!VAR HAGENDOORN

Istanbul Restaurants

Istanbul has a thriving restaurant scene. Recently a number of famous international restaurants have opened an Istanbul branch (Nobu, Jean Vongerichten, Zuma, Hakkasan) but Istanbul has a lot to offer itself. During my too brief visit I had to go by the recommendations of some magazines, so all I can do is confirm those.

I particularly enjoyed Kitchenette. There's one on the ground floor of the Marmara hotel on Taksim Square. I went there twice, once for lunch and once for dinner. It's sort of a bistro concept. Good food and a relaxed atmosphere. One section of the menu has been created with Men's and Women's Health magazine. They also have some great take-away bread and pastry.

The view from the rooftop terrace at Mikla on top of the Marmara Pera hotel in Beyoglu is not to be beaten. The food is great as well, but expect to pay "standard" European prices, that is around 60 euro per person for three courses and a glass of wine. I thought I'd mention this because some people would find this expensive.

360 is an Istanbul institution where the beautiful people come to hang out. It offers wonderful 360 views of Beyoglu. Vogue is another Istanbul institution, but I didn't have time to go there.

There are a lot of fish restaurants in Kumkapi and Istanbul being a coastal city many restaurants serve fish and seafood. All I wonder is where all the fish is coming from since I would imagine the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara to be empty by now.

Nicholas Lander, restaurant critic for the Financial Times also just returned from Istanbul and has some more recommendations, which I'd love to try out on a next visit.