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    Şafak Restorant & Pub

    4.0 (1 review)
    InexpensivePubs, Turkish, Seafood

    Şafak Restorant & Pub Photos

    ŞAFAK RESTORANT & PUB ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Good for groups
    Good for kids

    Recommended Reviews - Şafak Restorant & Pub

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    12 years ago

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    Red River Pub - Across the street

    Red River Pub

    4.1(16 reviews)
    1.1 kmHobyar, Hoca Paşa Mh., Sarayburnu
    ₺₺

    Wow 1st time to Istanbul and this was our 1st food stop. Great for people watching. Our server was…read moreamazing and super helpful for what to see and avoid while visiting Turkey . Their cheese roll appetizer with beer was an excellent way to start followed by an arugula salad and then their combination player. Great beer, wine and cocktail menu along with local desserts. Can't wait to see the sights. Buon Appetito

    Western themed bar…read more(http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/red-river-pub-istanbul-2?select=9LJA-ME__LvOrP2lWsXd1A#m2jpuFH3jCqCuHRu9pGJVg) with eclectic menu with mostly Turkish items along with things like Asian noodles and Fajitas. We stopped in for a drink after our Bosphorus cruise and decided to have a light dinner of the Meze Plate for 2 (16TL = $8) since we're easily influenced by marketing (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/red-river-pub-istanbul-2?select=9LJA-ME__LvOrP2lWsXd1A#QBaq2oHpSKzfnfnMqaZglA) They start you off with some sunflower seed crusted bread which was moist and sweet like it had some honey in it (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/red-river-pub-istanbul-2?select=9LJA-ME__LvOrP2lWsXd1A#3dTCHrqg3Y3KJN7HaOs-sA) Not your typical meze plate with beans, marinated mushroom, and okra along with the more common eggplant, dolmas, and cacik (Turkish version of tzatziki) http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/red-river-pub-istanbul-2?select=9LJA-ME__LvOrP2lWsXd1A#44HGuno0PDqukMu219YO8w Everything popped with flavor including the dolmas which I typically find to be pretty bland. These had pinenuts and other herbs in the rice filling (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/red-river-pub-istanbul-2?select=9LJA-ME__LvOrP2lWsXd1A#JMUm870hJCl2vBzrz_v9lA) Decent prices for beer (8 TL for 50cl draft ) Very friendly staff. Even offered to burn a CD of the music playing.

    Photos
    Red River Pub - Across the street shopping

    Across the street shopping

    Red River Pub - Outside patio

    Outside patio

    Red River Pub - Tea

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    Tea

    Cozy Pub & Restaurant - Cozy Pub Sultanahmet

    Cozy Pub & Restaurant

    3.0(16 reviews)
    0.5 kmBinbirdirek, Alemdar Mh., Alemdar
    ₺₺₺

    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.

    Photos
    Cozy Pub & Restaurant - Cozy Pub Sultanahmet

    Cozy Pub Sultanahmet

    Cozy Pub & Restaurant
    Cozy Pub & Restaurant

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    Old Ottoman Cafe & Restaurant - Traditional dessert

    Old Ottoman Cafe & Restaurant

    4.8(307 reviews)
    0.8 kmAlemdar, Alemdar Mh.
    ₺₺

    This was my first night in Istanbul and I eased tired from traveling from cappadocia earlier in the…read moreday. This restaurant was close to my hotel and had great reviews on Yelp. When I arrived there was only one other customer inside. The restaurant decor was cute and I very comfortable. The staff were friendly and welcoming. This spot was a bit pricey just like most of the restaurants in this touristy area. I had certain Turkish entrees i wanted to try during my vacation. I ordered the Iskender kebab which is beef and pita bread covered with tomato sauce with yogurt on the side. I ordered a side salad to go with it. The dish was very delicious as you can tell in one of my pics. I chatted with some of the staff about life in Istanbul. I was offered some complimentary pomegranate tea before I left and it hit the spot. This is definitely a place to check out when you're in the area.

    A MUST TRY. As an American, I have been SO impressed with food here in Turkey and if you are in the…read morearea, this restaurant is an absolute MUST-TRY if you're looking for great food. I had some of THEE BEST chicken kebab I've ever had in this country here. The beef kebab was also tender and flavorful. You cannot go wrong with any of these! The service was quick and prompt, and the servers were great at making recommendations. I came here in the winter so we sat indoors which felt a bit cramped however, there is also outdoor seating during the nicer weather months. If I'm ever back here in Istanbul, I would definitely come back. And if you're reading this, you NEED to try the Old Ottoman!

    Photos
    Old Ottoman Cafe & Restaurant - Streetside

    Streetside

    Old Ottoman Cafe & Restaurant
    Old Ottoman Cafe & Restaurant - Wall outside the restaurant.

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    Wall outside the restaurant.

    Şafak Restorant & Pub - pubs - Updated May 2026

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