Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
EATING & DRINKING
| OTTOMAN
ASİTANE $$$
OFFLINE MAP
( 212-635 7997;
www.asitanerestaurant.com
;
Kariye Oteli, Kariye Camii Sokak 6, Edirnekapı; starters
12-18, mains 26-42; 11am-midnight; ; 31E, 32, 36K, 38E from Eminönü, 87 from Taksim)
This elegant restaurant next to the Kariye Museum (Chora Church) serves Ottoman dishes
devised for the palace kitchens at Topkapı, Edirne and Dolmabahçe. Its chefs have been
tracking down historic recipes for years, and the menu is full of versions that will tempt
most modern palates. There's a comfortable indoor space and an outdoor courtyard for
summer dining.
| TURKISH
KÖMÜR TURK MUTFAĞI $
10-18; lunch; ; 31E, 32, 336E, 36KE, 38E from Eminönü, 87 from Taksim)
Located amid the
wedding-dress shops on Fatih's main drag is this five-floor
Türk mutfağı
(Turkish kitchen)
where brides-to-be join businessmen and worshippers from the nearby Fatih Mosque for
lunch. The gleaming ground-floor space has a huge counter where ready-made dishes are
displayed and where fresh meat and fish can be cooked to order.
KÖFTECİ ARNAVUT $
OFFLINE MAP
| KÖFTE
( 212-531 6652; Mürsel Paşa Caddesi 139, Balat; köfte 8, piyaz 5; 8am-4pm; 33ES, 90, 44B,
36C, 399B&C from Eminönü, 55T from Taksim)
Unsigned and unassuming, this famous
köfteci
(
köfte
restraurant) first opened in 1947 and is a safe spot to scoff
köfte
(meatballs) served
with
piyaz
(white beans). It's to the left of the ferry stop on the opposite side of the main
road.
TARİHİ HALİÇ İŞKEMBECİSİ $
OFFLINE MAP
| TURKISH
24hr; 33ES, 90, 44B, 36C, 399B&C from Eminönü, 55T from Taksim)
Locals swear by the
hangover-fighting properties of
işkembe
(tripe soup) and often make late-night pilgrimages
to this, the most famous
işkembecisi
(tripe soup venue) in the city. It's on the main road op-
posite the ferry stop
.
