Istanbul Restaurant Tips by hekate

Restaurant Name: Cistern Cafe

When you visit Yerebatan Sarnici (Basilica Cistern) Museum on your way out you will see the Cistern Cafe. It is actually inside of the museum, so you could have a cup of coffee, tea or whatever while you enjoy the beautiful sight and the enchanting atmosphere of the Basilica Cistern.

I bet it would be a good option to have your coffee there in a hot summer day :)))

Favorite Dish: Well I had just a cup of cacao, I think... it was good :)

Leave a Comment

Theme: Coffeehouse
Comparison: about average
Prices: less than US$10  » Currency Converter
Address: Sultanahmet, 13 Yerebatan Cad.
Directions: Inside of the Yerebatan Sarnici (Basilica Cistern) Museum.

Restaurant Name: Haci Abdullah

I have been told that Haci Abdullah Restaurantis is a restaurant with a long history and it is also a fine example of the Ottoman cuisine. I should say I agree that it is a great place to eat :)

There is a wide variety of dishes and they offer really good choice of sweets.

The interior is stylish and the service is good. At least I could not complain from it.

Prices:
Salads: around YTL 5
Main dishes: around YTL 14
Desrts: around YTL 4.50

OK, here is the disappointing bit:
Alcohol is not served in this restaurant.
I have been told that the owner is a bit conservative and that is the reason for not serving alcohol.

Favorite Dish: Well, I had Tas kebab. Delicious :)))

Leave a Comment

Theme: Local
Prices: US$11-20  » Currency Converter
Phone: +90 (212) 293 85 61
Address: Beyoglu / 17, Sakizagaci Caddesi
Directions: If you come from Taksim Square down Isticlal Streetturn right on Sakizagaci STreet, walk a bit and you will see it on your left.
Website: http://www.haciabdullah.com.tr/English/index.htm
Other Contact: haciabdullah@haciabdullah.com.tr

Restaurant Name: Kizilkaya Fast Food

I was just having a walk and a felt hungry. When I had a look at the meet they were backing and felt the smell of it my mouth start watering. So, I stopped by and had a duner and airian.

I have been told that Kizilkaya is very well known fast food cafeteria and there is another Kizilkaya cafeteria onTaksim square.

Prices:
Duner: 6YTL
Tosted sandwich: 1.5YTL
Hamburger: 1.5 YTL
Orange juice(fresh): 2.5YTL
Apple juice(fresh): 2.5YTL
Tea (turkish): 0.5YTL
Coke: 1.5YTL
Nesscafe: 2YTL
Ayran: 1YTL

Favorite Dish: So, here is a small tip for Americans :)
Duner is the Turkish version of burrito.

Airian is a beverage made out of yoghurt and water.

I would highly recommend that menu to everyone who wants to taste the local cuisine and safe some money at the same time :)))

Leave a Comment

Theme: Local
Comparison: less expensive than average
Prices: less than US$10  » Currency Converter
Phone: +90 (216) 36 91 255
Address: Saskinbakkal / 15/3, Bagdat Cad / Kazim Ozalp sok.
Directions: Opposite to CARSI shopping mall or Mark&Spencer

Restaurant Name: pierre loti cafe

In order to get to Pierre Loti Cafe from Eyup Mosque you will pass trough the Eyup Sultan Cemetery. You will see gravestones dating from the Ottoman period can along the road leading up to the top. The cafe is situated at the top of the hill.

You will walk up hill for some time but the view to the Golden Horn and the Istanbul skyline is fully worth the efforts. Actually this is one of the strongest advantages of the Pierre Loti Cafe - the splendid view t the Bosphorus.

The cafe is named after a famous French novelist and naval officer Pierre Loti. Although it is not known for certain, it is assumed that this was the cafe that Pierre Loti visited during his stay in Eyup in 1876.

The cafe itself is very cosy and it is furnished in 19th century style. I guess as an attempt to preserve the authentic atmosphere of these times the waiters still serve in costumes of that period.

Favorite Dish: What I had there is only tea, so I can not give ant specific recommendations what should you order. :)))

Leave a Comment

Theme: Coffeehouse
Prices: less than US$10  » Currency Converter
Phone: +90 (212) 581 26 96
Address: Eyup / Gumussuyu Cad., Balmumcu Sokak
Directions: If you are coming from Eyup Mosque walk up through Eyup Sultan Cemetery for about 20 minutes and you will get there. There is a sign in the middle of the way, so you should not miss it.