Why Istanbul?
Istanbul, the former captial of the Ottoman Empire
Istanbul is a major city in Turkey that straddles Europe and Asia across the Bosphorus Strait. Its Old City reflects cultural influences of the many empires that once ruled here. In the Sultanahmet district, the open-air, Roman-era Hippodrome was for centuries the site of chariot races, and Egyptian obelisks also remain. The iconic Byzantine Hagia Sophia features a soaring 6th-century dome and rare Christian mosaics.
CAFÉS & RESTAURANTS
My favourite cafés and restaurants in Istanbul
Hafiz Mustafa
This is a legendary café serving Turkish style çay, Turkish coffee and an assortment of Turkish desserts, mostly known for baklava.
Address:
Hoca Paşa, Muradiye Cd. No:51, 34080 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
Binbirdirek, Divan Yolu Cd. No:14, 34110 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
Mimar Hayrettin, Yeniçeriler Cd. No: 39 /1, 34110 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
Gümüşsuyu, Sıraselviler Cd. No:7/B, 34433 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye
Mimar Sinan Hakimiyeti Milliye Cd. &, Atlas Çk. No:42, 34672 Üsküdar/İstanbul, Türkiye
What I like about it
There are many of these sweet shops/cafés across Istanbul, they have a wide variety of different sweets, desserts and beverages. While it is a chain, it still retains its authenticity.
Zübeyir Ocakbaşı
Hidden at the mouth of the Beyoğlu’s labyrinthine backstreets, the restaurant stretches over two stories. The term ocakbaşı refers to one of the most important local culinary traditions -sitting around a copper-hooded grill, and being fed with a constant flow of kebabs by a grill master. Indeed, the ocakbaşı is a favorite among Istanbulites –no matter how touristy it looks. Zübeyir is the name of one of two brothers who opened the joint in 2006. Although they have both been in the industry much longer, neither expected it to be received so well. Today, the brothers have opened another (slightly more ostentatious) location in Istanbul’s Asian neighborhood of Ataşehir.
Address:
Şehit Muhtar Mahallesi Bekar Sokak No::28, 34435 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye
What I like about it
You will find some of the best kebabs and other grilled meat dishes in the city, if not all of Turkiye, they also serve an array of different meze dishes. It is recommended by lonely planet and food bloggers.
Çakmak Kahvaltı Salonu
If you want real and delicious Turkish breakfast this is the place to go! Very cosy, in the central part of Besiktas.
Address:
Sinanpaşa, Çelebi Oğlu Sk. No:6, 34353 Beşiktaş/İstanbul, Türkiye
What I like about it
Situated in a young, vibrant setting, staff are incredibly warm and welcoming. You will also feel completely immersed into the autheniticity of the dining experiencce with the best Turkish breakfast in the city.