Güney has a menu that’s almost as voluminous as the one at The Cheesecake Factory. About 25 yards from the small plaza at the foot of Galata Tower, Güney delivers a well-executed menu that includes both western and Turkish breakfast items, Turkish classics, salads, and pizzas. Opens early at 7:30 am doesn’t shut down until 12:30 am, seven days a week.
Self-described as a purveryor of fireside cuisine, restaurant Ali Ocakbasi offers a slightly elevated presentation of classic Anatolian cuisine with a modern personality, with an emphasis on grilled meat and fish. All their locations, in Istanbul’s most iconic neighborhoods, are tastefully decorated and boast areas for open air dining with fantastic views of the Bosphorus or Golden Horn.
Self-described as a purveryor of fireside cuisine, restaurant Ali Ocakbasi offers a slightly elevated presentation of classic Anatolian cuisine with a modern personality, with an emphasis on grilled meat and fish. All their locations, in Istanbul’s most iconic neighborhoods, are tastefully decorated and boast areas for open air dining with fantastic views of the Bosphorus or Golden Horn.
Restaurant 24 is the rooftop restaurant of a small boutique hotel near to Galata Tower. The menu elevates Turkish dishes and ingredients to gourmet level. The décor is upscale. The service staff friendly and efficient. Great spot for a romantic evening meal overlooking the Bosporus. Also a great place for an early morning breakfast, opening at 8:00 am and offering both a Turkish breakfast spread or scrambled eggs for the less adventurous.
Restaurant chain Develi, with a dozen restaurants located throughout Turkey, mostly in affluent suburbs, has built the city’s most successful restaurant dynasty. Develi has made its mark by serving traditional Turkish cuisine in an upscale ambience, albeit one that’s a bit tacky and gaudy by western standards.
MyTerrace has the most “Turkish” personality of all the restaurants we recommend in Istanbul that offer traditional Turkish cuisine. It’s got a raw unpolished feel, but the food, service and view make this restaurant something special. For the best experience arrive early and insist on a table on the terrace.