Cheap restaurants
If you like good food (of course you do!), but don’t want to spend a fortune these are the right spots for you! Sit down; Try an Ayran (yoghurt mixed with water and salt) and smile about the waiter’s attempts to speak English. Maybe you are lucky and get hold of one of those seldom Turks who speak up to five different languages. But let’s get back to the food, dostum!
Baran 2 Restaurant
As you might reside somewhere around the Sultanahmet-district, you once in a while might want to eat at a place close to your hostel. This is the only restaurant I ever pay a visit being in that highly overpriced neighbourhood (check out: 5 Things to avoid!). Choose the food from the display and don’t hesitate to ask what it is. Go ahead and discover the Turkish cuisine, developed over centuries by the superb cooks of the Sultans. Main dishes from 10 YTL (5 Euro).
Divanyolu Caddesi No. 54
Tel. 0090 212 527 08 66
Tram Sultanahmet (T1)
Konak Restaurant
There are two Konak Restaurants on the Istiklal Caddesi and I love them because of a dessert called “Künefe”. Don’t ask what it is, just try it! The main dishes are all quite delicious as well (try Iskender Kebab) and you get great quantities for your money. Main dishes start from 9 YTL (4, 50 Euro).
Istiklal Caddesi No.153 and No. 259
Tel. 0090 212 249 14 86
www.konakkebap.org
Metro Taksim (M2), Funicular Tünel
Miss Pizza
Yes, Turkish people know how to make Pizza. And even Tiramisu! As their main business is the delivery service you should not expect too much if you take a seat, but be sure to be welcomed and served promptly. Pizza starts at 10 YTL (5 Euro).
Havyar Sokak No. 7
Tel. 0090 212 251 32 78
Metro Taksim (M2)
Van Kahvalti Evi
Certainly each and every one of you once in his life searched for a nice breakfast place after a long night and a hangover. Unfortunately, many regular Cafés only provide breakfast until 12 am or something. Not so at the Van Breakfast House, how this place is translated into English. Here you can eat breakfast all day long, from 7 am – 7 pm. Take the second breakfast for 10 YTL (5 Euro) including a tea and enjoy an authentic Turkish-Anatolian breakfast. Yummy.
Defterdar Yokusu No. 52 A
Tel. 0090 212 293 6437
Wagamama
If you are tired of Turkish kebab, try Wagamamas Thai food! This worldwide brand has two spin-offs in Istanbul and is quite popular. Show your friends how you handle the chopsticks! Dishes starting at 15 YTL (7, 50 Euro).
Istiklal Caddesi No. 12, Afm Pasaji, close to Taksim
Tel. 0090 212 249 81 82
Metro Taksim (M1)
Kanyon Shopping Mall, Büyükdere Caddesi No. 185
Tel. 0090 212 353 04 74
Metro Levent (M2)
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