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.

Oh how I love this cafe. This was the first place I ate in Istanbul and now 3 weeks later after…read morehaving been all over both the asian side and the european side, I still think this is the best breakfast in Istanbul. Their Khavalti plate is the biggest, best, most wonderful thing ever. I haven't had another one quite as good anywhere I've gone. And their outdoor seating on this cute little street is so perfect. It's just adorable and the service is so friendly. I think I left a part of my heart here.

Finding this place is easy enough. The problems start when you're stranding in front of the door…read moreand realise that you really have removed yourself from the tourist hot spots. No English in sight anywhere. First issue is how do I get in. Well, if there is a key in the door then just enter. It's looks more like a private home then a restaurant. But it's alright. You haven't by mistake entered the home of a Turkish family. Don't mind the gigglish girls inside, just find yourself a table. Next issue. The menu. There are a few pictures, but otherwise knowing a few Turkish words will be helpful at this point. If you don't, then point (your waiter has a very very limited English vocabulary, but he is more than willing to help) and hope someone in the restaurant can help you a bit along the way. Expect the food to be Turkish breasfast with limited spices, but an otherwise very nice selection of primarily Turkish produce.

Great espresso, very cozy place, good ambiance. The staff was super friendly and welcoming.read more