of our other meals were as good.

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