Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( 212-292 4455; Kemankeş Caddesi 37a, Karaköy; mezes 6-10, portions 7-12, grills 11-16;
dinner daily, lunch Mon-Sat; ; Karaköy)
Known for its gorgeous tiled interior, genial own-
er and bustling vibe, Karaköy Lokantası serves tasty and well-priced food to its loyal local
clientele. It functions as a
lokanta
during the day, but at night it morphs into a
meyhane
,
with slightly higher prices. Bookings are essential for dinner.
CA' D'ORO $$
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| ITALIAN
15-21, mains 18-55; lunch & dinner Tue-Sun; ; Karaköy)
The glamorous rooftop res-
taurant at the SALT Galata cultural centre serves
molto buono
Italian staples such as
pasta, pizza and risotto, but is most memorable for its extraordinary view over the Golden
Horn to the Historic Peninsula. Vegetarians will appreciate the generous array of suitable
options on the menu.
İSTANBUL MODERN
CAFE/RESTAURANT $$$
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| INTERNATIONAL
GOOGLE MAP
( 212-292 2612; Meclis-i Mebusan Caddesi, Tophane; pizzas 19-28, pasta 19-33, mains 28-55;
10am-midnight ; ; Tophane)
The cafe-restaurant at İstanbul's preeminent contemporary-
art museum offers an 'industrial arty' vibe and great views over the Bosphorus when there
are no cruise ships moored in front. The pasta is homemade, pizzas are Italian-style and
service is slick - all of which makes for a happy lunch experience. For a table on the ter-
race you'll need to book ahead.
GALATA HOUSE $$
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| GEORGIAN
mains 18-25, desserts 10-12; noon-midnight Tue-Sun; Karaköy)
This would have to be one
of the most eccentric restaurants in town. Run by the charming husband-and-wife team of
Nadire and Mete Göktuğ, it is housed in the Old British Jail, just down from Galata
Tower. Nadire uses recipes handed down from her Georgian mother to concoct simple
comfort food and also plays the piano and sings for guests.
The jail functioned from 1904 to 1919, and has been sympathetically but comfortably
restored by Mete, who is one of İstanbul's most prominent heritage architects.
KİVA HAN $$
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| ANATOLIAN
