Lonely Planet İstanbul Guide

Caddesi, close to the Spice Bazaar.

TURKISH€€ TARIHI ÇEŞME RESTAURANT ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; % 0212-516 3580; www.tarihicesmerestaurant.com; cnr Kadırga Liman Caddesi & Küçük Ayasofya Cami Sokak, Küçük Ayasofya; mezes ₺ 7, pides ₺ 13, mains ₺ 20; h 11am-10pm; j Sultanahmet or Çemberlitaş) Contrary to appearances, this no-frills eatery does serve beer and wine – both perfectly complemented by the outside terrace with its view of people ambling through this quiet neighbourhood. Kebaps, mixed grills and güveç (meat and vegetable stew) are all on the menu. GÜVENÇ KONYALI ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; % 0212-527 5220; Hocapaşa Hamam Sokak 4, Sirkeci; soups ₺ 6-10, mains & pides ₺ 15-25; h 11.30am-9pm; j Sirkeci) Specialities from Konya in Central Anatolia are the draw at this bustling place just off the much-loved Hocapașa Sokak food strip. Regulars come for the spicy bamya çorbaşı (sour soup with lamb and chickpeas), etli ekmek (flat bread with meat) and meltingly soft slow-cooked meats from the oven. No alcohol. PALATIUM ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; % 0543 844 5413; www.palatiumcafeandrestaurant.com; Kutlugün Sokak 33; mezes ₺ 11, pides ₺ 23, mains ₺ 30; h 11am-10pm; Wv ; j Sultanahmet) Palatium is built atop part of the Great Palace of Byzantium, which you can see through its glass floor, between the rugs, beanbag seats at low tables and dangling lanterns. While the food is better than at many of the surrounding tourist haunts, the pide is probably the best choice, making Palatium better for lunch or a snack than dinner. Dishes are cooked in traditional clay pots in a brick oven. Seafood, stews, pides and a wide range of kebaps are on offer. After you’ve eaten, follow the staircase at the rear to the palace below. TURKISH€€ PIDE, TURKISH €€

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