Turkish cuisine is very diverse and world renowned. Istanbul is a melting pot of cultures, and all these influences pleasantly affect the food scene. So, forget about the international (fast) food chain while you're here, and experience real Turkish food. But with so many different dishes to choose from, where do you start? That's where this little shortlist of things to eat in … [Read more...]
Top 10 Outdoor Cafes in Istanbul
Here's my top ten of outdoor cafés in Istanbul. Some of the places in this article offer you a chance to experience history and mysticism, others offer an escapade to serenity in the middle of the hectic city life. It's very unlikely you can try them all out during your visit, but I'm sure you'll find a few that are just what you were looking for.Çorlulu Ali Paşa This is … [Read more...]
Top 10 Fish Restaurants in Istanbul
Time has come to recommend the ten best fish restaurants in Istanbul. Previously I already let you in on some secrets to pick a fresh fish, so now I'll share where you can consume their fresh catch. Some establishments are chic and elite, some are unpretentious and moderate. However, they are all experts and very skillful when it comes to preparing fish. They'll be a great … [Read more...]
Top 5 Esnaf Lokantası (Tradesman Restaurants) in Istanbul
An Esnaf Lokantası (Tradesman Restaurant) offers a nice variety of dishes at very moderate prices. The emphasis lies on pleasing the regular customers, who are mostly working people. Some locals prefer to go there for breakfast before work, but most will visit an esnaf lokantası during the lunch break. Others stop by for dinner before they return home or a night out. In every … [Read more...]
Mezes Found In Istanbul Meyhane Restaurants
Let me introduce the mouthwatering mezes of Turkish cuisine. Well not exclusively Turkish, since meze is found in the former Ottoman Empire cuisines of the Balkan, Mediterranean, and the Middle East. Restaurants that are experts in mezes are called meyhane. A meyhane is a traditional restaurant which serves alcoholic beverages with mezes and traditional foods. Meyhanes are not … [Read more...]