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Korfez
The Korfez lies nestled in a cove on the Asian side of the Bosphorus Straight with tables set on a deck right over the water and a view of the bridge. It's one of those place you wouldn't mind a mediocre meal in exchange for the experience. But that's not the case here. Korfez is often purported to be the best seafood restaurant in Istanbul, start your meal with Turkish vegetable starters or from a selection of seafood appetizers, calamari or sushi perhaps. Fish meals are salted lightly and grilled to perfection. As a bonus, the restaurant provides a ferry for customers coming to dine there from the European side of the straight. Open daily except Mondays. Reservations essential.
Address: Körfez Cad. No:78 Kanlýca
Website: www.korfez.com

Feriye
The Feriye Lokantasi is a multi-purpose venue with its own bar, café, conference hall and two separate seasonal venues for the one restaurant. The best time to enjoy this facility is on the outdoor terrace on a balmy summer evening. The menu, like the venue, is flexible based on what is seasonal, offering Turkish cuisine cooked in the ottoman tradition. The house specialty is the grilled turbot with saffron and courgette balls in raspberry puree.
Address: Çiragan Cad. 124, Kanlica
Website: www.feriye.com

Mikla
Located on the top two floors of the 18 story Marmara Pera hotel, this gourmet restaurant offers a glorious 360° vista of the lights of Old Town. Chef and owner Mehmet Gürs prepares Turkish and Scandinavian meals such as sautéed scallops with vegetable risotto and ragu beef cheeks with porcini mushroom soup. The crowd hit is the lamb escargot for mains followed by a tachio and tahini ice cream dessert. Reservations essential.
Address: Mesrutyiyet Cad. 167, Tepebasi

Tugra
The Tugra is located in a palace and provides a splendid view of the Bosphorus strait. Elegant décor and Turkish 'Fasil' music take care of ambience while the dress code of 'smart' caters to the customer's own sense of self importance. The catch is that Tugra is actually reasonably priced. Locals are fan of their kebabs 'Ali Nazik', fillet, grilled tomato, charleston peppers and yogurt aubergine sauce and 'adana kebab', spiced beef and lamb. Reservations recommended.
Address: Çiragan Palace Hotel

Lokanta
Lokanta is located in the trendy Bayoglu area and a common precursor to a night of carousing. The tapas menu is a favorite for those looking looking for a quicker bite to complement a few drinks. The main menu offers a fantastic lamb shank with pomegranate and tomato salsa, often enjoyed with a cognac chocolate pot.
Address: Sahne Sok. 41, Bayoglu

Galata House
Located near the Galata Tower, this bistro is a little-known secret of Istanbul offering great value for money. Located in an old British colonial prison (though you'd never be able to tell), the dining booths are cosy. The menu ensconces a selection of Georgian specialties such as lamb stews and dumplings. Closed on Mondays.
Address: Galata Kulesi Sok. 61

Seker Manti
Address: Sehit Mehtar Cad. 11, Taksim

Saf
A relatively new establishment, Saf is one of a hip chain of health oriented restaurants cropping up all over Europe. They do not serve any meat, dairy wheat or sugar. Saf means 'pure' or 'raw', depending on where you look, and the focus here is on purely organic foodstuffs and even organic wines. In Istabul there are three branches ideally located near major tourist spots.

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