Istanbul bars and restaurants - hit me up

[Harleyboy]

Hello, off to Istanbul for 4 nights next month, staying in Galeta. Would love some recommendations for bars and restaurants if anyone has local knowledge?

Especially keen on the less touristy restaurants but equally happy to go if they’re good. We love a rooftop/cocktail and fully appreciate that these will be pricey and full of tourists. After the best of both works I suppose.

Both wives are veggie/pesce. I don’t have two wives by the way, in case you’re wondering how unlucky one person can be.

Thanks in advance

[S8QUATTRO]

same here, off there soon, cant decide on the hotel in the Galata area.....trip advisor seems to be full of fake reviews for the smaller hotels!

What hotel did you go for?

[MarkJS]

Gulhane Sark Sofrasa is good for food. If you like live music in a bar, I can really recommend Nardis Jazz Club.

S8QUATTRO said:

same here, off there soon, cant decide on the hotel in the Galata area.....trip advisor seems to be full of fake reviews for the smaller hotels!

What hotel did you go for?

You really can’t go wrong with the Neorion if you’re looking for a hotel.

[Harleyboy]

We’ve gone for an airbnb which looks pretty decent.
Thanks for the recommendations - will check them out

[Doggleg]

You're staying in Galata so try 360. It's a rooftop bar/restaurant with live performances some nights. Great views over the city.

ETA, brunch by the river at the Ciragan Palace Kempinski was pretty spectacular as well.

Edited by Doggleg on Tuesday 20th August 07:47

[ooid]

Well, you better try Nusr-Et Steakhouse since you are there!

I second 360, in fact, believe it or not I think I even remember its opening more than 20 years ago!

Here is my list, mostly authentic sea-food really.

http://www.rumelihisariiskele.com

https://karakoybalikcisi.com

http://www.chachabalik.com.tr

I'm sure there are more, but I would stick with historical, local sea*food choices instead!

[rallye101]

Vigilance.....
That's all, is very cool.....the hookers are everywhere, ask me how I know ( no, don't)
Just be careful....

[LJF_97]

I've just returned from Istanbul. The best value (drinks) was an all-inclusive river tour. Best restaurant was the Parole Cafe, I recommend the hummus. Gallant Galata for the chocolate covered cheesecake is a must if you like cheesecake.

[ooid]

Almost forget..

Inci Pastanesi (patisserie) in Beyoglu.

[S8QUATTRO]

LJF_97 said:

I've just returned from Istanbul. The best value (drinks) was an all-inclusive river tour. Best restaurant was the Parole Cafe, I recommend the hummus. Gallant Galata for the chocolate covered cheesecake is a must if you like cheesecake.

Do you have details on this? thanks

[LJF_97]

S8QUATTRO said:

Do you have details on this? thanks

https://www.getyourguide.co.uk/istanbul-l56/istanbul-turkish-night-dinner-cruise-central-location-t438511/?ranking_uuid=0c9c64f2-edf4-4d53-bb91-93f06f408a90

We tipped the waiter 20 quid, and we had fresh drinks brought to the table before we could finish the ones we already had!

[S8QUATTRO]

Spot on

[Harleyboy]

OP here, I’d missed a few of these thinking the topic was done. Some great suggestions so will be checking all of those out. 360 looks like a winner!

[pj4d]

The only nightlife worth seeing is in kadikoy

[LooneyTunes]

Love Istanbul, especially the coffee, but been a couple of years since I was last there so won’t make any specific restaurant recommendations.

Do watch out for taxis: sometimes some attempts at very creative routes/charging/dodgy meters.

If the dropped shoe shine brush scammers are still running, just ignore and walk on past…

[the-norseman]

LooneyTunes said:

If the dropped shoe shine brush scammers are still running, just ignore and walk on past…

This, tried it with me wearing trainers, no thanks.

I love Istanbul, a friend of mine lives there took us to some roof top bar that was full of locals. I love the street food to be honest, mate took us to some proper ropey looking locals places.

[S8QUATTRO]

ooid said:

Almost forget..

Inci Pastanesi (patisserie) in Beyoglu.

Nice place, very old characterful, we just returned from Istanbul. Great for a city break

[kevinon]

Very useful info folks!

Was there 25 years ago, in Beyoglu area. Next week staying in the Hagia Sofia area.
The thread has whetted my appetite.
The Panorama restaurant, mentioned above, looks ok price-wise. I had heard it had got v expensive, so that's comforting.

If anyone has any more ideas, particularly on overlooked gems, I'm all ears (well eyes)