We visited the Ottoamano store on a recent visit to Istanbul. Our guide highly recommended the…read morestore in the Grand Bazaar. And we were not disappointed. We were looking for high quality hand-made scarves. This is definitely the store to visit. Amazing fabric and color selection - and great and friendly service. Thank you. We will be back!!!

I am trying to find a US website I can access so I can shop on line. Can anyone please help me?…read more Love this store! Beautiful things.

I was surprised when Yelp requested a review of the Istanbul Culinary Academy because I know of…read moreYelp only within the US. I dearly love the ICA and will look for my food pictures to post. But I also want to acknowledge Armaggan's upstairs restaurant. As with all of Armaggan, the restaurant is exquisite. Architecturally, its interpretation of traditional stylistic themes is informed, refined and minimalist, but with richness in materials and lighting--especially in galleries displaying different categories of objects and inside the restaurant and on its innovative terrace. It is not pastiche or parody. Staff told me that it is run by a family who cares about and studies Turkish history and culture. Today, I am reminded by Yelp that I had not finished typing this review from 2 years ago. I will post it anon. The longer I have been away from Istanbul the more I miss its cosmopolitan people and my many favorite spots there. Armaggan would be unique in any of the world's great cities. But even in a place where almost everything (except pork and alcohol) has been examined, interpreted, improved and refined over the centuries Armaggan still stands out. Just a few steps from the Grand Bazaar, on a quiet and pretty street, is the pristine edifice of polished beige stone and crystal clear glass. It resembles a large private vault, but is an emporium of Turkish culture. The finest contemporary arts and crafts are displayed as if in a museum. And my favorite aspect, the restaurant, offers the classiest interpretation of indigenous Turkish food. Not tourist or hotel or fusion food, but traditional recipes prepared with the best ingredients and served in elegant yet understated fashion. Armaggan seems proud to offer grandma's recipe. Armaggan and ICA are local treasures that buck the tourist oriented trend. Traveling around the country I was disappointed to hear: "We do not have Zeytinyagli Enginar on the menu. That's what we eat at home!" But at Armaggan is it served proudly and elegantly.

One of the best department stores that you can find in Istanbul, especially if you're looking good…read morequality stuff such as Turkish kaftans, souvenirs, fabrics, rugs and so on. It also has a very good restaurant with Turkish Ottoman cuisine on the terrace. Of course, like all the quality things, the prices are high but it's worth it.

Unique and attractive clothing. Lots of harem pants and other styles of pants in unique styles and…read morecuts. Cute jewelry also. Prices are reasonable.

Was in this store last week and found the styles adorable and charming, the prices good, especially…read morethe sales (go up to the 3rd floor). Bought a couple of unique items that I can't wait to wear back home in the US. Will definitely go back!

They're so kind and skilled. They made us a custom necktie to wear to a wedding within 4 hours. It…read morewas a last minute request and very urgent, but they were able to do it. We're so thankful!

Civan Fashionhouse for Men, located on hip Cukurcuma street in the Cihangir district of Beyoğlu is…read morea bespoke gentleman's shop. Made to measure coats, jackets, pants, vests and other Euro styled clothing at reasonable prices are available, as well as off the rack seasonal items. Men's shoes and ties are also available for purchase. A caring and attentive staff answer questions and provide personalized service at this small shop. Located at Firuzaga Mah, Cukurcuma Cad. No 42, Beyogly, Istanbul. Tel +90 212 243 32 11 and at civanblogging.com