The nostalgic neighborhood of Kuzguncuk on the Asian Side of Istanbul offers a number of welcoming restaurants and cafés.

Kosinitza: One of the most popular restaurants in the area, Kosinitza features charming old-fashioned décor and a sophisticated European-influenced menu that is heavy on seafood. Bereketli Sokak No. 2/A, Kuzguncuk; P: (0216) 334 04 00

Ilya Café: A standout among the many cafés in the area is Ilya Café, a wonderfully cozy little venue that is housed in a small building adjacent to the Church of Hagios Panteleimon. This artfully decorated café features a simple daily menu of freshly prepared soups, salads, snacks, and cakes, and is run by the friendly and knowledgeable Arzu Hanım, who picked the name as a tribute to a former Greek resident. Bican Efendi Sokak No.1A, Kuzguncuk; P: (0216) 553 86 90

İsmet Baba: By the little square on the waterfront, you’ll find one of the older restaurants, İsmet Baba, a simple and traditional meyhane serving seafood and rakı. Çarşı Caddesi No. 96, Kuzguncuk; P: (0216) 553 12 32

Ekmek Teknesi: For traditional Turkish food and home cooking, visit Ekmek Teknesi, where you can enjoy freshly baked pide and an assortment of kebabs. Kuzguncuk Mahallesi Icadiye Caddesi No. 25, Kuzguncuk; P: (0216) 532 66 77

Yunus Emre Odun Ekmek Fırın: If you want to snack while you stroll, pop into Yunus Emre Odun Ekmek Fırın bakery, where you can pick up an assortment of freshly baked breads and pastries. Kuzguncuk Mahallesi Icadiye Caddesi No. 24/A, Kuzguncuk; P: (0216) 310 52 01