Istanbul Guide

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Lonely Planet’s Top Choices Antiochia (p134) Southeastern dishes that look as good as they taste. Çiya Sofrası (p158) Casual eatery showcasing Turkish regional cusine. Develi Baklava (p102) The baklava is great, but wait until you try the Gazientep-style katmer … Eleos (p135) Greek-style tavern specialising in seafood. Hayvore (p134) Delectable dishes from the Black Sea region. Zübeyir Ocakbaşı (p135) The city’s most famous ocakbaşı (grill house) for good reason. Fatih Damak Pide (p103) It’s a trek to get here, but the piping hot pides are worth it. Hayvore (p134 ) Beyoğlu’s best lunch venue. €€ Antiochia (p134) Tangy mezes and succulent meat dishes. Karaköy Lokantası (p133) One of İstanbul’s most popular meyhanes . €€€ Eleos (p135) Wonderful food and a view to match. Neolokal (p133 ) Refined modern Turkish cusine in swish surrounds. Best by Budget €

Best Regional Eateries

Asmalı Cavit (p136) Good mezes and a convivial atmosphere. Eleos (p135) Ultrafresh and flavourful Greek-style delicacies. Karaköy Lokantası (p133) Stylish surrounds, a loyal clientele and excellent food. Best Mezes Meze by Lemon Tree (p135) Unusual and delicious meze spread. Sahrap (p135) There are plenty of surprises on the modern meze menu at this stylish eatery. Eleos (p135) Seafood- dominated meze spread that looks great and tastes even better. Best Baklava Develi Baklava (p102) Tiny space with a huge (and well deserved) reputation. Karaköy Güllüoğlu (p131) The perfect baklava stop at any time of day. Pare Baklava Bar (p152) The genuine article flown in from Gaziantep daily. Best Cafe Food Cuma (p140) Seasonally driven menu and casually chic surrounds. İnci Pastanesi (p134) Home of the city’s best chocolate profiteroles. Kantın (p152) Early and much loved adaptor of the slow food philosophy.

Antiochia (p134) Specialises in dishes from the southeastern city of Antakya (Hatay). Çiya Sofrası (p158) Season ally inspired dishes from the southeast. Hayvore (p134) Delicious dishes from the Black Sea. Siirt Şeref Büryan Kebap (p105) Tender slow-cooked lamb from the southeastern city of Siirt. Best Kebaps Antiochia (p134) The best şiş et (grilled lamb) in town. Zübeyir Ocakbaşı (p135) Locals flock here for the succulent meats cooked over coals. Hamdi Restaurant (p105) Excellent meat, panoramic views and a bustling atmosphere. Best Lokantas Çiya Sofrası (p158) Bains- marie full of unusual dishes from Turkey’s southeastern region. Erol Lokantası (p82) Simple food in the heart of Sultanahmet. Hayvore (p134) Hazır yemek and pides popular with shoppers and workers in Beyoğlu. Hünkar (p152) Upmarket choice with top-notch food and service. Sefa Restaurant (p82) Reliable eatery close to the Grand Bazaar. Best Meyhanes Agora Meyhanesi (p121) Recently reinvented city institu tion known for its seafood.

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