Istanbul Restaurant Tips by baronedivandastad

Bistrott: Best pasta in town

I usually never EVER go to Italian places abroad. The stuff simply doesn't taste right for a native. I was reluctantly forced into this place, and came out pleasantly surprised. The pasta was of good quality, well done, with the right sauces and served in nice portions. Only the too slow service (on summer days) can spoil the experience in this modern terrace place.

Favorite Dish: Pasta with 4 cheeses. Delicious!

Address: Inside Mayadrom

Comparison: most expensive

Directions: Mayadrom is a well-known luxury shopping centre in Etiler, the main business area in town. Most taxi drivers know it.

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 4

Theme: Italian

Adem Baba: Best fish in town

What a wonderful place, this one! the setting is very cosy, the service quite swift despite the crowds and the fish is astounding. I seldom have tasted better seafood in my life. The area around the restaurant is also lovely, with a small town ambience and lots of interesting building to be enjoyed. If you have a Turkish speaker with you it helps a lot, the staff isn't used to foreigners. A real gem.

Favorite Dish: Fish. Ask the manager for the catch of the day.

Comparison: least expensive

Directions: In Arnavutkoy, the place has two venues opposite each other. Parking is almost impossible so go by taxi.

Price: less than US$10

Rating: 5

Theme: Seafood

Haci Baba: Nothing to be excited about Haci Baba Review

I read enthusiastic reports about this place. I disagree. The food is ok and the buffet is quite nice, but some of the stuff lacks taste, their beer selection is poor (and they had run out of some labels when I went), their turkish coffee was more like soup and the prices were way too high given the ambience. You can eat better for half the price in a similar ambience 50 m away. I don't recommend it.

Favorite Dish: Not sure about that. My least favourite was coffee.

Comparison: most expensive

Directions: In the main street in Taksim

Price: US$31-40

Rating: 2

Theme: Local

Yagalata: Seafood under the Galata bridge Yagalata Review

I found this place following my usual rule: go where the locals go. The Galata bridge is full of touristy and pricey places, but here I had two grilled fish (yes, two!) for about 20 million liras, which isn't bad at all. Beer is also cheap-ish and service is swift. Too bad the view is on the wrong side, but the dark sea has some fascination. Recommended.

Favorite Dish: Grilled "cupra" (sea bram)

Address: Under the Galata bridge

Comparison: less expensive than average

Directions: See my travel tip about the Galata bridge

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 4

Theme: Seafood