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Istanbul restaurants
Istanbul's standard of cuisine might not live up to the highest international mark, despite a recent influx of chefs from abroad; even promising exports seem to wither drastically on the journey here. However, menus at most Istanbul restaurants are ambitious and worldly, and atmosphere helps fill the gap: Visitors are often taken aback by the profusion of stylish restaurants with stunning views, such as Ulus 29, Leb-i derya, and 360 Istanbul. But it's not all milk and honey: Traditional meyhanes (taverns) like those located along Nevizade Sokak in Beyoğlu offer a chance to enjoy a variety of Turkish meze, fish, and raki (the local anise-flavored firewater), often to the accompaniment of live music. The historic quarter of Sultanahmet has less to offer in terms of quality dining, though we've listed a few spots worth checking out. And for scenic views and more peaceful surroundings farther up the Bosphorus, head to Ortaköy's Banyan. In Istanbul, the price of the food does not always reflect the quality: look for cheap eats at spots like Çiya, Kurkan Balık Evi, and Zubeyir Ocabaşı.
Tucked away behind the fish market just off İstiklal Caddesi, Nevizade Sokak is possibly Istanbul's liveliest street. On weekend nights you'll literally...more
On a busy backstreet parallel to İstiklal Caddesi, Zubeyir Ocakbaşı is where locals go for top-notch barbecued meat. A casual, inexpensive joint,...more
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