Lonely Planet İstanbul Guide

TURKISH €€€ MODERN TURKISH €€€ AHESTE ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; % 0212-243 2633; www.ahesterestaurant.com; Meşrutiyet Caddesi 107, Asmalımescit; breakfast plate ₺ 36, mezes ₺ 13-31, mains ₺ 38-67; h 6pm-midnight Mon-Fri, 9am-3pm & 6pm-midnight Sat & Sun; av ; m Şişhane, j Tünel) A perfect example of the design-driven eatery that has been trending in İstanbul over the past few years, Aheste is known for its attractive, mood-lit interior and excellent weekend breakfast/brunch. Dinners can be uneven in quality – we’ve enjoyed delicious mezes here, but have been disappointed with our main courses. MIKLA ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; % 0212-293 5656; www.miklarestaurant.com; Marmara Pera Hotel, Meşrutiyet Caddesi 15, Tepebaşı; 3-course set menu ₺ 185, 7-course tasting menu ₺ 265, wine match ₺ 165; h 6pm 1am Mon-Sat; a ; m Şişhane, j Tünel) The only Turkish restaurant to feature on San Pellegrino’s ‘World’s 100 Best Restaurants’ list, Mikla is fronted by local celebrity chef Mehmet Gürs. Sadly, we’ve found our recent meals here disappointingly executed, lacking both flavour and innovation. At these prices, diners should be delivered more than extraordinary views and luxe surrounds. Vegetarians should steer clear, as meat and fish dominate. MODERN TURKISH €€€ and full of flavour, with an emphasis on legumes, seasonal vegetables and seafood. ASMALI CAVIT ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; Asmalı Meyhane; % 0212-292 4950; Asmalımescit Sokak 16, Asmalımescit; mezes ₺ 10-25, kebaps ₺ 30-45; h 10.30am-1.30am Mon-Sat; m Şişhane, j Tünel) Cavit Saatcı’s place is an old-style meyhane (tavern) that, like other old-timers on this street, has stood the test of time and retained a loyal local following. The menu offers all the usual dishes (mezes, fried calamari, börek stuffed with meat, fried liver, kebaps). Tables are spread over two floors and are almost always full, so bookings are essential.