Şişli: Cevahir Shopping Mall, Büyükdere Caddesi No.22; (0212) 380 10 92

Bakırköy: Capacity Shopping Mall, Fişekhane Caddesi No.7; (0532) 230 09 79

Levent: Sapphire Shopping Mall, Büyükdere Caddesi; (0541) 425 74 25

Ataşehir: Palladium Shopping Mall, Barbaros Mahallesi Halk Caddesi No. 8-B; (0532) 624 30 92

Gümüşsuyu: Ömer Avni Mahallesi, İnönü Caddesi Hacı Hanım Sokak No.6; (0212) 249 74 17

Rumeli Hisarı: Rumelihisarı Caddesi, Arpacıçeşme Sokak No.10; (0212) 265 24 31

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Şişli: Addresistanbul, Çiftecevizler Deresi Sokak No. 2; (0212) 320 10 08

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Misela is a Turkish luxury brand of handbags and pillows. Having made a name in the international world of fashion, Misela’s first boutique opened in the historic Pera district.

Serra Türker, the Istanbul-born painter-turned-designer who is the founder and creative director of Misela, is the creator of these super chic statement handbags. Her small but very classy store in Pera showcases an elegant collection of clutches, pochettes, and shoulder bags that feature vibrant colors and high-quality materials like leather, sea snake, suede, and Swarovski crystals.

The celeb-approved Misela bags have become an international sensation, and have been worn by the likes of Rosario Dawson, Emmy Rossum, Ashley Greene, and Nicole Scherzinger.

Misela brand handbags are also sold at various locations around Istanbul, including Harvey Nichols, Atelier 55, Midnight Express in Bebek, and Midnight Express in Nişantaşı. Misela brand pillows can only be found at the Misela showroom(Pera Residence, Asmalı Mescit Sokak, No:28 Kat:1 Daire:5) and Atelier 55.

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Open since February 2012, Ops Café is one of Karaköy’s hottest cafes. This cozy venue, which offers a limited menu (featuring few salads, pastas, sandwiches, and wraps), is owned and managed by a retired captain, which explains the elements of nautical décor and sailor’s knots in the venue.

Decorated much like a lounge area, with its center featuring an inviting couch and a coffee table, it’s the details that make Ops Café special, like the succulent plants that adorn each table, the small bookcase by the couch, and the rope ladder hung to the ceiling with a hook. You’ll also see artworks adorning the walls. We suggest you take a good look (and ask for the price if you like what you see) because they’re not the permanent décor but a short-term exhibition of works by creatively inclined, passionate people.

Many frequent Ops Café for its breakfast platter, which comes with a variety of cheese, dried meat, olives, and honey, and that’s why the venue is always crowded on weekends. Ops works on a first-come first-serve basis, so if you want to start your Sunday with a breakfast at Ops, go as early as you can to secure a spot.

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The Hottest Cafes in Karaköy Right Now; by Talya Arditi

Batı Ataşehir: Mimar Sinan Caddesi Timur Sokak No.1; (0216) 472 70 07

Göktürk: Istanbul Caddesi No.48; (0212) 322 91 53

Çiftehavuzlar: Cemil Topuzlu Caddesi No.47/B; (0216) 368 81 93

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Okka has the menu of a traditional kebab house but with a more stylish setting. They even have a resident belly dancer, but Okka’s version is in fact a 3D hologram image reflected in the center of the room, while the marble bar and turquoise tiled walls add to the swank décor.

When it comes to the menu, there is a relatively small meze selection which includes a couple of different items for those who want to try something unique, like the black eyed peas served with a tahini and mustard sauce, or the julienned celery root served with yogurt sauce. These are all served with delicious freshly baked puf pide.

The menu also offers a number of warm appetizers including grilled halloumi cheese, steamed pastırma served in parchment paper and mini lahmacun. However, if you would prefer to not fill up before the grilled meat dishes, there are number of excellent salads such as the Toros salad of various chopped greens and herbs served with a pomegranate dressing, and çölelekand roka salad in which roka and farmer’s cheese is served on a bed of ribbon thin zucchinis.

Of course the headline attractions are the kebabs, with a wide variety on offer. Along with many classics such as Adana, Urfa, fıstıklıand çöp şiş kepap, there is also the house specialty of friend semolina stuffed with minced lamb. There are also several chicken options, such as the tavuk şiş.

To accompany your meal you can choose from the wine list which is exclusively Turkish, dominated by major local producers, or you can opt to try one of the many rakıs on offer. In fact, Okka offers the unique Self Pour Rakı service which allows you to sample from a range of rakıs without committing to buying the whole bottle, for you only pay for how many servings you consume.

For dessert, the tahini helva ice cream comes highly recommended.

Recommended Dishes:

Çökelekli Roka Salad

Tavuk Şiş

Helvalı Dondurma

Fresh, fun, and definitely fierce, FCUK is your connection to youthful styles of the day. Whether you are shopping for the office or a night on the town, the retailer’s seasonal collection has fun, wearable looks for every occasion. Located in the chic Nişantaşı neighborhood, French Connection is up market but not prohibitively so – thrifty buyers should visit their sale section.

CrossFit 34 offers daily group training that is preceded by mandatory preparatory sessions for newcomers that contain basic movement and posture training as well as level-appropriate training. These classes can be taken in groups or one-on-one with the instructor depending on preference. These sessions are also offered as a trial for those who want to decide on whether they want a membership.

Located in the Beyoğlu district, Romeo Juliet is a club and event hall with an open terrace, garden, and massive hall space, which can take up to 1000 people. Romeo Juliet hosts local and international performers from a wide variety of music genres. Salsa nights, jazz jams, arabesque shows, pop concerts, and all different kinds of music are played in this big performance hall, making it a favorite venue among live performance fans.

Like the other esnaf restaurants in this area, Bahar offers casual surroundings and speedy service, while the food is particularly noteworthy. Bahar is located in Yağcı Han,an old caravanserai just outside the Nuruosmaniye gate and is the sister restaurant of the better-known Havuzlu Restaurant, serving up the same excellent home cooking. However, being lesser-known and less centrally located than Havuzlu, Bahar’s clientele are still predominantly locals. A few intrepid tourists do also manage to find the restaurant, which is often recommended by local shopkeepers. What sets Bahar apart from many of the other esnaf restaurants is the quality of the food – all of the dishes that we sampled were delicious. Bahar also offers a number of traditional Turkish desserts, including kemal paşa (a soft pastry dessert soaked in syrup), fırın sütlaç(baked rice pudding) and sweet pumpkin served with cloated cream and crushed walnuts.

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Alef is a jewelry store, gallery, and atelier where its owner the master goldsmith Yeşim Yüksek creates a range of sophisticated pieces (earrings, rings, necklaces, and bracelets) using classical goldsmith techniques blended with a modern interpretation and sprinkled with impeccable taste. Most pieces here are made with smoky quartz, onyx, aquamarine, and blue topaz with a surprising twist. Some pieces feature a subtle pendulum effect, which, when used with the quartz, often gives a feeling of a magnifying glass. There’s also a lot of bezel setting and asymmetrical pieces. Two rings created by Yeşim Yüksek, Deco Bride and Gothic Bride, have been included in 21st Century Jewelry: TheBest of the 500 Series, published by Lark Books.

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Recommended Dishes

Barbunya Pilaki (kidney bean salad)

Yoğurtlu Patlıcan (grilled eggplant cubes with yogurt)

Kumpanya62 is a boutique store that sells women’s clothing and accessories by young Turkish designers. At any given time, you’ll find the collections of around 15 designers who in the past have included Burcu Aslan, Burçak Ertem, İnci Erdem, Kith&Kin, Melike Karaaytaç, Oylum Dalmış, and Nazı Ceylan.

Tip:

Don’t worry if something you try on doesn’t fit you well. The store can contact the designer who can make changes to the clothing according to your liking.

The restaurant offers a warm setting of red tablecloths and flickering candles, an extremely friendly and attentive wait staff, and of course Rakı with a constant rotation of ice to keep it cool.

Recommended Dishes:

Pazı Kavurma (roasted swiss chard dish)

Curry Chicken

Pilaki (cold white beans vinaigrette)

A concept store focusing mainly on ready-to-wear clothing, Midnight Express has grown from a boutique into a chain. This innovative store was developed by an architect and a fashion designer, and it shows. In addition to the designs of the owners, the collections include clothing and accessories and decorative objects from other local and international up and coming designers such as Burçe Bekrek, American Vintage, Yazbukey, and Tayfu Mumcu among many more others. Click here to see the full list of designers that change according to the store owners’ discoveries or the whims of the fashion scene.

This store in the Midnight Express chain,developed by an architect and a fashion designer, focuses entirely on the sale of jewellery. The variety in types of jewellry is as varied as the designers whose precious work is on sale. Everything from Selim Mouzannar’s colorful flower shaped rings and earrings to the more modern and minimalistic designs of Rosamaria is available. Visit here to keep up to date with the ever changing list of designers and collections, and make sure to visit the store itself too.

Located just across the street from the Ulus exit of Akmerkez at the helm of the Yeni Yol, ZerafEt is an addictive kebab restaurant that specializes in Antep cuisine.

The restaurant feels nothing like a typical kebab eatery: the décor is quite modern featuring pink, brown, and white; the venue smells of flowers not meat; lots of sunlight comes through the floor-to-ceiling windows that show off the green garden; and the soft instrumental music just adds that final touch. The wait staff, it must be noted, adds a few stars to this establishment with their knowledge, eagerness to help, and sincerity.

The food is a whole different story - everything on the menu is a specialty in its own right, from the salads to the grand kebab dishes. This restaurant is an ideal place for lunch or dinner, for small as well as large groups, for business people as well as tourists

Recommended Dishes

Yuvalama çorbası (a yogurt-based soup with chickpeas, bits of lamb, tiny gnocchi-like dough balls, and mint)

Muammara (a paste made with walnuts, garlic, red pepper paste, and bread crumbs)

Antep pirpirim salatası(made with fresh purslane, fresh onions, cucumber, green olives, tomato, sumac, flaked red pepper, oregano, dry mint, and topped with virgin olive oil andpomegranate molasses)

Çingene salatası(made with a mix of 14 different greens, beetroot, cucumber, green onions, topped with virgin olive oil and pomegranate molasses)

Lahmacun(Turkish pizza with minced meat)

Pastırmalı humus(hummus with cured beef)

Sebzeli Kebap(a kind of kebab made with lamb, best enjoyed wrapped in lavaş bread)

Terbiyeli Kuzu Şiş(a kind of spicy kebab made with lamb)

Katmer (an Antep dessert made of very thin baklava dough,Turkish clotted cream, covered with a generous bed of crumbled pistachios, and served with vanilla ice-cream)

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The restaurant’s owner, Sıdıka Hanım, is a devotee of the slow food movement (about which there are books available in the restaurant) and is conscientious about environmental issues: a sign announces that the restaurant does not serve çinekop or sarıkanat, i.e. immature bluefish which have not reached spawning age.

Recommended Dishes

Balık çorbası (Fish Soup)

Ahtapot ızgara (Grilled Octopus)

Fava (Fava Bean Puree)

Fıstıklı peynir ezme (Pistachio & Cheese mixture)

Asma yaprağında levrek (Sea Bass wrapped in Grape Leaves)

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A Taste of the Aegean at Sıdıka; by Will Washburn

Nar Gourmet is a local brand that provides organic and natural foods and products. Located in IstinyePark shopping mall, Nar Gourmet’s store sells a wide variety of deluxe olive oils, vinegars, and other natural locally-produced products. The product range includes several special varieties of olive oil (including Early Harvest olive oil and naturally pressed olive oil) as well as olive oils flavored with various herbs and spices including pepper, rosemary, basil, bay leaf, oregano, and mandarin orange. Nar Gourmet’s olive oils come not just from the Aegean and Mediterranean regions of Turkey (Balıkesir, Manisa, Aydın, Antalya, Mersin, and Hatay) but also from Tekirdağ and Mardin. In addition to olive oils, customers will be able to purchase a wide range of organic vinegars (grape, apple, red mulberry), ekşiler (sour condiments, such as pomegranate molasses), organic spices, organic teas, soaps, hazelnut and pistachio oils, dried fruit, honey, traditional Turkish Delight, hard candies, jams (such as bergamot, mint-lemon, strawberry, grapefruit, and blueberry), and marmalades (peach, apricot, rosehip, quince). The store also carries a selection of glass- and porcelain-ware as well as books.

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Atölye dö Bora is a second-hand store and a mini hair salon that opened on Serdar-ı Ekrem Sokak in 2011. It’s very easy to miss because it’s located underground, right below a butcher.

This dimly-lit, out-of-a-movie-scene kind of retro store features a very-well chosen men’s section on the left by the entrance, mainly filled with outerwear. The rest of the store is dedicated to women’s clothing: dresses, skirts, outerwear, tops, glasses, shoes, bags, all neatly stacked into their own section. The store does require serious investigation skills but rest assured that your search will be rewarding because you’ll come out of it with some great finds from Berlin, London, Paris, or Istanbul.

The concept behind the hair salon section of the store is pretty simple: the store’s owner Bora is also a hair designer who enjoys funkifying short hair. He’s very ambitious with blunt and bob cuts, and adding volume to dull-looking hair.

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5Oda is a small and modern boutique hotel located just down the hill from the Şişhane metro, towards Galata and Serder-i Ekrem Street. 5Oda means “five rooms” in Turkish, and that is exactly what this little hotel has to offer. You enter the hotel through the small and cozy reception area, which doubles as a small cafe for guests. The rooms are very modern, bare, and minimal, with small kitchenettes decorated with stainless steel and brightly colored furniture.

5Oda’s location means that it is within very easy access of not only the metro, but also all the shopping, eating and entertainment options of the Beyoğlu region.

Owned by Selçuk Aslan (who is also the owner of the vintage shop Onsekiz), Sıfır is a vintage store that sells a variety of extraordinary pieces, such as an x-ray machine from the 1930s turned into a table and an English airplane pilot seat from the 1960s turned into an armchair. The product range includes a variety of furniture, accessories, and industrial items, all of which date back to the 1930s-1970s.

Onsekiz is a vintage store in Çukurcuma that specializes in industrial lighting and factory lamps. The only store of its kind in Turkey, Onsekiz's products date from the 1930s to the 1970s, generally originating from the US and UK. Some furniture pieces, car models, and unique hand-painted signs, which are reproduced by the shop owner Selçuk Arıkan, are also sold here.

More than a century after it served its first passenger, the station is still the departure point for European destinations, such as Greece and Romania. Travelers can dine at the Oriental Express Restaurant before departure or visit the Istanbul Railway Museum to reflect on the rich history of the now weathered building. Neglect and time have rendered the terminal in sore need of restoration, but the site still scratches the romantic, Orientalist itch.

Over its long history, the tower has been variously used as a shipyard warehouse, a prison (during the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent), a lighthouse, and a fire lookout tower. In the 1630s, Hezarfen Ahmet Çelebi is said to have glided from the top of the tower to the Asian side, thus achieving the first unpowered flight in human history. Today, the 12-story structure is a tourist site that affords a wonderful panoramic view of the city, both across the Golden Horn and up the Bosphorus. On a clear day you can see as far as the Princes’ Islands, and the tower also has a café and restaurant where you can enjoy the view over a meal or Turkish coffee, with fasıl (traditional Turkish classical music) and dancing in the evenings.

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The food is very good, and the menu is quite extensive, with a focus on fish and seafood. The house specialties include mussel stew with ouzo, sea bass stew with saffron, and shrimp sauté with cognac. The highlights of our lunch when we visited include saganaki (pan-fried cheese), dolma (vine leaves stuffed with rice), caciki (yogurt with cucumbers), crab salad, and the vegetable platter (broccoli, potato salad, beetroot, brussel sprouts, and cauliflower).

Tip:

On Friday and Saturday nights Yorgo the Greek entertainer takes the stage and turns Kalabalık into a full-blown Greek tavern. Be warned that the venue gets very crowded on these nights, and the quality of service and food significantlydescreases. So we strongly suggest that you go there during lunch.

Recommended Dishes

Saganaki (pan-fried cheese)

Dolma (vine leaves stuffed with rice)

Crab salad

Vegetable platter

Sea bass stew with saffron

Carpet Inn is a charming carpet store located on Divrikli Sokak in the Grand Bazaar. A must-see store for tourists looking to buy traditional Turkish carpets, this store sells a wide range of old and new carpets, kilims, and soumaks.

Located right next to Fes Cafe, Galeri Şirvan is owned by the internationally-renowned rug expert and dealer Erol Kazancı. This established and well-known store sells high-quality antique rugs and kilims. If you want to buy a good oriental rug from an expert in the field, Şirvan is the way to go. Be warned that the prices are quite high but the quality is worth the price.

Located just off Istiklal Street on the rapidly developing Kumbaracı Yokuşu, Stories Apart Kumbaracı opened in late 2011, and is housed in a historical building that dates back to the 1890s. The building still has its original marble staircases as well as plenty of lovely wrought iron on the staircases and balconies. The décor is very tasteful, in shades of cream and grey, and decorated with black and white photographs of architectural details of the Galata area taken by a local artist.

The rooms all feature fireplaces and low lighting, which adds to the romantic feel, while the building itself has kept historical features that add to the charm. The hotel has 24 rooms. The most impressive is the suite on the top floor, which has a large terrace with a Bosphorus view, as well as a fireplace and flat-screen TV. The rooms all feature kitchenettes, and many have seating areas. Guests can also take their meals at Moro, the popular Italian restaurant located downstairs.

Located in Nişantaşı on a side street off of Valikonağı Caddesi, PiPa is an Italian restaurant that entered Istanbul’s restaurant scene at the end of 2011. The restaurant boasts a unique décor and is often filled with the stylish Nişantaşı crowd. The menu is quite extensive and the wait staff is very friendly. But note that the food is overpriced for what it is.

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The menu at Morro is solidly Italian, no fusion twists or surprises here. All meals are prepared with fresh local ingredients and breads are freshly baked in house. Appetizers include grilled asparagus, a cheese and prosciutto plate, and various salads, topped with goat’s cheese, grilled chicken, or sea bass. Main courses include rosemary chicken, grilled seafood skewers and sirloin steak, and sea bass cooked in beet leaves (a very popular option). Pasta dishes include linguine with seafood, a four cheese tortellini, and saffron risotto.

With a wood burning oven at the back, it comes as no surprise that the restaurant’s specialty is pizza, with a wide selection offering something for everyone, including some with a clear Turkish influence. Toppings include a range of cheeses and vegetables, smoked meat, smoked cheese, olives, and caramelized onions. There are also a few that offer prosciutto, cotto ham, and chorizo for those who really enjoy their pork products. The wine list includes a nice selection of both local and international bottles at reasonable prices. The dessert menu once again offers a selection of Italian classics, such as Panna Cotta, Tiramisu, and Napoleone.

Recommended Dishes

Pizza Pidos

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Located on a rapidly developing side street is Nur-u Ziya Suites, where the décor is modern and minimal in tones of white and grey. Artistic black and white photographs decorate the walls, and the rooms have chromatic themes, such as pink or turquoise, to add a splash of color.

The focus here is on technology, comfort, and convenience. All of the rooms are decked out with iPads that have special applications to help guests get the most out of being a tourist in Istanbul and find exactly what they want in the city. The room card keys also double as metro passes to help you get around the city with ease. There is also a small business center and fitness center that that features a Kinetics machine, internet access while you work out, and an X-Box. This hotel also has a gallery space downstairs and a cool café upstairs, lending the hotel a young and trendy feel.

Terrzi is an upscale men’s tailor located in Hilton Istanbul. It is known for its computer-based technology, which duplicates the shape of a person’s body on the first fitting session thereby eliminating the need for further fitting sessions. Terrzi also provides one-day delivery services. Tailoring for all sizes is offered.

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Located on Meşrutiyet Caddesi (a few steps away from Bird), the building that Baylo is situated in was built in the 1870s by the Kamondo family (you may have heard of them from the famous Kamondo staircase in Karaköy). Before Baylo opened its doors in October 2011, the building went under a serious three-year restoration. Now, Baylo’s interior is the ideal mix of the old and the new: the ceiling and walls carry the worn-out glory of the old days, the antique mirror by the bar gives a sense of beautiful imperfection, while the modern seating and tableware remind us that we’re in fact dining in the 21^st century.

Both inside and outside, the tables are small (for 2-4 people), except for one large table that can seat 8-10 people. The outdoor dining area is well-heated, so all the tables are filled, even on cold days. The bar, which features black-and-brown bar stools by Aziz Sarıyer of Derin Design, is designed to allow for comfortable seating while eating.

The something-for-everyone menu offers soup of the day (which is always something out of the ordinary like chestnut, pea, carrot, or beetroot soup), salads (caprese salad, goat cheese salad, and salmon salad), charcuterie plate, mains (Super Hamburger, Chicken Schnitzel, Pork Sausage) and more, all prepared by the young and talented Berk Baysan.

Much like the menu, the crowd is a pleasant mix as well - mostly 30+ during the week but slightly younger on weekends. The venue starts to fill up at around 7:30pm and there’s a nice circulation from then on. Everybody is smartly dressed without being particularly over-dressed, casual but not in an I-just-rolled-out-of-bed look. The venue has a steady stream of its frequenters, neighborhood professionals, and tourists - in for a cocktail with a colleague by the bar, dinner and longed-for chats, or the glorious charcuterie plate and a glass of wine.

A rotating group of five female DJs are in charge of the turntable on Fridays and Saturdays (and sometimes during the week), playing whatever suits the mood on a particular day, from 80s to lounge, from indie rock to nu jazz. A London-based DJ company is in charge of the music when the girls are not around, playing a range of unfamiliar songs that instantly feel familiar. Although the venue never turns into a full-blown club, the music picks up after 10:30pm, and people start to dance around, especially on weekends.

Recommended Dishes

Tagliata

Charcuterie plate

Beetroot Soup

Recommended Cocktails

Green Apple Martini

Baylo Rose

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Recep Karaduman has been in the rug business since 1966, and has been collecting one-of-a-kind kilims and carpets since then. The collection at the store located on Takkeciler Sokak mainly features carpets and kilims that Karaduman collects during his travels all over Anatolia. In addition, you’ll find few pieces from Iran, the Caucasus, Central Asia, and the Balkans. Each piece in the collection is made with natural materials, such as wool, cotton, and goat’s hair.

A classic of Grand Bazaar, this rug store has been located on Takkeciler Sokak for over 50 years. The store has an appealing collection of antique carpets and kilims from Anatolia, expertly repaired and ready to use.

The collection includes a wide range of Ottoman-era textiles, clothing, hand-woven rugs, and accessories, which date back to the 17^th, 18^th, and 19^thcenturies. Collectors will love the wide range of silk kaftans as well as bundles, belts, pouches, jackets, and bedspreads.

One of the highlights of the store is their range of ikat products: you’ll find it as plates, kaftans, and fabric. They also sell beautiful suzani kaftans, rugs, pillow cases, and bedspreads, available in cotton as well as silk. The decorative objects in the shop come in the shapes of fez, Mevlana, kaftan, and pomegranate (available in ceramic and copper).

Finding the shop is quite easy: Just enter the Bazaar from the Nuruosmaniye gate, go straight (you’ll be on Kalpakçılar Caddesi). Take the fourth right (Takkeciler Caddesi), walk straight until you reach the end of the street, where you’ll come to Perdahçılar Sokağı. Look ahead and there it is!

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Makas is the hair salon chain where famous hairstylist Erdem Kıramer’s students who have graduated from the Erdem Kıramer Akademi work. Makas was first established as an academic project but it was later turned into a chain of hair salons, providing high-quality yet affordable services with a trendy and creative approach. The services offered at Makas include haircutting, organic hair dyeing, waxing, manicure & pedicure, and make-up.

Other Locations:

Beşiktaş:Yıldız Mahallesi Çırağan Caddesi No.33/A; (0212) 236 08 55

Levent: Aytar Caddesi D.1; (0212) 284 22 94

Eyüp: Göktürk Mahallesi Begonya Sokak; (0212) 322 80 74

Erenköy: Erenköy Mahallesi Ethemefendi Caddesi No.91;(0216) 411 60 92

Yeşilköy: Yeşilköy Mahallesi Istasyon Caddesi No.14; (0212) 573 00 78

Bağdat Caddesi: Göztepe Mahallesi No.250/3A; (0216) 360 44 54

Harbiye: Pangaaltı Mahallesi Halaskargazi Caddesi No.18/A;(0212) 296 53 43

Bakırköy: Sakızağacı Mahallesi Istanbul Caddesi No.46; (0212) 660 86 60

Istinye: Istinye Mahallesi Istinye Caddesi No.20; (0212) 229 66 11

Ortaköy: Ortaköy Mahallesi Ambarlıdere Caddesi No.17/1; (0212) 273 17 33

Etiler: Etiler Mahallesi Bıyıklı Mehmet Paşa Sokak No.1;(0212) 263 94 90

Seyrantepe: Huzur Mahallesi Fatih Caddesi No.67; (0212) 576 68 68

Recommended Dishes

Chicken with cognac sauce served on toasted bread

Roasted red pepper with honeyed almonds

Sangria

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Spread over five floors of a corner building in one of the side streets of İstiklal, Nayah is the one and only bar in Istanbul dedicated to Reggae music. Originally established to attract the African community in the city, it now gathers large crowds of students, young expats, funky locals, and anyone down for a night of chilled dub, rocksteady, ska, and hip hop. Its large terrace overlooking the city serves as a performance space where bands and DJs play regularly until dawn. With its hip and friendly atmosphere, Nayah is great for those that want to feel closer to the tropics. Bring comfortable shoes to dance all night long to Nayah favorites like "Legalize Ganja" by Wayne Marshall, "Meme Si" by Dub Inc., and "Miracle Worker" by Superheavy.

Serdar-ı Ekrem 59 is a small boutique hotel located in an old house down a winding side street by an old Crimean church. Thanks to its off-the-beaten-path location, you feel like you have happened upon a hidden gem when approaching this hotel, although the metro and the bustle of Beyoğlu are close by. The medium-sized apartments are all individually and beautifully decorated in a style that oozes Old World charm combined with modern conveniences.

The rooms feature details such as cumbas (protrusions from a room characteristic of Ottoman architecture) with seating areas built in, and have hardwood or marble floors, and walls that are exposed brick or decorated with frescoes. Many of the rooms also have cute details, such as window shutters that open not to a view, but to a wall painted with birds. All rooms have separate bedrooms and living areas (they can accommodate up to four people with a sofa bed) and small kitchenettes that are ideal for coffee, tea, and breakfast.

Lavanda Boutique Hotel & Restaurant’s restaurant offers refined Mediterranean cuisine within the peaceful setting of the hotel, which is located 45 minutes away from Istanbul in a small village called Ulupelit.

The restaurant is ideal both for winters and summers – you can enjoy your food at the indoor dining area by the fireplace when it’s cold or by the garden during warmer months.

A tasting as well as an a la carte menu is on offer, with a wide selection of delicious dishes (starters, salads, pasta & risotto, and main courses), such as mushroom and chestnut soup, lamb chops with pistachio and wild mushroom risotto, and sword fish with cauliflower puree and sautéed Swiss chard.

One of the reasons why all the dishes at Lavanda are so delicious is that only the best ingredients are used. The Black Trumpet Mushroom is picked in Ulupelit village, chestnuts come from Zonguldak, artichokes make their way from Çeşme, and foie gras comes all the way from France. Chef Emre Şen even has a spice garden where he grows basil, rosemary, tarragon, and a variety of other spices.

The young and talented chef behind the mouth-watering food is Emre Şen, the eldest son of the Şen family who own and manage Lavanda Boutique Hotel & Restaurant. A graduate of the Mutfak Sanatları Akademisi, Emre has worked with Mehmet Gürs at Miklaand Michelin-starred Maurilio Garola in Italy before joining his family at Lavanda.

Recommended Dishes

Chestnut and mushroom soup

Tuna tartar (with sourdough crisps, wild thyme, and pine nuts)

Mushroom & goat cheese fondue topped with slow poached egg

Prosciutto-filled home-made ravioli with pear, gorgonzola, and walnuts

Chevon (slow-cooked for 10 hours), with grainy mustard mashed potatoes and asparagus

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Lavanda Boutique Hotel & Restaurant

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Egg & Burger is a cozy, American-style diner that has become a favorite among locals. This second branch is small, much like its Nişantaşı counterpart, with two tables and a few bar stools inside. If you’re craving for some tasty fast food, try their special Egg & Burger – even if you’re a classic at heart, give this one a chance. The fried egg, the special sauce, the caramelized onions make the burger very flavorful. If going with a group, make sure to try the onion rings, too!

Recommended Dishes

Egg & Burger

Tucked away in the tiny village of Ulupelit 45 minutes away from Istanbul, Lavanda is a family-owned haven where 13 cozy rooms await city dwellers, embellished with a country house atmosphere, the comfort of your own home, and expansive views.

This family-owned boutique hotel serves to complement the busy Istanbul life, allowing Istanbulites to wind down, relax, and master the art of doing nothing. The hotel is complete with uniquely designed rooms, a state-of-the-art restaurant, a heavenly spa, and the breathtaking beauty of nature.

The best way to enjoy the hotel is to go there on a near-empty stomach and indulge in the refined Mediterranean cuisine of the restaurant with their tasting menu or the a la carte menu.

How to Get there

Cross from Europe to Asia over the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, take the Şile exit and keep going straight. After driving 7-8km, you’ll pass through Çekmeköy. Another 15km later, you’ll pass through Ömerli. You’ll see a sign for Ulupelit (see the photo above) - take that exit. You’ll come across a large mosque where you’ll need to turn right. Soon after, you’ll see a small pinkish sign for Lavanda – just follow that and you’ll reach the hotel. Just watch out for cows on the road and keep in mind that they won't back up, you'll have to move around them.

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Founded in 2004 in a converted warehouse in Tophane, this privately owned, non-profit museum (known as Istanbul Modern for short) is the first of its kind in Istanbul and mainly features the works of up-and-coming Turkish artists in a light, airy space overlooking the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn. The top floor features a restaurant and a permanent exhibition, which contains a selection of paintings from the Eczacıbaşı family’s private collection as well as items from other private collections. In the past, temporary exhibitions, housed on the ground floor, have included solo artists and groups (for example,Armenian Architects of Istanbul) as well as conceptually-themed exhibitions, with a preference for photographic works.

The grounds include a small sculpture garden and a little gallery for children. Even the staircase is a work of art in this museum—it is a piece by Italian artist Monica Bonvicini called “Stairway to Hell” hung with chains and a shattered glass pane that looks like the aftermath of a murderous attack.

The Cinema Center within the museum provides audiences with an alternative film screening platform, focusing on world cinema history and new talents in Turkish cinema. (Screenings at the Istanbul Modern Cinema Center are free with museum admission.)

Istanbul Modern has been an important catalyst for putting Turkish modern art on the map and has showcased the works of contemporary artists like Kutluğ Ataman, Gülsün Karamustafa, Hale Tenger, Sarkis, Taner Ceylan, Hussein Chalayan, Leyla Gediz, Hüsamettin Koçan, Mithat Şen, and İpek Duben. In addition, there have been exhibits by artists from earlier periods whose work puts Turkish art in an interesting perspective in relation to the general art scene of the 20^thcentury, e.g. Abdülmecid Efendi (1868 – 1944), the son of Sultan Abdülaziz who ended his life in exile in Paris, and Fausto Zonara, the court painter to the sultans from 1854 – 1929.

Be prepared to be shocked, amazed, and confronted with a great deal of thought-provoking work at Istanbul Modern.

Although it’s pricey, the food at Le Fumoir is well worth the splurge. Everything is made from the highest quality ingredients (such as meat from Nusr-Et and smoked salmon from Delicco). The brick walls, brown leather couches, white table runners, and dim lighting blends together to create what is truly chic, urban, and elegant.

Le Fumoir is ideal for lunch or dinner, or just for drinks at the champagne bar, rubbing elbows with the crème de la creme. There’s also soft jazz playing in the background. All you need is an imaginary cigar to complete the picture!

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The Orientalist Painting collection (now called Istanbul: City of Dreams), features Osman Hamdi’s famous painting The Tortoise Trainer (which the museum bought for 3.5 million dollars in 2004—the highest price ever paid for a Turkish painting at the time). It is probably the most popular of the permanent exhibitions, featuring many paintings from European artists including the Italian Fausto Zonaro, who was a court artist to the Ottoman sultans from 1896 to 1909, and the French artist Jean-Baptiste Vanmour, who had special access to Ottoman interiors and is particularly famous for his unique paintings of women in the home. There is also a splendid collection of views of Istanbul, through which you can chart the gradually changing skyline of the city.

The Kütahya Tiles and Ceramics collection exhibits over 400 pieces that represent various periods and types, demonstrating how Kütahya tiles and ceramics developed over the years. The Anatolian Weights and Measures collection consists of over 1000 objects that date back to prehistoric times. The exhibited objects include types of scales and measuring instruments used for measuring length, weight, and volume in various fields, such as architecture and jewellery making.

The menu is refined, offering haute cuisine, and it is clear that a lot of thought has been put into each plate. When it comes to the dishes, they are all beautifully plated, almost like works of art, and are all very well executed. Appetizers include Grouper Carpaccio with Vanilla, Goat Cheese with Tomato Confit, Sauteed Sea Scallops and Ravioli with lobster.

The main course options are equally sophisticated, including Organic Duck Breast served with Damson plum purree, Jumbo Shrimp with pumpkin cream, Lobster Back, Medallion of Beef and Lamb Rib Eye served with vegetable couscous. There are a number of ambitious dishes on the dessert menu which includes Date Ice Cream, and Mascarpone Cheese & Raspberry Ice Cream, Olive Oil Chocolate Mousse and the recommended Melon and Rakı sorbet.

For those who prefer lighter fare, a snack menu is also available to enjoy with drinks, and live on stage entertainment.

Recommended Dishes:

Grouper Carpaccio with Vanilla

Goat Cheese with Tomato Confit

Homemade Lobster Ravioli

Lamb Rib Eye

Melon and Rakı sorbet

Sofa Art & Antiquesin Galata is the second branch of Sofa Art & Antiques,which opened in 1976 in Nuruosmaniye by Dilek Hanım’s husband Kaşif Bey. The inventory of the store emphasizes beauty, nostalgia, and aesthetics: sculptures of faceless women, sculpture of a naked woman, grand mirror from France, a small but very Middle Eastern mirror from Morocco, soaps from Spain and Syria, large copper jugs that are 100-150 years old. The stock is ever changing , except for Dilek Hanım’s own creations: beautiful, kaftan-like jackets; tasseled necklaces; and colorful and minimalist paintings.

The old and the new are presented side by side in complete harmony in this tiny little store. All you need to do is search, with jazz or classic music in the background, but you’ll find something astonishing in every corner.

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Located in the heart ofIstanbul’s historic peninsula, within walking distance of the Old City’s tourist attractions, Hypnos Hotel features elegant and unique décor in all of its 11 boutique rooms, each with a separate concept. All rooms offer a full range of amenities you would expect from a luxury 5 star hotel, while the hotel also offers a cozy café for quick, freshly prepared meals.

A great party atmosphere and good music come together under Skandal!’s roof, a spacious nightclub in Taksim to enter Istanbul’s nightlife scene in the last days of 2011. This is quite a large venue, with a bar area, a dance floor right by the DJ booth, and a seriously long corridor that leads to the terrace (the meeting point for the smokers in the venue).

At Skandal!, the aim is to let everyone boogie - you’ll hear a range of music that will move your body, from indie dance and electronica to nu house and nu disco. Keep in mind that the venue doesn’t get crowded before 01:00am – 02:00am. If you’re a large group, it’d be a good idea to head there when you start out your night, and dance the night away at Skandal!.

Rooms Galata, a small boutique hotel that is big on charm, is an ideal option for those who want to stay ın the central and hip Galata area. You’re sure to get a warm reception at this beautiful hotel, with 16 rooms spread over two connected historical buildings. The buildings themselves and the rooms are very charming, with much attention given to small details, such as the tasteful glassware and original works of art. All of the rooms have high ceilings and wooden floors, with a unique décor that perfectly blends modern and antique details. Some also have private terraces, while the rooftop terrace has a sea view.

When the architects discovered original frescoes on the walls, they painstakingly restored them so that the historical details of the building would be preserved, adding to the individual beauty of the rooms. In fact, all of the artwork on the walls is original, and even the furniture has been specifically designed by the hotel’s architect Bülent Güngör. The rooms have kitchenettes, but there is also a cozy café downstairs where you can enjoy light snacks, as well as a small courtyard where you can sit outside.

This elegant, evocative exhibition hall is sponsored by Turkey’s premiere fine arts university, Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University. Not far from the Bosphorus waterfront, the renovated 15^th century cannon foundry was home to the industry that gave the Tophane neighborhood its name. The current mortar and brick building is the 19^th century makeover of the former foundry. Now its eight-domed ceiling shelters a very different endeavor; it hosts university and private art exhibitions, such as the Dalí exhibition in 2012.

Taps is Turkey’s first brewpub, and is still one of the only pubs in Istanbul to make craft beer. This makes the venue especially attractive for tourists and expats who are big fans of microbrewery. The pub’s location is also a huge plus – it’s located on Cevdetpaşa Caddesi in Bebek and looks right at the Bosphorus.

You don’t have to be a beer connoisseur to enjoy the craft beer at Taps. Just look through the Taps Craft Beer Guide on the back of the menu, read through the various kinds of craft beer on offer, and take your pick. There are approximately 20 kinds, with a range of Lager, Ale, Wheat beer, Stout, Dark, and more. In addition to Taps’s own craft beers, you’ll find a variety of bottled beer, such as Amstel, Amstel Light, Budweiser, Heineken, Corona, and Apoftel Brau. The menu offers classic fried food that serve as the perfect accompaniment to beer. Music gets going after 10pm, with playlists of popular songs.

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Kağıthane (House of Paper) is a small design shop that has an innovative mix of items from notebooks and postcards to folding fans and bags—all with a humorous edge.

Kağıthane is owned by Emine Tusavul, who is a lecturer at Işık University’s Fine Arts department and the founding partner of an advertising agency. The majority of the pieces at Kağıthane are designed by Tusavul herself but you’ll also find some items created by her students. Most of the items are made of paper, while some are made of porcelain and ceramic. The unique designs are inspired by Istanbul and Turkish culture—from the Galata Tower and the Bosphorus to the traditional tea cups and old Turkish films.

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Located on the corner of the popular hangout Tomtom Sokak, We is a great bar to chill after a concert in Taksim or let the hours while away with friends on a lazy weekend. You can enjoy your drinks sitting on the barstools inside or by the outdoor tables on the first floor, dance on the second floor right by the DJ cabin, or chill out on the airy terrace on the top floor (which is open during winter season as well). Fridays and Saturdays are always reserved for DJs playing mostly electronic house and pop, while it’s possible to close down the venue for a private party on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Other Location:

Teşvikiye: Teşvikiye Caddesi Dilek Apartmanı No.95/4, (0212) 236 28 09

Şaşkınbakkal:Bağdat Caddesi No.372/C, (0216) 356 00 69, Hours: Monday-Saturday, 10:00am-9:00pm; Sunday, 12:00pm-9:00pm

Galatasaray:Yeni Çarşı Caddesi No.5/C, Hours: Monday-Saturday, 10:00am-9:00pm; Sunday, 12:00pm-7:00pm

Located right next to the Pera Museum in Beyoğlu, Nupera is a restaurant/club complex that houses four different venues. During winter, Nupera is a combination of three distinctively-conceptualized restaurants (Auf, LilBitz, and 67) that transform into nightclubs after midnight. During summer, the entertainment moves up to the rooftop restaurant/club calledNuteras, which is famous for its exceptional views of the old city as well as its hip and young crowd.

During winter, you can bar-hop without putting your jacket on, as the three separate venues are open for all who are within the complex. You will hear funky house, electro, 80s and 90s, and contemporary dance songs from all three places and you can sway your hips to whichever venue you prefer and keep hopping as the night goes on. The drinks are a bit pricey and the dress code is strictly chic. So fill up your wallet, dress to impress, and be prepared to charm the guy at the door to be able to enter on a Saturday night.

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Ace Restaurant

Located on a side street a few steps away from the crowds is Balkon Residences. Housed in a tall and narrow building that dates back to the late 1800s, it has received a complete facelift and has been welcoming guests since 2011. It offers five very spacious units that are more like apartments than hotel rooms, with generously sized separate living rooms, very large kitchens, and even proper laundry facilities. The bigger units even have a dishwasher, making them ideal for long-term stays.

The rooms are decorated in a classic and elegant style befitting the historical building, with modern touches for convenience. All are spacious, yet also warm and inviting. But the real show-stopper is Flat 5 on the top floor, which has an incredible view of Beyoğlu and the Bosphorus and a massive terrace – a perfect place to invite all of your friends. Decorated in shades of aqua blue and white, with an open-plan kitchen and a bathtub in the middle of the bedroom, this suite could make anyone consider relocating to Istanbul.

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Balkon Restaurant Bar

One of Malatya Pazarı’s newer branches is found in the İstinye Park shopping mall in İstinye.

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The hotel, designed by renowned architect Thierry Despont, also features a spa which includes a fitness center, hamam, sauna, and indoor pool; a number of meeting rooms; two foyers; the Divan Bar and Divan Patisserie (with sidewalk café); and three restaurants: the Divan Lokanta, the Divan Pub, and Maromi, a Japanese restaurant and sushi bar.

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Divan Pub

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Puri Spa

Recommended Dishes

The Robespierre Pizza

Lasagna alla Bolognese

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The décor in the restaurant is very minimal and spare, contrasting with the classic architecture of the building itself, which was designed by architect Alexandre Vallaury and opened in 1892 as the official state bank of the Ottoman Empire. The restaurant’s modern interior was designed by Han Tümertekin, and is spread across two floors, with a café section downstairs and a more formal restaurant upstairs (the menu at both sections is the same). In the cafe cool grey tones dominate, with marble floors, lights hanging from tubes, and a wall full of books behind Plexiglas – the collection of the late artist, writer, curator Hüseyin Bahri Alptekin. The slightly cold feel is lightened up a bit by the warm wood furniture and large staircase leading up to the more formal dining room with sweeping views across the Golden Horn.

When it comes to the food, the menu offers a little bit of everything, without overextending itself. The breakfast offerings are mostly traditional Turkish, while the rest of the menu veers a bit more towards fusion, such as the Hamsi Tava (fried anchovies), which is served with a harissa aioli sauce. The menu includes a selection of sandwiches and pide, mains such as eggplant gratin, fish and chips, schnitzel and köfte (meatballs), as well as salads. Given the limited size of the menu, the dessert list is surprisingly long, and again offers a number of Turkish items with a twist, such as the kadayıf (shredded pastry with pistachio filling) with caramelized pumpkin. The restaurant also has a weekend brunch menu, offered between 10:00am - 04:00pm.

The atmosphere is quite casual downstairs in the cafe area, whereas the main restaurant area upstairs tends to be quite sophisticated with well-dressed groups dining under dim lighting. Overall, Ca`d`Oro makes for an ideal break before or after taking in the artwork at SALT Galata.

It has to be said, although the concept of Tektekçi is to warm up for a long night out, the music is so good that many end up spending the majority of their night at Tektekçi. If you like to dance to a mix of upbeat songs – anything from Adele and Lily Allen to the golden oldies pieces like “Let’s Twist Again” - you may have to cancel your post-Tektekçi plans.

Now - the logistics. There is no coat check but there are several overhead shelves and hooks under the bar where you can put your coats.The venue is very crowded and you may have to wait a while to get to your long-awaited shots, but the wait is definitely worth it. The sweet bartenders are more than helpful in helping you choose what to drink. The menu is quite comprehensive, which may make the decision process painful. But the menu is arranged for even the most wasted in the room: there are separate sections for sweet, sour, sweet-and-sour, spicy, and straight. The easiest option may be to order the tray where you get 10 or 20 shots at once to avoid waiting and to try as many delicious shots as possible. Beware that this technique requires much more caution - it is pretty much a one way street to hangover hell.

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Bottoms Up: Istanbul's First Shot Bar Tektekçi Opens; by Talya Arditi

Sold at:

Nişantaşı:Nişantaşı Brasserie,Abdi Ipekçi Caddesi No. 23/1

Teşvikiye:Ela Cindoruk & Nazan Pak,Atiye Sokak No.14

Istinye:Beymen IstinyePark, İstinye Bayırı Caddesi No. 73

Şişhane:IKSV Tasarım, Sadi Konuralp Caddesi No.5

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Kağıthane is owned by Emine Tusavul, who is a lecturer at Işık University’s Fine Arts department and the founding partner of an advertising agency. The majority of the pieces at Kağıthane are designed by Tusavul herself but you’ll also find some items created by her students. Most of the items are made of paper, while some are made of porcelain and ceramic. The unique designs are inspired by Istanbul and Turkish culture—from the Galata Tower and the Bosphorus to the traditional tea cups and old Turkish films.

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SALT's second branch, SALT Galata, is located in the historic Ottoman Bank on Bankalar Caddesi (formerly known as Voyvoda Caddesi) in Karaköy. SALT Galata houses the Ottoman Bank Museum; an exhibition space on its sub-ground-floor level; a research library (SALT Research); an auditorium seating over 200 people; an Open Archive; a cafe and a restaurant; workshop spaces; and a bookstore run by well-known Beyoğlu bookseller Robinson Crusoe.

The Gümüşyan Hotel is a boutique hotel with plenty of history and charm. Located right in the heart of Beyoğlu in the Asmalimescit district, it is literally steps away from many of the city’s most popular bars, clubs and restaurants. The hotel is housed in the 19th century building that served as the Gümüşhian family residence for over 100 years.Following major renovations, the hotel opened in late 2011 and features 14 rooms.

The décor is somewhat bare and minimal, with lots of exposed brick, while the headboards and bathroom countertops use heavy blocks of antique wood to a nice effect. There is the Gümüşyan and café at the entrance of the hotel which specializes in seafood and is decorated in a similar style, blending a modern feel with historic touches.

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Dream Day is a catering and event organization business as well as a café. They offer a range of dishes that are made with local and organic ingredients. For example, they bring olive oil from Ayvalık, honey from Trabzon, and strawberry from Kazdağları. They also sell organic tomato paste and home-made pickles.

Their menu includes a variety of quiches, cheesecakes, brownies, pies and cakes, cookies, as well as wraps and Turkish specialties likebörek(pastry with a variety of fillings) and lentil balls.They also have a special kid’s menu that features fun food items, such as cupcakes and sandwiches that come in a variety of shapes and sizes.

The venue can be used for special occasions, such as birthdays, corporate events, Halloween, and New Year’s Eve. In addition to food and drinks, they can also arrange live music for your events depending on your taste.

Reservation is required for groups of 10 or more people.

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Dream Day is a catering and event organization business as well as a café.Their menu includes a variety of quiches, cheesecakes, brownies, pies and cakes, cookies, as well as wraps and Turkish specialties like börek (pastry with a variety of fillings) and lentil balls.

The venue can be used for special occasions, such as birthdays, corporate events, Halloween, and New Year’s Eve.In addition to food and drinks, they can also arrange live music for your events depending on your taste.

If you want to hold an event at the venue after their closing time, you must be of at least 15 people. During their regular working hours, they can host a maximum of 30 people.

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Maromi Japanese Restaurant, located in the Divan hotel in Elmadağ offers authentic and delicate Japanese cuisine in a calm and minimal atmosphere. The Maromi menu consists of traditional Japanese dishes rather than the American-style fusion dishes many of us are familiar with. There is a selection of hot and cold appetizers, as well as soups and tempura dishes. For main courses, there are a limited number of meat dishes, as well as a sushi menu, bento boxes, and three different traditional multi-course kaiseki tasting menus available.

The service at Maromi is excellent, with the wait staff all very attentive and well-trained, and able to properly answer any questions you may have about the menu, and can offer substitutions. As in traditional Japanese restaurants, a great deal of attention is paid to the presentation of the dishes, which are all served on beautiful plates and arranged just so.

The menu highlights are certainly the sushi and maki dishes which are very fresh and tender, with great, subtle flavors. Maromi offers an excellent dining experience, with high-quality food in a low-key and pleasant atmosphere. It is a wonderful addition to Istanbul’s culinary scene, and well worth repeated visits.

Recommended dishes

Agedashitofu(For this dish squares of tofu are thinly battered and deep fried, then served in a dashi (fish stock) broth and topped with grated daikon radish, thinly sliced green onion, and bonito flakes)

Miso soup (This simple staple dish offers delicious flavors, with lots of subtle layers.)

Maki rolls(The barbequed eel and cucumbers, pickled vegetables and salmon skin rolls are all recommended.)

Green-tea ice cream(Served with red bean sauce.)

Located in the heart of Asmalımescit, Off Pera is pinned as an extremely popular spot for the lively Asmalı crowd, attracting a mix of dedicated locals the rare visitor as well. Be warned- if you’re looking for the mind-numbing effects of techno, dubstep, and house music, Off Pera tends to stick to local and international pop/dance pieces. This is the ideal place to pop in, have a beer, dance for a while, and move on to more rowdy venues.

Tips:

- The venue is quite small, and gets full pretty early on in the night, so if you want to avoid waiting in line, head there before midnight.

Ataşehir: Palladium AVM, Barbaros Mahallesi Halk Caddesi No. 8-B, (0216 663 15 00)

Kemerburgaz: Istanbul Caddesi KartalSokak Başaran Plaza No.1/2 Göktürk, Eyüp, (0 212 322 33 75)

Not the type of place you go for the music, atmosphere, or décor: the star here is simply the delicious food.

Other Locations:

Levent: Metrocity AVM,Büyükdere Caddesi No.171;(0212) 344 06 60

Mecidiyeköy: Profilo AVM,Cemal Sahir Caddesi No.33;(0212) 216 44 00

Esentepe: Astoria AVM,Büyükdere Caddesi No.127;(0212) 215 22 22

Şişli: Halaskar Gazi Caddesi No.63/A; (0212) 231 94 88 (Monday-Saturday, 9:30am-8:00pm; Sunday, closed)

Upper Crust specializes in thin crust pizzas and calzones, with a wide range of toppings and tailor-made flavor combinations. Their pizzas come in two sizes, large and extra-large, and unlike most places in Istanbul, you can get a single slice of pizza to have as a snack or light meal.

Some of their most popular pizzas include the Pedro’s Steak and Gorgonzola (a plain pizza topped with marinated steak and gorgonzola cheese), the Harvard Street (a classic combination of fresh tomato, basil, mozzarella, and garlic), and the White Spinach (a white pizza topped with fresh spinach, mozzarella, feta cheese, and fresh garlic). There are also a number of more unusual and ambitious combinations, such as the Uncommon Pizza (a combination of bacon, fresh pineapple, and jalapeno peppers), which is no doubt aimed at the city’s expat population. While Upper Crust has many fans, one criticism is that the pizzas can be a bit dry as they often go light on the toppings. Nevertheless, this remains a local favorite, particularly with the area’s students.

The museum also features exhibition halls, a CineTele Café, a CineBar, a Cinema Hall, and a Terrace Café & Restaurant with views of the Bosphorus and the Old City.

Nusr-Et Burger Bebek, the second and more casual branch of Nusr-Et Steakhouse, is designed more like a fast-food joint, and serves the famous Nusr-Et meat, just quicker and in between buns for those on the go. The menu is made up of three burgers, all of which are served with delicious French fries.

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One of the best steakhouses in Istanbul, Nusr-Et is a carnivore’s paradise no doubt, with a wide selection of meat, such as Lamb T-bone, T-Bone Steak, Lamb Chops, two kinds of meatballs, Fillet Mignon, and more. All steaks are served with potatoes and spinach puree. There are just three vegetarian options on the menu, all of which are salads, so this is strictly a meat-lover’s eatery. The service here is top-notch, and owner and resigned butcher Nusret Gökçe is always around interacting with customers.

Tips:

- The venue is quite small and demand is quite high, so make sure to make reservations beforehand.

- If you can’t decide what to have, leave the decision up to the waiter, who’ll pick the best meat available for your preference.

Recommended Dishes

Lokum (velvety sirloin steak)

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Dining in Samatya; byMadeleine Pelletier

Molly’s Café in Galata is owned and operated by (you guessed it) Molly, a Canadian expat who’s made Istanbul her home. This cozy restaurant, now in its third location since it first opened three years ago, offers Canadian style home-cooked meals. The menu features soups, salads, carrot cake, cheesecake, apple pie, and a variety of vegetarian dishes.

The venue, which is frequented by expats as well as locals, hosts poetry readings, book talks, special dinners (like Thanksgiving), and various other events in her homey restaurant.

It’s quite easy to find the café – just get to the Galata Tower, keep the entrance on your right, and turn left to Camekan Sokak. You’ll find Molly’s Café tucked in the corner.

Musa Dağdeviren is the intrepid food pioneer behind the super successful Ciya. He hails from Gaziantep and has scoured Turkey and culinary hot spots further afield to find the best recipes for his eclectic repertoire of dishes. The menu changes every day, testament to the sheer scope of his visionary cuisine. On a typical day, you will find delicacies from Syria, Georgia, southern Iran and all parts of Turkey featuring on the menu.

Expect to find interesting versions of favorite staple dishes, for example stuffed artichoke rather than the usual stuffed pepper, grilled loquats filled with rice and minced meat mixtures or caramelized onions atop the classic dolma. Mr Dağdeviren is also a master of juices, involving tamarind to add a certain je ne sais quoi, and often prepares the popular candied pumpkin which rounds off a typical Turkish meal.

Çiya is to be found on the Asian side of town, which is usually an off-putting factor in deciding on restaurant choice, but even the laziest of European dwellers make the effort to come to Çiya for a decidedly above average meal. The place has kept its original, modest atmosphere while grappling with many hungry and appreciative customers every day. Join the throng.

Musa Dağdeviren is the intrepid food pioneer behind the super successful Ciya. He hails from Gaziantep and has scoured Turkey and culinary hot spots further afield to find the best recipes for his eclectic repertoire of dishes. The menu changes every day, testament to the sheer scope of his visionary cuisine. On a typical day, you will find delicacies from Syria, Georgia, southern Iran and all parts of Turkey featuring on the menu.

Expect to find interesting versions of favorite staple dishes, for example stuffed artichoke rather than the usual stuffed pepper, grilled loquats filled with rice and minced meat mixtures or caramelized onions atop the classic dolma. Mr Dağdeviren is also a master of juices, involving tamarind to add a certain je ne sais quoi, and often prepares the popular candied pumpkin which rounds off a typical Turkish meal.

Çiya is to be found on the Asian side of town, which is usually an off-putting factor in deciding on restaurant choice, but even the laziest of European dwellers make the effort to come to Çiya for a decidedly above average meal. The place has kept its original, modest atmosphere while grappling with many hungry and appreciative customers every day. Join the throng.

Located right by the Galata Tower on Camekan Sokağı (Galata’s second main shopping street), Museum of Fine Clothing is a small but noteworthy shop carrying a range of sharply tailored women’s wear in dark and neutral colors. If you’re looking for minimalistic, clean-cut designs that you can keep wearing over the years, check out Museum of Fine Clothing.

Akmerkez Beymen Blender: Nispetiye Caddesi No. 114; (0212) 282 01 70

Nişantaşı Beymen Blender: Karakol Sokak No. 10; (0212) 373 48 80

IstinyePark Beymen Blender: Istinye Bayırı Caddesi No. 73; (0212) 345 55 55

Erenköy Beymen Blender: Bağdat Caddesi No. 330/1

Capacity Beymen Blender: Fişekhane Caddesi No. 7; (0212) 661 67 05

Kanyon Bilstore: Büyükdere Caddesi No. 185; (0212) 353 53 00

Erenköy Bilstore: Erenköy Mahallesi Bağdat Caddesi Erguvan Apartmanı No.327/B

Nişantaşı Bilstore: Abdi Ipekçi Caddesi No. 10

Galata Building: Serdar-ı Ekrem Sokak No. 27/A

Akmerkez Building Pop-up: Nispetiye Caddesi No. 114; (0212) 282 01 70

Hillside Trio Building Pop-up: Trio Konutları No. 99; (0216) 324 11 11

In the Van is a party organization venue thatoffers two locations: In the Van Small and In the Van Odakule. In the Van Small is—you guessed it—a smaller venue than In the Van Odakule. It’s more like a mini club that can take up to 50 people, whereas In the Van Odakule is decorated more like a house, and can take up to 100 people.

The team behind In the Van takes care of everything for you: the drinks, the music (DJ), lights and sound system, decoration, invites. And the best part is you don’t have to worry about the morning-after clean-up session! The music is arranged by the in-house DJs according to your taste. If you want to nibble on some finger food, they can arrange that as well. Parties are held any day of the week, starting at 09:00pm and lasting until 02:00am. The venue rental is 250 TL for In the Van Small and 500 TL for In the Van Odakule. The pricing for alcohol is per person: 50 TL for 3 local or 2 international drinks, 75 TL for unlimited local drinks, 125 TL for unlimited international drinks. Call In the Van for more info on pricing.Please note that the minimum number of guests for both locations is 30.

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Time for a house party?; by Talya Arditi

In the Van is a party organization venue thatoffers two locations: In the Van Small and In the Van Odakule. In the Van Small is—you guessed it—a smaller venue than In the Van Odakule. It’s more like a mini club that can take up to 50 people, whereas In the Van Odakule is decorated more like a house, and can take up to 100 people.

The team behind In the Van takes care of everything for you: the drinks, the music (DJ), lights and sound system, decoration, invites. And the best part is you don’t have to worry about the morning-after clean-up session! The music is arranged by the in-house DJs according to your taste. If you want to nibble on some finger food, they can arrange that as well. Parties are held any day of the week, starting at 09:00pm and lasting until 02:00am. The venue rental is 250 TL for In the Van Small and 500 TL for In the Van Odakule. The pricing for alcohol is per person: 50 TL for 3 local or 2 international drinks, 75 TL for unlimited local drinks, 125 TL for unlimited international drinks. Call In the Van for more info on pricing.Please note that the minimum number of guests for both locations is 30.

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Dining in Samatya; by Madeleine Pelletier

Datlı Maya is the latest offering from Dilara Erbay, the chef behind Abracadabra, the now defunct restaurant in Arnavutköy. With Datlı Maya Erbay has gone back to basics in terms of both the dishes on offer, and the venue in which they are served. Located in what used to be the neighborhood bakery in bohemian Cihangir, the restaurant has taken over one of the city’s largest and most historic stone ovens. The menu here is limited, offering a selection of traditional village food and freshly baked goods such as lahmacun, pide and simit, as well as Turkish stewed vegetables, and a variety of guveç (dishes cooked in clay pots). The desserts however are considerably more European in influence, such as the flourless chocolate cake and the seven spice cheesecake. The drinks menu is even more limited with just water, ayran, gazoz (sweet soda) and tea available.

Upon entering this tiny venue you place your order at the entrance where the bakers are hard at work churching out fresh and crispy treats. Next you make your way up the narrow winding staircases past the open kitchen to the small seating area - be sure to mind your head along the way. The seating area is cramped and cozy, the decor rustic shabby chic. Here you will find communal tables and a view out onto the square and the Firuzağa mosque. The self-service concept continues upstairs with cutlery and bottles of water on the table, and a tea samovar at the back where you can help yourself. The food arrives all at once, on a large wooden cutting board, served fresh and piping hot. The service concept is very much ‘all-hands on board’, with Erbay herself usually around to lend a hand. While there is a very relaxed and homey vibe, it should be noted that Datlı Maya is not a place to spend hours chatting away with friends, but a great place to have a basic and delicious meal at reasonable prices.

Datlı Maya is the latest offering from Dilara Erbay, the chef behind Abracadabra, the now defunct restaurant in Arnavutköy. With Datlı Maya Erbay has gone back to basics in terms of both the dishes on offer, and the venue in which they are served. Located in what used to be the neighborhood bakery in bohemian Cihangir, the restaurant has taken over one of the city’s largest and most historic stone ovens. The menu here is limited, offering a selection of traditional village food and freshly baked goods such as lahmacun, pide and simit, as well as Turkish stewed vegetables, and a variety of guveç (dishes cooked in clay pots). The desserts however are considerably more European in influence, such as the flourless chocolate cake and the seven spice cheesecake. The drinks menu is even more limited with just water, ayran, gazoz (sweet soda) and tea available.

Upon entering this tiny venue you place your order at the entrance where the bakers are hard at work churching out fresh and crispy treats. Next you make your way up the narrow winding staircases past the open kitchen to the small seating area - be sure to mind your head along the way. The seating area is cramped and cozy, the decor rustic shabby chic. Here you will find communal tables and a view out onto the square and the Firuzağa mosque. The self-service concept continues upstairs with cutlery and bottles of water on the table, and a tea samovar at the back where you can help yourself. The food arrives all at once, on a large wooden cutting board, served fresh and piping hot. The service concept is very much ‘all-hands on board’, with Erbay herself usually around to lend a hand. While there is a very relaxed and homey vibe, it should be noted that Datlı Maya is not a place to spend hours chatting away with friends, but a great place to have a basic and delicious meal at reasonable prices.

The name of this church translates as the first day of the month, and the tradition is for people to go to this church on the first day of a month to make a wish. Once you go, you light a candle, make a wish, take a key that represents your wish, and carry that key on yourself until your wish comes true. Once your wish comes true, you return the key to the church.

Rüstem Paşa Mosque, byMadeleine Pelletier

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The first impression you have upon entering the mosque is one of light and open space and elegance. Even the women’s area, which is usually a small closed-off area in traditional mosques, is a spacious balcony separated from the rest of the space only by criss-crossing rails to allow the women at prayer a view of the stunning chandelier.

The large asymmetrical chandelier is covered in small suspended glass globes shaped like drops of water. The design references a prayer that Allah’s light should fall on worshippers like rain. The rings of the chandelier also have the 99 names of God written on them. The large windows on three sides of the prayer hall allow sunlight to filter in and are inscribed with gold designs that make them look like pages from the Qur’an. The gracefully curving minbar is made of cream-colored acrylic and is covered with an elegant design of leaves and carnations that represents the universe and looks like calligraphy from a distance. The prominent mihrab is a vibrant turquoise and gold, and was inspired, like the wrought iron grills on the windows, by historical Selçuk patterns.

The outside of the mosque is no less innovative. Its sleek, metallic form and dark grey stones complement and contrast with the light and space inside.

How to Get There:

This mosque is located directly across the street from the Zeynep Kamil Hastanesi bus stop on one of the main roads that run from Üsküdar to Kadıköy. Take the 12A bus from either direction and you will reach it easily. Alternatively, it's a fairly short taxi ride from either Üsküdar or Kadıköy.

Located near the gallery entrance, the store carries the standard t-shirt and mug memorabilia, as well as merchandise related to both visiting and permanent exhibits. Collection catalogues and art books of the museum’s stunning trove of calligraphy are particularly beautiful.

A great spot for a quick bite, Dürümzade is a local favorite, especially among expats living in the Beyoğlu area. Located right by the Nevizade fish markets, this humble eatery offers dürüm (wrap filled with meat) with a whole new level of flavor. By replacing the thin lavaş bread with a thick pita-like bread, rubbing it with a special red pepper mix and heating it over the meat, the Adana, Urfa, chicken, and liver wraps take on a newly addictive flavor.

V2K is a concept store by Vakko that brings together the collections of international designers, such as Rick Owens, Hussein Chalayan, Alexander Wang, Jason Wu, Zspoke by Zac Posen, Vivienne Westwood, and Raf Simons.

The Ice Bar is a project of the famous Ice Hotel in Jukkasjärvi, Sweden. Like the Ice Hotel, the interior of the Ice Bar is made from blocks of ice harvested from the Torne River. The Ice Bar serves 21 different alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks in goblets of ice, including eight varieties of cocktail made with Absolut vodka with inventive names like Northern Light, Midnight Sun, and Aurora Borealis.

There is high customer demand (and a maximum capacity of 50 people) so reservations are highly recommended, which you can do on the Ice Bar’s website. The duration of each visit is 45 minutes, and payment must be made in advance.

The store’s best-known location is in the Eminönü Spice Bazaar, where it has several branches in close vicinity to each other.

Article

Dining in Samatya; byMadeleine Pelletier

Atölye Mariposa is a charming little retro shop selling a range of colorful clothing and decorative household items, such as objects from France and clothes from England, as well as dresses designed by owner Banu Ones. Only the armchairs and chandeliers are second-hand; everything else in the store is brand new with a retro feel. The faux-vintage home decor pieces are particularly popular with those in search of a nostalgic hit. The inventory includes notepads, bags, purses, boxes, bowls, vases, cups, and much much more. They even sell soap dishes and toothbrush holders.

Atölye Mariposa is a boutique store so most pieces don’t come in multiple numbers. Therefore, you may not find the same object in Atölye Mariposa’s Cihangir location. In fact, Atölye Mariposa brings only one of each clothing item, which is great news for those with a unique personal style. Keep in mind that they carry mostly small and medium sizes.

Located within the Forum Istanbul shopping mall, Okaidi-Obaibi is a French clothing brand for newborns, toddlers, and teens. The range of items includes jeans, tops, dresses, and much more, all with comfy and playful designs.

Located in the Galata neighborhood just steps away from the historic Galata Tower is Georges Hotel. With no sign out front and shaded windows, this hotel is certainly aimed at a stylish and in-the-know clientele. There is no reception as such; instead, you enter past the hotel’s Le Fumoir restaurant/bar/lobby through to the hotel’s historical building.

There are a total of 20 rooms with 3 suites, including a number of adjacent family rooms and suites. All of the rooms in this boutique hotel feature wood parquet floors, high ceilings, sleek furniture, and a spacious feel. Despite the historic building and architectural details, the rooms nevertheless feel very modern thanks to a range of amenities that include Led TV, iPad docking stations, safes, Nespresso machines, and free Wi-Fi. Note that the rooms do not feature a closet but rather a clothes rack. Many of the rooms also feature balconies and stunning views of the Bosphorus and Golden Horn. The whole hotel is permeated with a lovely fresh floral scent, further adding to the appeal. The hotel also offers a number of personalized services, such as private yoga sessions and breakfast served in guests’ rooms.

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Le Fumoir

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The menu is small but diverse, and you’ll find a new soup and daily menu on each visit. You might find yourself eating tasty chili con carne one day and tagliatelle the next. Chef Doğrusöz carefully considers the balance of every meal, not just in terms of flavors but also in terms of healthfulness, and his food contains a complexity of flavors not normally found in café fare. With so many small eateries dotting the side streets of Beyoğlu, what really sets Tag Café & Bistro apart is the freshness and quality of the food.

Baylan is one of Istanbul’s oldest patisseries, and its modern branch in Bebek includes a three-story restaurant, a patisserie, and a bar that is perfect for after-work drinks. The menu, which was designed with the consultation of the three Michelin starred French Chef Alain Ducasse, is not extensive, instead focusing on a select number of dishes. A number of items on the menu are cooked using the “sous vide” method in which the food is sealed in an air-tight bag and cooked immersed in water for long periods at relatively low temperatures. This cooking method creates a particularly tender consistency. There is also a noteworthy wine list, with a nice selection of both Turkish and international wines.

Baylan’s interior is rich and tasteful with lots of dark wood, cream colored linens, and marble floors in a herringbone design, with a wonderful view over the Bosphorus. Particular attention has been paid to the table setting, with fine linen table cloths, Limoges china and silver flatware, as well as beautiful double walled glasses.

Baylan’s classics include Kup Griye (made with ice-cream, caramel sauce, and crocan), Trüf (dense chocolate cake), and Karamel (caramel and chocolate cake topped with profiteroles filled with caramel). In addition, Baylan’s menu includes a variety of desserts, such as mille-feuille, tiramisu, macaroons, and mousse au chocolat, as well as pastry products like quiche lorraine and croissant. You will also find a variety of coffee, tea, fruit juices, and alcoholic drinks.

A little bit of history

Founded by the Albanian immigrant Filip Lenas in 1923, Baylan is one of the oldest and most established patisseries in Istanbul.Its first branch was opened in Beyoğlu in 1923 under the name Loryan, which was changed to Baylan in 1934. In 1961, a new branch in Kadıköy was opened—and this branch is still in operation to this day. In 2010, a very modern branch opened up in Bebek and renovations began taking place in the Kadıköy branch to keep the glory of the old days.

During the 1950s and 1960s, Baylan was frequented by many poets, painters, writers, and actors, such as Atillâ İlhan, Behçet Necatigil, Haldun Taner, Cemal Süreya, and Orhan Kemal. In fact, nearly 40 writers who were referred to as the “Baylancılar” were part of the social-realist literary movement that became known as the “Baylancılar movement.”

Located on the top floor of the stylish Tomtom Suites hotel, La Mouette means the seagull in French, and surely derives its name from the many birds that continually glide past. The restaurant offers a minimal décor which lets you focus on the mesmerizing view of the seagulls and the city, including the Old Town. La Mouette’s menu could be described as a fusion of traditional Turkish cooking with a French influence, with a focus on fresh and seasonal ingredients. For lunchtime a casual bistro style menu is available, while at night, more gourmet options including an a la carte menu are on offer. The menu includes inventive dishes such as duck pastırma, slow cooked Aegean rock bass, and for dessert ayran panna cotta served with Earl Grey sherbet. This creative take on cooking has helped make La Mouette a favorite with local foodies looking to try something new.

Bird is the brain child of a couple of seasoned restaurant owners who were tired of "same-y" places and wanted something new. It is a modest sized restaurant with a laid back, cafe feel and a great bar for the before and after dinner crowd as well.

The dining space has two tables for smokers. The food is very good and includes a selection of dishes from International & Turkish cuisine along with Asian Fusion treats, meat and fish grills. The meat is particularly good, and there are light protein based salads as well as snacks for vegetarians or grazers.

Around midnight on Friday and Saturday the restaurant transforms into a crowded and dimly lit bar with the clientele sipping on cocktails and swaying to the beats produced by the live DJ.

Reservations can be made between 12-7pm from the following number: (0532) 556 4356

Recommended Cocktails:

Bird Mojito

Recommended Dishes:

Avocado, Goat Cheese and Tomato

Guacamole with Shrimps

Tom Yam Kung (Spicy shrimp soup)

Thai Style Spicy Tenderloin

Oven Baked Lamb Shank

Thai Seabass

Note: Closed for the summer.

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The meat is served with homemade lavaş (thin flatbread) or in a sandwich, but owner Özcan Yıldırım, who is a native of Erzurum, insists that the only way to eat cağ kebabı is straight from the skewer. This would be almost self-explanatory if we only knew Azerbaijani, as cağ means skewer in Azerbaijani.

At Şehzade Cağ Kebabı, the only things on the menu, except for the kebab, are manda yoğurdu (yogurt), acılı ezme (spicy paste), and çoban salatası (shepherd’s salad)—all of which compliment the meat perfectly. A meal at this restaurant is only complete with another Erzurum specialty—the kadayıflı dolma, a dessert filled with walnuts, wrapped with shredded pastry, and dipped in syrup.

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Susam Cafe is one of the Cihangir area’s most established café/bar. Full of cozy mismatched furniture, this café offers a warm atmosphere with a casual and unpretentious charm. As is the case with most Cihangir café’s, the crowd here is a bohemian mix of hipsters, expats, and artists/freelancers, hanging out with friends or working away on their laptops. While there is a menu available, with typical café fare such as pastas, salads, sandwiches and snacks, this venue is most popular for drinks. A favorite with locals, it gets full on weekends, with the crowds spilling out onto the sidewalk on warm summer nights, which also makes it good for people watching.

With comfy sofas, coffee tables, bookshelves filled with interesting books and magazines, Journey is truly a home away from home. And, accordingly so, both first-time customers and regulars feel relaxed and at ease.

The venue is often filled with familiar faces from Turkish TV shows and the big screen, as well as expats and locals who have apparently made Journey their second home.

There is something for everyone on the menu, from classic Turkish home-cooked meals with a twist to homemade pastas and pizzas, salads, and meat dishes. Although Journey is strictly a restaurant, meaning it doesn’t turn into a bar after hours like many of Istanbul’s restaurants, their cocktails are delicious. Journey could be your new stop before you head down to Kiki or another Cihangir bar.

Recommended Dishes

çimlendirilmiş mercimekli ılık patates salatası(warm potato salad with sprouted lentils)

ev usülü yaprak sarma (home-made stuffed vine leaves)

keçi peyniri, fesleğen pesto, domates, roka(goat cheese, basil pesto, tomato, and rocket) pizza

fıstıklı sebze ve bulgur pilavı(vegetables and bulgur rice with pine nuts)

fırında ballı kuzu budu(roasted lamb shank with honey)

dana pirzola (beef chops)

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With its unusual exterior and grandeur, the building is quite eye-catching. Constructed at the beginning of the 20^thcentury, this 10-floor building is widely known as Perili Köşk (Haunted Mansion), and has been serving as the headquarters of Borusan Holding since 2007.

In September 2011, Borusan Holding launched an innovative art project called Borusan Contemporary, turning the headquarters into an office-museum, granting access to visitors to see their incredible permanent contemporary art collection as well as temporary exhibitions on weekends. Apart from some notepads, phones, family photographs, and personal libraries, employees clear away everything on their desks so that visitors can enter the Haunted Mansion and walk around the admirable office-turned-exhibition-space.

The venue is also home to BC Shop, a gift shop that sells a wide variety of items in parallel with the permanent collection and temporary exhibitions, arts books, IKSV design objects, and more.

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Other products, especially the fancy new face cleansers and creams with super-food ingredients like the Acai cleanser or the Yerba Maté Tea Lotion, are the "Revolver" on the Kiehl's discography chart. If we're honest, we will probably always go for the tried and tested Ultra Facial Moisturiser, but it is exciting to confront the enormous range of toners, lotions, serums, and hair products.

Men's products are particularly well catered for, and involve hard-hitting ingredients encased in masculine dark blue packaging that will reassure any self-respecting metrosexual that he is still a Real Man while buying beauty products. Members of both sex can now visit the new store in Akmerkez and indulge their Kiehl's addiction, while "Like A Virgin" plays sweetly in the background.

Decorated like an Arabic house, Nomads’s menu is focused on Arabic and Moroccan cuisine, and the dishes are cooked with a variety of spices including mint, parsley, oregano, lemon, coriander, and tarragon. A meal at Nomads is made up of your choice of cold and hot mezes that are served with Lebanese and Iraqi breads.

After dinner, Nomads turns into a club with male and female belly dancers performing in a central space by the bar. The venue is ideal for bachelorette parties and birthday celebrations.

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Located in the Maçka neighborhood, the colorful venue’s walls are covered with graffiti by the famous Lebanese artist Yahya Muhakkin. Another huge plus of the venue is its fantastic views of the Bosphorus.

The menu focuses on Middle Eastern fare, with plenty of meze options, few mains, and a variety of desserts. After dinner, the venue becomes a club; the DJ plays a mix of music from oriental Arabic pieces to Turkish pop to rap, keeping the energy high. Arabesque also offers belly dancing performances every night.

The venue is ideal for bachelorette parties and birthday celebrations. A fix menu is available to make life easier for large groups.

Keep in mind that the venue gets quite crowded even on weeknights so make sure you make reservations in advance.

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Open since 2001 (formerly in Levent and now in Maslak), Proje4L/Elgiz Museum of Contemporary Art is a privately-owned non-profit institution dedicated to contemporary art. The museum was established in order to support the development of contemporary art in Turkey and to promote young Turkish artists in international platforms.

In addition to temporary exhibitions, the permanent Elgiz Collection consists of works by influential Turkish and international artists, such as Ömer Uluç, Fahrelnissa Zeid, Abdurrahman Öztoprak, Tracey Emin, Jan Fabre, Barbara Kruger, Cindy Sherman, Andy Warhol, Julian Schnabel, Sol LeWitt, Peter Halley, Paul McCarthy, Gilbert&George, Robert Rauschenberg, and Doug Aitken.

Originally the Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus, this 6^th century building was converted into a mosque in the 15^th century. Located in a quiet, residential neighborhood southwest of the main Sultanahmet attractions, the mosque is often incorrectly identified as the miniature of the Hagia Sophia. In fact, several architectural elements, such as the shape of the dome, distinguish them.

Its brick-and-mortal exterior is typical of the early Byzantine style, but the mosque’s outstanding design features lies inside. Seven pairs of marble columns support the main floor and upper gallery. Above the columns, a low-relief, Greek inscription is dedicated to St. Sergius, patron saint of Roman soldiers, as well as Justinian I and his wife Theodora.

The courtyard houses an ablution station as well as former dervish lodges that are now used as artisans’ studios. The mosque was restored and reopened for worship in 2006.

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This traditional shops sells an incredible selection of tesbih (Turkish prayer or worry beads) made from a range of semi-precious materials both new and antique.

Opened in July 2011, Istanbul Akvaryum is a massive two-storey 22,000 square meter building with more than 64 exhibitions, making it one of the biggest of its kind.

Housing more than 1,500 species of marine life, the Istanbul Akvaryum takes you into a simulated aquatic tour that starts at the Black Sea and finishes in the Amazon River going through the Marmara, Aegean, and Mediterranean Seas, and Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Interactive computers and information panels in both Turkish and English guide you through, teaching you about the importance of the oceans and the dangers it suffers by pollution, overfishing, and climate change.

The highlight of the exhibition is a huge greenhouse that recreates the environment of the Amazon tropical rainforest. Piranhas, caimans, deadly poisonous frogs, and yellow anacondas are all housed in the humid conditions of a tropical forest.

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Vakko Chocolate offers a range of fine chocolate, including chocolate covered Turkish delight with pistachios, praline, wafers, chestnut chocolate, and dragée. If you’re thinking about buying a gift for someone, keep in mind that Vakko prepares elegant gift boxes filled with delicious chocolate.

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Recommended Flavors

Lemon

Hazelnut

Bitter chocolate

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Recomended Flavors

Tahina-and-walnut

Pistachio

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Recommended Flavors

Melon

Strawberry

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Spread over two floors and a small outside seating area, Carlotta can be summarized with three words: healthy, delicious, and reasonably-priced. They offer a variety of dishes to cater to a wide range of diners. The menu includes sandwiches, wraps, salads, tarts, desserts, and baked goods—including simit (Turkish version of bagel), croissants, muffins, and Turkish-style savory buns. They also sell jams, granola bars, biscotti, and Belgian chocolate.

As you enter Carlotta, you’ll see a deli-style display on your right where you can have a look at what’s on offer. You can either eat at the small, round tables by the left of the entrance, go upstairs for a more spacious setting (although the view is not much of a sight), and during warm days you can enjoy your food on the benches and tables outside.

Recommended Dishes

Annemin Buğday Salatası (made with wheat; nuts; pomegranate seeds; and dried figs, apricot, and cranberry)

Fidji (made with wild rice, almonds, capers, pomegranate seeds, and fresh oregano)

Osaka (made with marinated chicken, Mexican beans, Edamame, almonds, walnuts, and cherry tomatoes)

Izgara Sebze (mixed grilled vegetables with balsamic vinegar)

Akdenizli Orzo (made with orzo, dried tomatoes, and fresh basil)

The BBQ Tavuk Pita (made with grilled chicken, pickle, tomato, greens, and BBQ sauce)

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The restaurant is exclusively indoors, which makes for a comforting, albeit dark, nest. The menu features Indian-inspired small plates, salads, soups, entrees, and sweets that never venture above the 10TL mark. While affordable, many of the menu items are fried, which may be a letdown for those seeking lighter fare but a cause for celebration for those unaccustomed to vegan fare. Be sure to order the restaurant’s fragrant and filling yogurt and fruit-based lassi, which is a traditional Punjabi beverage.

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Saf’s food is exceptionally crafted, creative, and flavorful. In addition to its healthy and decadent salads and extensive list of cleansing and nourishing vegetable and fruit juices and smoothies, Saf also offers entrees, such as gluten-free dürüm (wraps) and pasta. Don’t expect a high-end atmosphere to match the caliber of the raw food cuisine—the restaurant is casual and patrons from the upstairs sports center often enjoy their meals in gym attire.

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The menu features Ottoman cuisine with some modern twists by executive chef Hakan Arslan and creative culinary artist Bryon Ayanoğlu. In terms of appetizers, you can try the Istanbul Appetizer Plate which includes dips and spreads, or the Plate of Anatolian Olive Oil Vegetable Specialties, a selection of olive oil braised seasonal vegetables. The mains are quite meat heavy, with a couple of fish and chicken dishes also available. As for desserts, there are several traditional Turkish and more European-inspired items on offer, but the star of the menu is the “Levzine” a type of almond helva served with a sweet sherbet, flavored with cinnamon.

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The House Cafe

Although public transportation is more than available, Burçkin offers a free transportation service that will take you one-way wherever you wish to go for up to three days, and both ways for any stay past seven days. Within walking distance of hotspots like the Grand Bazaar, Hagia Sofia, and Topkapı Palace, Burçkin Suites Hotel is small, elegant, and pristine—a comfortable stay in memory lane.

The hotel also has a restaurant that is aimed at entertaining guests with a menu that stays true to classic Ottoman dishes—lamb chops with seasoning, for example, or stuffed eggplant. Complementing the classic view with their expansive cocktail, wine, and beer selection, the restaurant is a great spot for late-night drinks and appetizers with friends. Often with a minimal crowd and wait, this is a lovely getaway in a rustic part of the city for anyone looking for a bit of peace and quiet.

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The venue is quite wide and shaped like an ‘L’, where one leg serves as a bar and the other serves as a concert hall. The sounds of the Mississippi delta, the streets of London, and the cafes in Thessaloniki can all be heard through the live performers of indie local and foreign bands. With its unpretentious crowd and genuine atmosphere, this bar attracts a very diverse group of young and old, trendy and hippie, local and foreigner, all looking for a fun night where new music trends and old styles merge.

Tips:

- To find Haymatlos, walk down İstiklal Caddesi (from Taksim Square towards Tünel) until you reach the Rumeli Han arcade (on the right-hand side). The entrance is easy to miss – it’s between İmam Adnan Sokak and the Hüseyin Ağa Mosque. Once there, look for the stairs and walk up to the second floor. You’ll know as soon as you see all the posters from upcoming concerts on the walls that you are on the right track.

Who needs enticement to spend a night in Asmalımescit, one of the most lively and vibrant parts of Beyoğlu? Just in case you haven’t been amazed by the nightlife in this fantastic part of the city, Up Lounge should be the tip of the iceberg for anyone on the edge.

Up Lounge focuses on Spanish cuisine and boasts a gorgeous view of the Golden Horn that only Istanbulites can sample. Take a seat by the deck and try some of their signature Paella dishes on the updated menu. Even if you want to make this spot a stop on your nighttime trek instead of a destination, give a try to the tapas or grilled dishes. The lounge is also proud of their creative cocktail selection, and we challenge you to find the perfect drink-tapas combination. Keep in mind that Friday nights take on a special atmosphere with live music courtesy of ethnic performer Brenda Berrin.

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Combining International cuisinewith Turkish undertones, the menu is relatively well-mixed between the cultures, making your options much more expansive. It’s frequent to see live music at the wide rooftop terrace and indoor bar. No Istanbul spot is complete without a signature cocktail list and 5. Kat boasts everything from Bailey’s coffee for an after dinner drink to the well-known Manhattan for those wishing to lengthen the evening.

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The quality of the food is excellent, and in combination with the inspired vision of Gürs, the resulting masterpieces are enticing creations that lure clients to return for more. The prices are not modest, but the food is worth it.

To demonstrate Gürs’ creative fusion of Turkish and Scandanavian elements, the Gravlax with cacık(yogurt with chopped cucumber)and dill is a perfect example of complimenting ingredients; both with distinctive national taste. Nothing could be more Scandanavian than Gravlax, and the creaminess of Turkish cacıkmixed with dill is the perfect accompaniment.

Alongside this, other delicacies which can be found on the menu are molasses-glazed lamb with apricot and mustard-seeded mashed potato, and a very impressive array of cheeses presented with walnuts, quince jam, fig and other excellent condiments.

The wines list is also very solid. The restaurant itself is on the top floor of hotel with breathtaking views, making it a perfect date venue (especially during summer), with the food sure to not disappoint.

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Kağıthane is owned by Emine Tusavul, who is a lecturer at Işık University’s Fine Arts department and the founding partner of an advertising agency. The majority of the pieces at Kağıthane are designed by Tusavul herself but you’ll also find some items created by her students. Most of the items are made of paper, while some are made of porcelain and ceramic. The unique designs are inspired by Istanbul and Turkish culture—from the Galata Tower and the Bosphorus to the traditional tea cups and old Turkish films.

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Levent: Kanyon AVM,Büyükdere Caddesi No. 185

"Zeytinyağlı" (Vegetable in olive oil) dish of the day

Traditional pastry with ground meat, spinach and cheese

Sliced roast fillet of beef with a red wine sauce and truffled patatoes

Profiteroles

The Legacy Ottoman Hotel, built in 1911 by the famous architect Kemalettin Bey, is located in Eminönü in the heart of the Old City. The hotel is only a short walk to Istanbul’s most popular tourist attractions, such as Topkapı Palace, the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, the Basilica Cistern, and the Grand Bazaar.

The hotel’s 172 rooms possess a classic ambience, and many have views of the Golden Horn. Guests can choose from the hotel’s Standard Rooms, Deluxe Rooms, Junior Suites, Corner Suites, and Senior Suites. All rooms feature AC, International Direct Dial telephones, LCD TVs, minibars, digital safes, and free wireless internet. The hotel has an à la carterestaurant serving Ottoman cuisine; meeting rooms; a lobby bar and roof bar; and a health center with a spa, Turkish bath, indoor swimming pool, sauna/steambath, fitness center, and massage facilities.

Who needs enticement to spend a night in Asmalımescit, one of the most lively and vibrant parts of Beyoğlu? Just in case you haven’t been amazed by the nightlife in this fantastic part of the city, Up Lounge should be the tip of the iceberg for anyone on the edge.

Up Lounge focuses on Spanish cuisine and boasts a gorgeous view of the Golden Horn that only Istanbulites can sample. Take a seat by the deck and try some of their signature Paella dishes on the updated menu. Even if you want to make this spot a stop on your nighttime trek instead of a destination, give a try to the tapas or grilled dishes. The lounge is also proud of their creative cocktail selection, and we challenge you to find the perfect drink-tapas combination. Keep in mind that Friday nights take on a special atmosphere with live music courtesy of ethnic performer Brenda Berrin.

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Nahıl’s designs are a mix of modern and traditional, with all items handmade and hand-loomed. Their products include home textiles, jewelry, accessories, handbags, natural soaps, bathroom accessories, lavender sachets, and organic children’s toys. The store also carries a range of vintage and second-hand clothing.

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Juno’s motto is: Eat – Drink – Chill. Just like the motto suggests, Juno is a place where you can go with a group of friends for a relaxed afternoon or after-work drinks, but at the same time a little getaway from the city’s hubbub for those who want to quiet their minds for a while.

The large garden is ideal for chillaxing during summer. The indoor area is colorful yet simple, with marble and wooden tables and a bar area.

The menu boasts both comfort foods, such as French fries, burgers, pizza, and pasta, as well as healthier and lighter options like salads, grilled salmon, and wraps. Juno’s comprehensive alcoholic drinks menu includes cocktails, local as well as international beers and wines, liqueur, and more.

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Anjelique is one of Ortaköy’s waterfront clubs that is as famous for its impressive location as for its high-society atmosphere. If your ambition is to spot the Turkish glitterati on a night out, this is certainly the place to do it with prices to match. In fact, you are likely to witness celebrities approaching with their yachts to enter the venue through the attached pier.

DJs are often flown in from around the world and there is always plenty of space for dancing within the 2-storey venue, even when it’s packed with Istanbul’s bright young things. Resident DJs Doğuş Cihan, Burak, and Kerem play house on one floor and popular Turkish and international songs on the other floor. While there is no entrance fee, a bottle of beer costs around 15 TL. The club is open all year but there is no food service in the winter months.

Nar Lokanta offers traditional Turkish food at its freshest and lightest, run by the team that used to manage the Feriye restaurant, including chef Vedat Başaran, The décor inside is very classic, featuring lots of marble and paintings from Turkish artists. At the back of the restaurant there are beautiful turquoise tiles surrounding the traditional stone oven where they bake their fresh pide bread (Turkish challah bread). The most striking aspect of the décor is the vertical garden hanging down to the floor below, covering two stories of the building. There is also a large terrace, surrounded by plants and ivy, with a gentle breeze keeping things cool.

Located below the restaurant on the fourth floor of the building is the YESAM Culinary Arts Center, whose mission is to preserve Turkey’s rich culinary heritage by reviving lost dishes and cooking styles in order to ensure that the country’s culinary history continues to be passed down to future generations.

The menu at Nar Lokanta features familiar Turkish classics as well as a number of less common regional dishes, covering everything from Ottoman palace dishes to humble village fare. All dishes are prepared using Nar’s own olive oil, which comes from the Ayvalık region on the Aegean coast—widely considered to be the best regions for olives in the country. These olive oils have an exceptionally low level of acidity, giving them a very pure and almost sweet flavor.

A meal at Nar Lokanta starts with a basket of their freshly baked bread, served with a selection of Nar’s olive oils. The list of mezes features a variety of regional olive oil dishes, while the mains focus mostly on lamb and beef, with a few chicken dishes also on offer. There is also a salad buffet available at lunchtime. The extensive wine list features Turkish wines exclusively, including a number of bottles from boutique vineyards.

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Located on the third floor of the Armaggan store in Nuruosmaniye, Armaggan Art & Design Gallery is an innovative space that was founded in order to support and spread the creative ideas of young Turkish artists. Art enthusiasts can now appreciate the works of young Turkish artists at the gallery through exhibitions that showcase works from a wide variety of disciplines.

Founded in 2011 by Mehves Ariburnu and Suzanne Egeran, Galeri Mana is housed in a converted wheat mill that dates back to the 19^th century. The spacious gallery exhibits the works of multi-generational international and Turkish artists.

Recommended Flavors

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Miss Lemon

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The innovative range of cupcake flavors include Vanilla Blackberry Lime, Chocolate Strawberry, Cookies & Cream, and Chocolate Coconut Caramel.

The minimum order is for 6 cupcakes. Aim to place your order 2-4 days in advance. You can either pick up your order in Kalamış or Ataşehir.

The cupcakes are also being sold at Miniko Shop in Galata (on Kumbaracı Yokuşu no: 23), Nosta Cafe within the Demirören shopping mall on İstiklal Caddesi, and the Istanbul Kahvaltıcısı at Ağaoğlu Myworld Andromeda Residence in Batı Ataşehir (ph: 0216 688 24 20).

Recommended Flavors

Banana Mocha

Vanilla Honey

Chocolate Orange

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Rococo is pastry shop that offers a range of salty and sweet delicacies. Their cupcakes come in a range of flavors, such as chocolate, vanilla, lemon, and raspberry.

Recommended Flavors

Chocolate cupcake

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Combining International cuisinewith Turkish undertones, the menu is relatively well-mixed between the cultures, making your options much more expansive. It’s frequent to see live music at the wide rooftop terrace and indoor bar. No Istanbul spot is complete without a signature cocktail list and 5. Kat boasts everything from Bailey’s coffee for an after dinner drink to the well-known Manhattan for those wishing to lengthen the evening.

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The restaurant has a modern-loft feeling and the tall windows coupled with the high-ceilings make this relatively small space look and feel much more spacious than it actually is.

The inventive menu features classic Italian and Mediterranean dishes, as well as modern takes on traditional Turkish dishes and Turkish takes on classic café fare. Their homemade breads are to die for!

Recommended Dishes:

Narlı Buğday Salatası(Wheat Salad with Pomegranate)

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Even though it doesn’t have a view of the sea, its soothing garden, covered with leafy trees, is just as revitalizing as sitting by the waterside. In addition to a variety of fresh fish, Asmaaltı also boasts regional Black Sea specialties, such as mıhlama (a dish made with cornmeal, string cheese from the Black Sea region, and butter). You can come for breakfast to enjoy their wide selection of cheeses, olives and omelets, or head there for lunch or dinner to enjoy fresh fish accompanied by tasty appetizers.

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This down-to-earth and casual eatery is a great lunch spot and the dress code is pretty much inexistent: you can go with whatever you feel comfortable in. You’ll find a mixed crowd here, from families and young adults to students from nearby universities.

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The restaurant’s main building has vaulted ceilings with skylights, giving the space a very light and airy feel. There are plenty of warm wood and broad floor boards painted white, with both modern and retro furniture. The interior design is by Deniz Duru, who covered the walls with black and white retro photographs and installed an open bar/espresso bar at the back. This is the type of place that you would sooner expect to find in trendy Asmalımescit, although the crowd is very Bebek. Backyard is definitely cool, but not too cool, and still manages to be warm and inviting.

The menu focuses on natural and organic produce and many of the ingredients are sourced from co-owner Zeynep Moroğlu’s family farm in Çatalca. The menu ranges from Turkish classics to more international fare. The mains include lamb chops, steak, grilled salmon, several pastas, and other fairly standard dishes, as well as the more innovative “mini tastes”.

Meals start with a basket of Backyard’s own freshly baked bread, which included an olive loaf, mini cornbread muffins, and slightly sweet walnut bread, all delicious and served with a plate of olive oil and tomato paste for dipping. One of the menu highlights is the excellent wheat risotto with porcini mushrooms. Another noteworthy dish was the oven-baked mücver. Traditionally deep-fried and made with zucchinis, Backyard’s baked version also included carrots. Sprinkled with chopped lettuce and fresh mint, this was a light and refreshing take on the traditionally heavy dish. The daily specials usually include seasonal vegetables straight from the Çatalca farm and are definitely worth a try.

While the mains are certainly very satisfying, be sure to leave room for dessert, with the day’s goodies displayed in a glass case. Highlights include the red velvet cake topped with cream cheese frosting and decorated with blueberries, and Backyard’s freshly made sorbets. The grapefruit is very tasty, a bit tart, and perfectly refreshing on a hot summer day.

The quality of the food is matched by the music and atmosphere, which is cool and also a bit loungey, while the service is attentive and professional. There is also a nice selection of magazines and books to peruse, inviting you to spend the afternoon here. Backyard is the perfect place to spend a leisurely afternoon with some friends, eating good food al fresco and enjoying the fleeting warm days of summer.

Every Sunday an organic bazaar is held at Backyard between 4pm to 6pm. The bazaar is made up of a small stand where they sell what they grow at their garden as well as at co-owner Zeynep Moroğlu’sfamily farm in Çatalca. The products on sale include fresh spices, beans, a variety of cheese, jams, freshly-squeezed fruit juices, freshly-baked breads, and much more.

Recommended Dishes:

Fırın mücver (Baked vegetable patty)

Grilled steak sandwich

Devil's Food Cake

Red Velvet Cake

Homemade sorbet

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Their menu is made up of dishes from the international cuisine—you’ll find examples of French, Turkish, Italian, and even Japanese food. Although they’re not officially approved by the Chief Rabbinate of Turkey, they do cook with kosher ingredients and can offer kosher meals. They also have desserts specifically designed for diabetic patients, and they don’t include aspartame. For those counting their calorie intake, they offer a range of diet dishes (including desserts).

At the moment, they can cater for events of up to 150-200 people with a finger food/cocktail menu and 80-100 people with a sit-down meal menu. Although Vanesserie is a catering company, they offer a lot more than just food. Through their partner companies, they offer organizational services, such as DJs, waiters, bartenders, flower arrangements, decorative items, and utensils.

For events of 50 or more people, order at least 5 days in advance. For events of up to 20 people, you can place your order the day before your event. For small orders, such as a cake, you can place your order in the morning and get your food delivered by the evening.

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Established in 1999 as a theater platform, KREK has since evolved into a publishing house, film production team, and performance venue. The project was originally launched to showcase the theatrical work of playwright and director Berkun Oya. Now KREK’s santralistanbul stage, which has been open since 2010, features works by Oya and others, in addition to musical concerts and art exhibitions. As with its dramatic content, the KREK venue departs from tradition, turning the conventional artist-audience relationship on its head. This funky, spirited group certainly delivers.

If not for the food, go for the music:

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If not for the food, go for the music:

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The aesthetic of the store's designs is modern Turkish, inspired by Anatolian patterns and coloring. Each item is hand made and of very good quality, designed to last. The textiles used are particularly special, made of 100\\% natural fiber and organic dye, which gives them an anti-bacterial property. A unique, individual store showcasing current Turkish design and quality, the antithesis of mass produce.

The shop also houses the Armaggan Art Gallery and Nar Restaurant.

You need to place your order at least three days in advance. You can do so either by email or by phone. Although Merve’s Cupcakes mostly works with event organizers, they also cater to the needs of individual cupcake lovers. You would need to pick up your cupcakes from Taksim (they don’t deliver for small orders), but just call them to check for specific prices and pick-up/delivery options.

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Situated in the heart of the İstiklal Caddesi within the historic Mısır Apartment Building, CDA-Projects provides a platform both for established and emerging artists who work on painting, sculpture, photography, installation, video, and new media. This non-profit contemporary art gallery also runs artist-led programs and organizes exhibitions with independent curators.

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The Hagia Irene or “Holy Peace” basilica, located right by the Hagia Sophia,was an Orthodox church that is now a museum and a performance hall. The 6^th century Byzantine structure is often referenced as the first church to be built in Constantinople, commissioned by Constantine I and later restored to its present form by Justinian I. It was incorporated into the Topkapı Palace complex by the Ottomans, who used it as an armory and warehouse.

Typical of early Byzantine architecture, the domed Roman basilica was originally decorated with tile mosaics, none of which remain. Under the influence of Iconoclasm, the church lacks religious iconography; the great cross over the main narthex may have replaced an earlier iconic representation.

Today the church is used for music performances, most notably hosting some concerts of the Istanbul Music Festival.

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The Bosphorus tours leave from the dock by the Dolmabahçe Palace and take you along the Bosphorus strait, showing you the old palaces. The Golden Horn tours leave from the dock near Haliç Kongre Merkezi to show you the old city. You can choose to have a group tour or a private tour. The private tours can leave from any dock of your choosing. Call in advance to make a reservation.

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Kaşıbeyaz offers Istanbul dinners a very rare thing indeed – a seaside restaurant that does not serve seafood. Instead, Kaşıbeyaz is a kebab house specializing in traditional Turkish cuisine from Gaziantep. It has become very popular with locals and visiting tourists who want to enjoy traditional Turkish food with a wonderful view of the Bosphorus. Housed in a large building on the Yeniköy neighborhood on the European shore, Kaşıbeyaz features a glitzy interior spread out over three floors, which includes an outdoor terrace and a private dining area.

As you peruse the menu you can enjoy their freshly baked pide bread, which are paper-thin puffs. A good way to start your meal is with the Fındık Lahmacun, flat bread that is kind of like a mini pizza, topped with a mixture of spiced ground meat and nuts. This goes very nicely with a thick and creamy strained yogurt, and the Gavurdağ Salata, a mixture of chopped tomatoes, onions, peppers and walnuts, dressed with olive oil and a generous dose of pomegranate sauce.

Being a restaurant specializing in Gaziantep cuisine, main event here is the grilled meats. You can enjoy classics such as Döner or Iskender Kebap, or try one of the regional southeastern specialties, such as the Fıstıklı Kebap served with pistachios, or the Sadrazam Kebabı which is served with sweet and sour pomegranate sauce. The grilled meats are prepared in the style of the region, with lots of spices and grilled onions and peppers. For those who prefer not to eat red meat, the tasty Piliç Köfte prepared with chicken, is also a nice option.

While all this meat can be filling, you must leave room for the famous desserts which are heavy on buttery, flaky pastry, crushed pistachio and walnut, and clotted cream, all doused in a generous serving of syrup. Kaşıbeyaz is famous for their Baklava (which can be purchased in the shop by the entrance) while the Katmer, with layers of thin phylo dough filled with sweet pistachio, also comes highly recommended.

Although there is an indoor area, the restaurant is possibly more enjoyable during warm spring and summer nights. Accompanying your dinner, there is old Turkish songs whispering from the speakers—we wish the volume was set higher as we couldn’t really hear the music most of the night. The waiters with cowboy hats are friendly and attentive but as the venue gets crowded you might need to test your patience—which is not that difficult with the ever-filling rakı glasses.

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Tips:

- Friday and Saturday nights get quite crowded.

A restaurant by day and a full-blown club come 11pm, Lokal Tünel is a favorite among locals who like to shake their booty. From Tuesday to Saturday between 11pm and 4am, you can barhop within Lokal Tünel just by going up and down the stairs. The entrance floor is where house music rules and the third floor is dedicated to pop. Weeknight or weekend, if you want to dance, you know where the party is.

Other Locations:

Beşiktaş:Yıldız Mahallesi Çırağan Caddesi No.33/A; (0212) 236 08 55

Levent:Aytar Caddesi D.1; (0212) 284 22 94

Eyüp:Göktürk Mahallesi Begonya Sokak; (0212) 322 80 74

Erenköy:Erenköy Mahallesi Ethemefendi Caddesi No.91;(0216) 411 60 92

Yeşilköy:Yeşilköy Mahallesi Istasyon Caddesi No.14; (0212) 573 00 78

Bağdat Caddesi:Göztepe Mahallesi No.250/3A; (0216) 360 44 54

Harbiye:Pangaaltı Mahallesi Halaskargazi Caddesi No.18/A;(0212) 296 53 43

Bakırköy:Sakızağacı Mahallesi Istanbul Caddesi No.46; (0212) 660 86 60

Istinye:Istinye Mahallesi Istinye Caddesi No.20; (0212) 229 66 11

Ortaköy:Ortaköy Mahallesi Ambarlıdere Caddesi No.17/1;(0212) 273 17 33

Beyoğlu:Istiklal Caddesi Şahkulu Mahallesi No.33; (0212) 252 44 98

Seyrantepe:Huzur Mahallesi Fatih Caddesi No.67; (0212) 576 68 68

Located on the roof of a historical building in Pera, Nu Teras reopens for the summer season on May 10. Affording a lovely view of the Haliç Bay, the cuisine consists of specialties from Inernational cuisine. There is also a bar where you can enjoy a variety of perfectly prepared cocktails pre or post dinner.

After dinnertime Nuteras transforms into a popular and crowded bar with a glass dancefloor in the middle that beckons participants to look down all the way to the ground floor, while they dance the night away.

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Founded in 1998, Pi Artworks is a contemporary art gallery that represents Turkish and international contemporary artists. Directed by Yeşim Turanlı, who is also the co-founder of Istanbul Art Museum Foundation, the gallery has two branches in Istanbul, one in Tophane and one in Galatasaray.

The menu features Italian, Mediterranean and Turkish cuisine, with a wood-burning oven that allows Bloom to turn out tasty, thin-crust pizzas. The menu also features pastas, burgers, salads and light options, as well as a range of classic and exotic cocktails. An open-buffet brunch menu is available on Sundays from 10:00am to 02:00pm, with a wide selection of homemade jams, freshly baked breads, eggs, and freshly-squeezed juices. They also offer a special lunch menu everyday between 12:00pm and 03:00pm for those looking for a homemade meal around Ortaköy.

Smokers will be happy to note that there is also a large terrace, with plenty of outdoor seating available. With the same cool vibe and colorful/industrial décor at its sister establishments, Bloom is a great option for those who don’t want to make the trek to Beyoğlu to enjoy a chilled night out, making this a very welcome addition to the area’s dining and nightlife scene.

The restaurant also offers delivery service in the Ortaköy, Ulus, and Kuruçeşme areas.

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With four tables inside and two tables outside, the eatery is quiet small but the decoration creates a comfy and homely setting. Pizano plays up a cozy Italian feel with its red and white checkered tablecloths, wooden décor, and of course it's brick oven.But the main attraction here is their thin and crisp-around-the-edges pizzas, topped with fresh, homemade tomato sauce and melted mozzarella.

More than 25 signature pizzas are on offer, but if you want to design your own pizza, you can do so by mixing up the topping selections (and there are over 20 on offer).

Recommended Dish:

Solo Carne (topped with ham,sucuk(spicy sausage), beef and jalapeno peppers)

Rook’s menu is designed by award-winning chef Eyüp Gül and includes small bites, pizzas, pastas, and salads. Although the food is decent, we don’t recommend eating there on a Friday or Saturday night – the venue turns into a lively bar after 10pm, so if you’re still eating by then, you’ll have a hard time enjoying your food let alone have a conversation. That said, the bar turns out tasty and original cocktails – Patrooke (made with eggplant and vodka) comes highly recommended. All in all, a modern and sleek interior designed by Emir Uras and performances from renowned DJ Alain Silifkeli make Rook a very cool addition to Şişhane’s ever-evolving nightlife scene.

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A sleek, ergonomic and very simply designed range of products from Japan. A clutch of Muji stationary is a particular asset to your study or office desk, particularly the retractable pencils and gel pens in various colors. In addition to that, check out the very comfortable slippers and leisure wear aimed at the young professional just home from work at the graphics office.

The prices are fairly high but the quality is good and this is a great place to pick all king of things for the home, including useful little hand mirrors, traveling bottles for your favorite bathroom products and even toe nail clippers. The emphasis of the company is on simple and unobtrusive design in true Japanese style, with no branding and the only information on packaging being the price tag, letting the product speak for itself. Not for the extrovert or the flamboyant homeowner.

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Fulya Ballı opened this vintage furniture store in 2009 with her architecture and restoration business partner, İliç Kırtaş. The store is full of mid-20th-century furniture and housewares from Istanbul, Ankara, and İzmir that have been salvaged and renewed. The inventory is ever-changing and boasts the likes of lively orange polka dot armchairs, worn light-brown leather couches, polished wood sidetables, and old alarm clocks just waiting to go off in a blare.

In Turkey and abroad, the best-known Circassian dish remains “çerkez tavuğu” a creamy dish made with shredded chicken, puréed walnuts, and garlic, and drizzled with a mixture of melted butter and paprika. Naturally, this can be found on the menu, with Fıccın’s version very rich and creamy. Another Caucasian classic is the tasty tulen chicken soup, made with shredded chicken and garlic and served in a clear broth.

The namesake fıccın is a kind of flat, baked minced-meat pie, which is lighter and more flavorful than expected. The Caucasus region is known for its dumplings, and Fıccın makes the Circassian version of mantı, which is offered stuffed with either meat or potatoes, which was much like a cross between Turkish mantı and a Polish pierogi. Far bigger and plumper than your standard Turkish mantı, Fıccın’s version is similarly slathered in a thick garlicky yogurt sauce and drizzled with red pepper-infused oil. Fıccın is a great option for sampling Circassian dishes, which are delicious, hearty, and simple, perfect in the cold winter months.

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Mantı

Fıccın

Çerkez tavuğu

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Orders can be placed by phone at (0542) 475 5889, or by sending an email to the Shipmans at the following address: dilistan.shipman@delicco.com

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A welcome entrant to the Istanbul cuilnary scene, Girandola offers authentic Italian ice cream in the form of gellato and sorbet. The menu changes on a daily basis, with over 40 varieties of creamy gellato and refreshing sorbet available. As well as classics such as chococate and caramel, Turkish favorites such as kaymak (clotted cream) and sakiz (mastik) can also be found. In the summer month, fresh fruits such as strawberry, melon, cherry and lemon dominate, while in the winter months, pumpkin, fig, chestnut and apple appear.

Apart from seasonal varieties, a number of unusual recipes also make the menu, such as crème brûlée, marscarpone, bitter chocolate with whiskey, and sour cherry with green apple. With such variety and flavors, picking a favorite is certainly no easy task. If hard pressed, I would have to go with the minty-creamy After Eight which is heavenly, while the Mojito, with its tart lime flavor spiked with mint, is delightfully refreshing on a hot summer day.

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Vonalı Celal specializes in cuisine from Turkey’s Black Sea coast, an area inhabited by the Laz ethnic group. The Laz have their own distinct language, cultural practices, and cuisine, as reflected by their food, which is very different from what one normally associates with Turkish cuisine. Vonalı Celal has two branches, one on the coastal road in Sultanahmet and the other in the Saffire shopping center. While the branch in Sultanahmet is most often frequented by tour groups, the Saffire location is popular with the area’s business people.

Laz cuisine is famous for its use of cornbread, sardines, pickles, and stewed vegetables, such as kale and beans. For starters you can try the pan-fried cornbread, which is drier and less sweet than the American variety, and a number of interesting vegetable dishes. When eating at Vonalı Celal an absolute must is the gooey dish known as “kuymak” or “mıhlama”. An indulgent mixture of goat cheese, butter, and corn flour, it is like a Black Sea fondue, and served in the same manner, with pieces of bread used for dipping, while hamsı, or sardines, are an essential part of any Black Sea meal. For Vonalı Celal’s “hamsi tava” the sardines are butterfly filleted, breaded with corn flour, and deep fried, resulting in a lovely crispy coating. Pide is another one of the region’s most well-known dishes, served open with various toppings. Unlike other parts of Turkey, where grilled meat is very common, in the Black Sea region, meat does not feature heavily and is usually minced.

A common dessert is the classic “Laz böreği”. Unlike most börek dishes, which are savory,“Laz böreği” is sweet, filled with custard instead of cheese or meat, and served with syrup. Another highly recommended option is Vonalı Celal’s version of “kabak pastası”, a delicious pumpkin dessert. What makes Vonalı Celal’s cuisine so interesting is the use of unusual regional ingredients not often found in other parts of the country, providing a whole new perspective on Turkish food.

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Sur Balık is a popular seafood restaurant, with two branches, the original in Sarayburnu and a second in Arnavutköy, which is currently being expanded, with plans to also open a third branch on the Golden Horn. Located in one of the historic Ottoman mansions that line the seaside, known as yalı, Sur Balık specializes in fresh seafood and original dishes.

At Sur Balık you can dine on Turkish seafood and meze classics, such as tender salted bonito, served with fresh red onion slices and seasonal salad. But if you are in the mood for something different, you won’t be disappointed. Sur Balik offers a range of classic Turkish dishes but with a seafood twist, as well as a number of unusual items that you won’t likely find anywhere else.

A real stand-out is the sea bass in fresh pesto sauce (levrek fesleğen), a dish that is bursting with flavor. The Swiss chard stuffed with fish (pazı sarma), and the fish balls (balık köfte) are both an interesting and light take on Turkish standards. While balik manti, might sound odd, the result is surprisingly tasty, as these fish-filled dumplings are, just like the original, slathered in a garlic-yogurt sauce and dusted with herbs.

Meanwhile, if its more standard seafood meal that you’re in the mood for, there is plenty on offer. The grilled octopus is very tender and highly recommended, or any of the fresh fish of the day. A great accompaniment to a seafood meal is their salad with ruby red tomatoes and wilted onions that is incredibly juicy and flavorful (surprisingly, soy sauce is the secret ingredient). To end the meal, again you can chose go with a more classic item, like the volcanic chocolate cake, which spews a rich warm chocolate filling. Or you can try something different, like the profiteroles served with a tahini sauce.

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Sur Balık is a popular seafood restaurant, with two branches, the original in Sarayburnu and a second in Arnavutköy. Located in one of the historic Ottoman mansions that line the seaside, known as yalı, Sur Balık specializes in fresh seafood and original dishes.

At Sur Balık you can dine on Turkish seafood and meze classics, such as tender salted bonito, served with fresh red onion slices and seasonal salad. But if you are in the mood for something different, you won’t be disappointed. Sur Balık offers a range of classic Turkish dishes but with a seafood twist, as well as a number of unusual items that you won’t likely find anywhere else.

A real stand-out is the sea bass in fresh pesto sauce (levrek fesleğen), a dish that is bursting with flavor. The Swiss chard stuffed with fish (pazı sarma), and the fish balls (balık köfte) are both an interesting and light take on Turkish standards. While balık mantı might sound odd, the result is surprisingly tasty; these fish-filled dumplings are slathered in a garlic-yogurt sauce and dusted with herbs.

Meanwhile, if it’s more standard seafood meal that you’re in the mood for, there is plenty on offer. The grilled octopus is very tender and highly recommended, or any of the fresh fish of the day. A great accompaniment to any seafood meal is their juicy and flavorful salad with ruby red tomatoes and wilted onions (apparently, soy sauce is the secret ingredient). To end the meal, again you can choose to go with a more classic item, like the volcanic chocolate cake, which spews a rich warm chocolate filling. Or you can try something different, like the profiteroles served with a tahini sauce.

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The station is of course a prime sightseeing destination for any train enthusiast, but should appeal to others too; the interior is an interesting contrast to the Germanic exterior with its semi-domed ceiling and tiles, and the hubbub of the station is exciting even if you’re not about to catch the express to deepest parts of Anatolia!

The six-story SALT building on Istiklal Street dates back to the 19^th century and was originally known as the Siniossoglou Apartments. Following extensive renovations, the building now features 1,130 m2 of exhibition space, archival space, offices, a café called Bistro, Robinson Crusoe bookshop, a walk-in cinema, and a rooftop terrace-garden designed by architect Fritz Haeg.

One of the largest and oldest covered bazaars in the world, the Grand Bazaar is 30,700 square meters with over 60 streets and alleys and 4,000 shops. It was completed in the 15th century after Sultan Mehmet II conquered Istanbul. Over the years, the bazaar grew from a small trading area to today’s sprawling mass of shops. Its shops sell a wide range of products, including jewelry, carpets, leather, ceramics, copper & brass, hand-woven textiles, and much, much more! The bazaar houses several nice cafés and restaurants where you can take a break from shopping, as well as two mosques, two hamams (Turkish baths), and four fountains. The bazaar features over 20 entrances, but the main ones are Beyazıt and Nuruosmaniye.

Haggling is obviously the order of the day: do not be intimidated, and remember that shop keepers name a price far above what they expect to sell at, so do likewise and suggest a price lower than you’re prepared to pay; the two of you will meet somewhere halfway. Before you enter into a haggling match, do your research and look around to see what kind of prices people are generally asking for similar products, but do keep track of where your favorite items are, as many shops look the same in the Grand Bazaar and it is easy to get lost among the winding, crowded alleys. Keep a look out for pickpockets and, if you are female, it will save you a lot of hassle to wear trousers rather than a skirt. Don’t respond to any cheesy chat up lines, however annoying they are, and ignore any harassment, which will probably be worse here in the bazaar than anywhere else in Istanbul as the business of selling to strangers naturally gives the hawkers an excuse to be more forward. Ignore it and, if really annoyed, try saying ayıp (“shame on you”).

The Bazaar is closed on Sundays, Republic Day on October 29, Ramadan Holiday, and Festival of Sacrifice.

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Haloumi Stick

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Gallery x-ist is an innovative contemporary art gallery realized by collector Daryo Beskinazi and art director Kerimcan Güleryüz. X-ist aims to provide an alternative space for young and up-and-coming artists to exhibit their works and serve as a meeting point for artists.

A popular rooftop restaurant that serves home-cooked meals and has an amazing view of the Bosphorus, Topkapı Palace, Blue Mosque, and Haghia Sophia. Reservations are suggested.

C.A.M. Gallery positions itself as a home to the young, the innovative, and the avant-garde. In the years since its opening in 1992, the gallery has hosted over 200 exhibitions of primarily wall-hung art by local as well as international artists. Its conceptual shows aim to reflect that which is human and the social matrix that surrounds us.

C.A.M Gallery has two locations in Istanbul, one in Akaretler and one in Nişantaşı.

Although all the dancers are very good, the star of the night is usually an exquisitely lithe male dancer, dressed almost exactly the same as the girls with the addition of glittery body paint on his naked torso. One of the best acts is his entrance in the costume of a Rio carnival dancer: a bright orange, wedding cake-shaped hooped skirt, which later opens to reveal a girl. She sneaks out of her cage to perform a perfectly choreographed duet with her counterpart to wild applause.

The atmosphere is decidedly festive, and, in the breaks between acts, revelers get up to try out some dancing themselves.Keep in mind that Beyrouth is famous for bachelorette parties, so you might come across a room full of ladies.

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Located right across from Taksim Gezi Parkı on a quiet corner that’s only a few steps away from the chaotic Taksim Square, Gezi Hotel Bosphorus is a lifestyle boutique hotel that benefits from centrality (while at the same time being far enough from Taksim Square to afford a quiet retreat) and wonderful views (of the Bosphorus, the Taksim Gezi Parkı, and the hotel’s garden).

The hotel has 63 rooms and three suites, and a two-story loft (featuring a state-of-the-art lounge area and a jacuzzi overlooking the Bosphorus view). The common feature of almost all the rooms in the hotel is the sedir, a couch-like puffy seating by the window that turns the hotel room into a home away from home. This ingenious addition by Sinan Kafadar, the architect who designed the entire hotel, is only one example of the kind of small details that make this hotel so cozy. Other such delicate details include the touch-operated bedside lamps in each room, the air conditioners that let you adjust the humidity in the room, the satin sheets, customizable TV channels, and Molton Brown products in the bathrooms.

The hotel also features Silver Spa where you can enjoy a Turkish bath, break a sweat at the steam room or the sauna, or get pampered at one of the spa treatments. The spa menu is quite extensive, ranging from hot-stone therapy, shiatsu massage, and Thai massage to skin renewal booster treatment, deeply cleansing facial treatment, and power recovery body treatment. There are also modern and highly-equipped conference rooms in the hotel that cater to the needs of the many businesspeople that stay here.

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Toted as Istanbul’s first industrial archaeology museum, The Energy Museum, located within the Santral Istanbul complex, houses the two engine rooms of the former Silahtarağa Power Station. Ottoman Empire’s first power plant that was closed in 1983, the station was converted into an education, culture and arts complex in 2007.

The engine rooms, built in 1919 and 1921 respectively, are monuments to Turkey’s industrial heritage; while some elements of the exhibit have been restored to reflect historical qualities, much of the space has been preserved in its condition at the time of decommissioning. Visitors can see the turbines that were the sole providers of power to Istanbul through the 1950s.

The museum also includes the Control Room, where the power generation was monitored and then distributed to different districts of the city. The lower level hosts an interactive children’s area, the Energy Play Zone, where youngsters are encouraged to pull levers and generate their own electricity.

Opened in 2011, the museum is home to more than 40,000 items from Ottoman palaces that reveal the daily lives of the later sultans and their families. Drawn from more contemporary palaces, such as Dolmabahçe and Beylerbeyi, the artifacts include kitchenware, carpets, hearth tools, and more. Only displaying items from the 19^th century on, the museum is a quotidian window on the last years on the Empire. Located near the Beşiktaş pier, the museum is next to the Dolmabahçe Palace complex.

Cihangir’s hotspot MiniMüzikhol is the underground legend of Istanbul’s nightlife. The loyal fans of MiniMüzikhol (aka Istanbul’s most hardcore hipsters) waddle their way there in the wee hours of the night (it doesn’t really get going before 2am). Local and international DJs get behind the deck from Wednesday to Saturday, often performing some of the most interactive DJ performances you have ever seen. Deep house, minimal techno, acid house, funk, and disco are some of the genres you can expect to hear in the club. Take note that the venue gets quite crowded after 3am, especially on Fridays and Saturdays, and the dress code is strictly hipster – moustache, glasses, and plaid shirts for men, torn t-shirts, funky haircuts, and glasses for women.

Located very close to Şark Kahvesi in the Grand Bazaar, Koç is a small jewelry store with a comprehensive selection, from simply-designed elegant pieces to Ottoman-inspired, fit-for-the-Sultan kind of pieces.