Restaurants/Cafes/Bars/Pubs
Istanbul has a number of dining options. From stylish restaurants in the
tourist-centred Sultanahmet area to the simple eateries that offer authentic
Turkish food, you have a wide range of options to choose from. Some of the
popular localities for dining and an evening out are listed below.
- Sultanahmet: Known for restaurants that normally cater to Western
European tastes.
- Sirkeci Eminonu: This is a great area to find a
bite. You can take a stroll down the Galata Bridge that's crammed with
restaurants and pubs and enjoy a lovely meal with a view to match. A cheaper
alternative will be the local favourite – the Istanbul fish sandwich served by
the bridge.
- The Bosphorous: Dine while enjoying a view of two continents. This
area is dotted with excellent sea-view restaurants,
many of which specialize in seafood. You can also opt for kebaps or enjoy a
variety of meze (small portions of food).
- Beyoglu: The little side-streets off Istiklal
Caddesi are packed with small eateries, posh restaurants, trendy bistros,
artsy cafes, and pastry-shops. A great spot for the young and a meeting point
for the rich and not-so-rich.
Below is a comprehensive listing of some of the best places to drink and/ or
dine in Istanbul.