Just BBQ is the only place in Istanbul we know of to find real American-style smoked. Just BBQ offers an authentic rendering of Texas-style ribs, brisket, and smoked sausage in a small but tastefully decorated restaurant. Order the variety plate for the best sampling of Texas-style BBQ in Turkey.
Il Cortile is flying under the radar. You have to slowly zoom in and out on Google Maps to even see the map marker. But this restaurant, open from early morning until midnight, located in a beautiful boutique hotel a stone’s throw from Galata Tower, offers one of the most pleasant dining experiences in Istanbul. Great place for breakfast. Best place for Italian (including pizza) in the city.
Visitors to Istanbul will want to visit an emblematic restaurant that delivers authentic Turkish cuisine in a traditional setting and there’s no better place to do that than the open-air terrace at Turkish restaurant, MyTerrace. Combine extremely well-executed local dishes with service from a delightful waiter and the best view of the Asian side of Istanbul you can find, and you have the formula for what might be the best tourist destination for dining in Istanbul. Arrive at dusk for a stunning photo opportunity.
During your visit to Istanbul you’ll be eating more shish-kebabs than you shake a stick at (pardon the pun). You might just want one morning or evening to escape the culture shock and have a meal that’s anything close to Turkish. No better spot to accomplish that than Le Cuistrot Bistrot. Belgian chef Carlos brings French and Belgian cuisine to this delightful little café cum bistro. Fabulous place for happy hour or an evening cocktail as well.
Want a great place to start your sight-seeing near the Sofia Mosque and the Royal Palace? Just a stone’s throw from the entrance to both tourist destinations lies Sofia Terrace overlooking the mosque. This is one of the restaurants in the Hyatt Sofia Mansions resort. It’s got a full array of popular breakfast items you can enjoy in their open-air terrace with a great view of the dome of the Sofia Mosque.
Güney has a menu that’s almost as voluminous as the one at The Cheesecake Factory. About 25 yards from the small plaza at the foot of Galata Tower, Güney delivers a well-executed menu that includes both western and Turkish breakfast items, Turkish classics, salads, and pizzas. Opens early at 7:30 am doesn’t shut down until 12:30 am, seven days a week.