While Turkish food has always dominated Istanbul’s culinary scene, there are also some remarkable restaurants serving foreign cuisine that add distinct flavors.
L’Orient
L’Orient Lebanese restaurant occupies a large space on one of the

Shang Palace
As the signature restaurant of Shangri-La Hotel, Shang Palace offers the most exquisite and authentic Chinese-Cantonese cuisine in Istanbul. From its dim sum menu to its tea masters, Shang Palace entertains their guests with excellent food and service. Shangri-La Bosphorus Istanbul, Hayrettin İskelesi Sokak No.1, Beşiktaş; T: 0212 275 88 88

Pera Thai
Pera Thai has been a popular spot for authentic Thai cuisine since it opened in 2001. Sit on the terrace and try the homemade curries for a taste from Southeast Asia while enjoying Istanbul’s summer breeze. Reservations are required on weekends. Meşrutiyet Caddesi No.94, Tepebaşı; T: 0212 245 57 25-26

Zuma
Another international restaurant that relocated

Japonika Sushi
Istanbul isn’t really aspiring to become the sushi capital of the region, so the quality served by some restaurants has not kept pace with local cuisine. But a few places around town have managed to raise the bar high enough to leave their competitors behind, and

Chalet
On cold winter days have you been craving to drink mulled wine and eating fondue in front of a crackling fire? Then head to Chalet restaurant at Swissôtel the Bosphorus. Only open in the winter, this 100-year-old chalet is an ideal spot, whether for a romantic, intimate evening or a large celebration. While the cheese fondues are a highlight, the menu also boasts many more Swiss specialties. The Buendnerfleisch teller charcuterie plate pairs well with red wine. The fondue bourguignonne, in which beef or chicken is cooked in hot oil and served with dipping sauces, offers complete satisfaction. Swissôtel the Bosphorus, Bayıldım Caddesi, No. 2, Maçka; T: 0543 326 81 11

La Petite Maison
The Istanbul branch of La Petite Maison had relocated to İstinye Park and continues to serve an excellent Mediterranean and Niçoise menu. Adhering to fresh seasonal ingredients, the restaurant provides an inspiring and healthy reinterpretation of traditional French cuisine. İstinye Park, Katar Caddesi No.11, Sariyer; T: (0212) 232 02 32

Rejans 1924
It is said that Atatürk was a frequent guest of Rejans 1924, a restaurant founded in 1924 by Russians who fled the Bolshevik Revolution to Istanbul. Featuring authentic Russian cuisine and splendid cocktails along with wooden decor and traditional live music, the restaurant welcomes visitors to experience a nostalgic evening. Istiklal Caddesi, Olivya Geçidi No: 7; T: (0212) 243 83 60
La Viña
The d.ream restaurant group’s latest place, La Viña opens it door at Zorlu Center’s main square serving excellent Spanish cuisine to Istanbulites. The menu includes a wide selection of starters which can also be enjoyed as tapas: fried red mullet with a light fennel salad, and Bomba de la Barceloneta (a type of crispy potato dumpling with a meat filling) are just a couple of examples. Also don’t miss those Spanish staples that we all know and love: gazpacho, tortilla, paella, and—Istanbul’s new favorite dessert—San Sebastian cheesecake. Zubizu users get 15 percent off the tab. Zorlu Center; Koru Sokak No.2, Levazım; T: (0212) 353 66 55
