Food and dining are one of the greatest pleasures of being in Istanbul. We have designed this brief
guide to assist the food lover in making the most of his or her visit, including not only restaurant recommendations, but
also markets and food shops. Finally, we have selected a group of hotels in Sultanahment, the historical center of ancient
Constantinople, some of which also have good restaurants.
Please check back for regular updates.
Istanbul Restaurants
Sabahattin Balikcisi Cankurtaran, Sultanahment 212 458 1824
Dining at Sabahattin is always a pleasant experience, with the ambiance of an old wooden house down
a side street near the water. The waiters are professional and the food always good, sometimes excellent, including the grilled
swordfish kebabs. A much more intimate choice for seafood than the meyhanes of the Kumkapi district. The fixed menu can be
a good value. Dine al fresco during summer. Reserve ahead.
Giritli Restoran Keresteci Hakki Sokak, Cankurtaran, Ahirkapi 212 458
2270
Located right next deoor to the Armada Hotel, Giritli is a new seafood restaurant innovating the idea
of a completely set menu. The seafood is delicious, and your meal will include over twelve different meze plates followed
by perfectly-cooked fish (you do get somewhat of a choice here). Wine is included the price of the "fix-menu." Giritli surpasses
nearby Sabahattin for food quality and we hope it keeps up its standards. For those wanting to try a variety of dishes or
who don't want to look at a menu, this is a superlative choice. Pleasant ambiance, nice waiters, and a good value especially
if you drink with dinner. www.giritlirestoran.com
Pandeli Misir Carisi 1, Eminonu Square, in the 2nd floor of the Spice
Bazaar, 212 527 3909
We are not the first to not recommend Pandeli for its food and service. Two out of three visits
prove unsatisfactory, with rude waiters and mediocre food. The fish en papillote can sometimes be good. Open for lunch
only. The reason to come is the location and interior, which is quite beautiful and can transport one to romantic "Old Istanbul."
Pricey for what is offered.
Develi Balikpazari, Samatya 212 529 0833
Home base to what is now a chain of restaurants, Develi has good, sometimes spicy food but is no great
value. The mezes are good, including the spiced minced raw lamb, and the grilled kebaps can be very good; try the pistachio.
Vacation Apartment Rentals
Recent stays at several of the apartments offered by Istanbul Holiday Apartments resulted in a pleasant surprise. Each one has great views of Galata Tower and the city across the Golden Horn. Tastefully
decorated with full kitchens, we recommend them.
Istanbul Historic Center, Recommended Hotels
Eresin Crown Hotel
Very pleasant hotel smaller but in the same class as the Four Seasons. Nicely appointed rooms. Professional
staff. Rooftop restaurant offers high quality and innovative cuisine.
Ibrahim Pasha Hotel
Our favorite reasonably-priced small hotel. Rooms are small, though they are expanding the number of
larger Deluxe rooms. Very friendly and helpful staff. Good Turkish breakfast—no restaurant.
Sultanahmet Palace Hotel
Excellent location immediately to the side of the Arsat Bazaar and the Blue Mosque. The Deluxe Rooms
are far superior to standard rooms, with nice views of either the Marmara Sea or the Blue Mosque and mini-hammams for bathrooms.
Friendly and accommodating staff. Good restaurant. Our current favorite if you can get a Deluxe Room.
