Even months later, I still have fond memories of Serbethane. Whether it be for a coffee or tea…read morebreak, dinner or even a late night hang out with some nargile, we really enjoyed it. We happened upon the cafe by coincidence on our first evening in Istanbul, while roaming the streets in search of somewhere to eat. A little bit overwhelmed by the restaurants nearby that tried their darndest to lure you in, Serbethane was different. The staff was friendly and welcoming, but never pushy. The outdoor sofa were also a huge draw. Everything we ate was DELICIOUS! Nice presentation, tasty, filling and well priced. A nice place to sit down after a day of walking, to enjoy food and rehydrate. Of note: there is no alcohol served here, but there are lots and lots of juices and sodas to choose from, so we didn't miss it. The location is also pretty great: tucked into the edge of the Arasta bazaar, partly outside, partly inside, with sofas and regular tables to choose from. When it gets cool in the evenings there are blankets to wrap yourself up, making sure you can spend some more time lingering.

I came with a tour group and the menu was set for us, so that may have made it different from the…read moreregular experience. But wow, was it wonderful! Everything was so flavorful and satisfying. High marks for the lentil soup and the lamb and chicken kebab. And the baklava was just dreamy. Just fantastic!

Since we were sick of Turkish food, my family and I decided to stop here to try their pizza. This…read moreplace is definitely a tourist trap - I blame myself for falling victim to the man who keep trying everyone to come in. We got the lamb and a basic sausage pizza - both were mediocre at best. I travel for the food so I am definitely being bias with my rating. The food was not horrible but the lack of service after we got seated, the cost, and the extra charge for refills is what is giving this a less star that what I would originally give.

I don't usually eat at a place called Cozy with a fake fireplace running on a flat screened TV and…read morewas clearly a tourist trap, but my group of friends were hungry, and Cozy it was. The atmosphere, besides the tacky fireplace is indeed cozy. We were seated in the upstairs sitting area. The menu has a whole host of different international dishes to chose from. We staid with the local selection, and my friends shared a Pottery Kebab as it is intended for two people. This is an actual local dish, and is not just a tourist offering, as we had seen it several other places as well. Pottery kebab is tomato-based meat stew, with lamb, chicken or beef, and veggies, baked inside a clay pot and cracked open at your table. It was quite the show, and I am sure we are in several stranger facebook shots from around the world. I ordered a lamb dish which was also quite tasty. Besides everything the food was actually OK. My review was lowered to three, almost two stars, because of the lack of service. It is one thing to be slow, but for example, after asking for the bill three times, and waiting 20- 30 minutes between asking, we almost walked out. Plus, the place was not super busy, and there sere several waiters, there was no excuse.

Excellent food! Incredible view! Good service. It's right next to bosphorus so there is nothing…read morebetween you and one of the best scenes of istanbul. It's a real elegant place. No hairy rich contractor bellies, dipped in raki (Rakıya bandırılmış kıllı müteahhit göbeği) . Places by the bosphorus are filled with them, not here. So it's the ideal place for a romantic evening They have awesome fresh tapas. But usually turkish dishes, and tapas' derived from mezes.

This is fabulous!! The view is spectacular and the food and service delightful! I highly recommend.read more

My first trip to Istanbul and our hotel reception recommended this restaurant, excellent service,…read moreand the food was delicious I definitely recommend coming here to eat if you're near the blue mosque.

Thank you, Yelp, for steering two jet-lagged tourists to House of Medusa for dinner after a long…read moreday of travel. Our hotel was near the Basilica Cistern, so this restaurant was close as well, and easy to find. Yelpers had raved about the Stewed Chicken with Almonds and Cream and they were NOT incorrect -- it is DELICIOUS! Finally had to stop eating because I was full -- but that sauce makes you want to just keep eating and eating! We also got the Meatballs Stuffed with Bulgur, and a Shepherd's Salad dressed with pomegranite juice. Service was friendly, and the ambience cozy. Hope you'll give it a try when visiting Istanbul!

A slightly strange experience - coming all the way to Turkey, yet eating in a Swiss restaurant…read more The decor of the restaurant and hotel is modern European (dark wood and subdued lighting) and the location is next to a main highway in a business / residential area, so you could be anywhere in the developing world. All that said, the food is good as is the local Turkish wine, but I really wished we had got a taxi and gone somewhere a bit more authentically local.

Peymane is a good place to go to for some appetizers and meat dishes. It's a bit hard to find…read more(signage could definitely be better but you have to take an elevator from the lobby of a hotel to the top floor). There are very limited vegetarian options, and the place doesn't have any seafood on their menu. Humus is pretty good, meat was good but there are better and cheaper places in Istanbul. It's convenient if you are staying nearby but I wouldn't be making a special trip to come here. Staff is very friendly and accommodating.

- 5 stars for the atmosphere - So much food…read more- skip the hummus, try the haydari or ezme - A+ service

This is a little cafe with sweets and borek and coffee. It's quiet and clean. They had American…read moremusic. The food was good.

Serving Sultanahmet since 1961 Çiğdem Pastanesi sees its fair share of locals and tourists, a wide…read moreselection of sweets and savories similar to other local spots luring guests in where a tight space is found decorated with aged wood and iron. Surprisingly limited in English, uncommon on the street between Hagia Sophia and the Grand Bazaar, prices are a bit higher than Patisserie further from city-center while the products themselves are fair-to-middling and highlighted by Syrup-soaked Halka Tatlisi with Jam at the center.

I LOVE this spot. The views, the food, the service, the music .. I love it!…read more This is where I was first introduced to adjika, a tasty pepper sauce that is served with their table bread, which is also delicious. I had to grab some at a local market. I highly recommend the chicken kabobs, juicy and well seasoned. Also enjoyed the margaritas, stiff and not overly sweet. Staff is pleasant and attentive. The views are unmatched in the evening. Make your reservation in advance to secure your sunset table. The inside is nice and classy but I simply adore the open air views from the roof. The birds really set off the skyline and you can see several of the mosques around. Not SUPER expensive but it is in the higher end price wise compared to their surrounding competition -- 100% worth it in my book. I will definitely go again on my next visit. Glad I could introduce it to a friend this go round. The only thing I disliked about this place is the "dining dome" as I called it. A portion of the roof now offers seating in a large plastic dome. The dome is scratched up and obstructs the view of the city but does protect diners from the wind. I was not a fan of this dome. I'm sure it's something someone saw on the internet and implemented .. I hope they get rid of it, it's super unnecessary. Otherwise -- LOVE!

Very interesting experience in İstanbul. Appetizers menu has a big variety. Good place to go with…read morelarge group of friends.