These restaurants are in Sultanahmet, the heart of Old Istanbul, or in neighboring districts such as Eminönü (by Galata Bridge and the Golden Horn) and Beyazıt (near the Grand Bazaar). They're of all styles and price ranges.
Sultanahmet being the epicenter of Istanbul tourism, prices are higher here than in other parts of the city, and more restaurants are aimed at foreign clientele.
Lâle Restaurant (Pudding Shop)
This Hippie hangout from the 1960s is now a nice restaurant with a good kitchen open for all three meals right across the street from the Hippodrome on Divan Yolu in Sultanahmet. Fun, convenient, good beer, free Wifi! More...
Terrace Marmara Restaurant
There's no mistaking where you are when you dine at the Terrace Marmara Restaurant atop the Blue House (Mavi Ev) Hotel: the Sultanahmet (Blue) Mosque looms magnificently right across the street. Go here (in good weather) for your first, last or any night in Istanbul and you won't forget it! More...
Alaturka
At lunch a cooking class that serves all, at dinner more like a private dining room, this exceptional place offers "Turkish cuisine served in European style" at quite moderate prices. More...
Sirkeci Restaurants
Just down the hill along Alemdar Caddesi, a 5-minute walk (or one stop on the tram), are good and varied restaurants, some with panoramic views, most with lower prices and perhaps generally higher-level cuisine than most restaurants in ultra-touristy Sultanahmet Square. More...
Hocapaşa Restaurants
Only a bit farther than the Sirkeci restaurants, the simpler, even less expensive eateries around the Hocapaşa Mosque have outdoor tables, varied menus, and quite moderate prices. More...
—by Tom Brosnahan
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