This casual, chic café located near Hotel Les Ottomans is a great spot for a casual lunch, and the people watching is superb. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself waiting for a table for 45 minutes when the weather is beautiful, but oh that view of the Bosphorus. Keep Assk Cafe in mind for breakfast, brunch and midday snacks also.

Escape the throngs of tourists at this charming traditional restaurant near Topkapi Palace that’s good for lunch or dinner. The fish here is first-rate and in the nice weather, the outdoor tables are a real treat.  If you’re staying at the Four Seasons in the Old City, this is definitely the place to eat.

The specialty here is traditional Turkish meat and fish specialties served in a modern setting. The restaurant, located in a modern office building, is walking distance from the Swissotel. There is a terrace for outdoor dining in nice weather.

Borsa also has a branch on the Asian side (Kandilli).  In the summertime, sit outside on the terrace where the view is spectacular.

A great non-touristy place for a healthy breakfast with excellent fresh juices and detox grass shots.  There is free wi-fi.

Located in an elegant Art Nouveau townhouse, Changa serves innovative Turkish cuisine adding ingredients from all over the world that combine the old and the new.  The open kitchen allows guests to watch as the food is prepared.  The tadimlik menu (the tasting menu) is especially recommended and the cocktails are quite special.

There is a branch of the restaurant, Muzedechanga, located at the Sabanci Museum in Emirgan.  They serve light food for lunch and as well as their delicious dinner menu.  It’s especially nice in the summer as there is a fantastic view from the outdoor terrace.

Sunday brunch at the Ciragan Palace is spectacular and is widely considered to be the best in town.  There is an extensive selection and everything is delicious.  There is also a wonderful view of the Bosphorus.

In this airy modern space, you’ll be treated to great fish and great views. The grilled fish, grilled calamari and tomato salad are tops. When you finish dinner, there’s delicious ice cream to be found at nearby Girondola. – Ask the restaurant for directions.

A fashionable, informal and pricey restaurant located on a wharf serving exceptional meze and fish with a wonderful view of the Bosphorus. When reserving a table, ask to be seated right by the window and in the summer, request a table outside.

An informal seafood restaurant on the Bosphorus serving delicious meze and fish. There’s a large outdoor terrace for dining in nice weather. It’s walking distance from Hotel Les Ottomans.

Located on the rooftop of the Marmara Pera Hotel, this chic minimalist space appeals to a fashionable crowd who come for the panoramic views of the City and the exquisite and uniquely blended Turkish and Scandinavian cuisines.

This upscale restaurant serves excellent Italian cuisine to a local chic crowd. Keep this in mind for lunch too.

This intimate and elegant restaurant serves fine continental and Turkish cuisine.  You can’t miss with the yogurtlu kebab; kul basti (thin grilled lamb); and bademli keskul (almond pudding). There is a also a garden for outdoor dining.  Cash only.

Delicious fish, meze and attentive service distinguish this chic restaurant located on the water in charming Bebek.

An excellent fish restaurant located right on the Bosphorus on the Asian side.   The best way to reach the restaurant is by boat, either a water tax or traditional motorized shuttle from Beshiktas.  Everything is of the highest quality and the fish is always very fresh though the meze selection may be smaller than in some of the other restaurants.  Don’t miss the fava beans or the delicious salad.  In the summer, it’s wonderful to sit outside overlooking the Bosphorus.

Incredible views of the Bosphorus and the City are the draw at this fashionable outdoor restaurant which features  international cuisine complete with sushi bar and Turkish specialties. The setting is glorious for drinks before or after dinner.

A highly recommended chain of Kebab restaurants, also serving excellent vegetarian options and salads in a modern stylish setting.  While there are several Tike restaurants located throughout Istanbul, the original branch in Levent is closed.

Priding themselves on their innovative approach to Ottoman and Mediterranean cuisine, Topaz offers excellent food in a beautiful setting.

An elegant and fashionable upscale restaurant located on a hilltop that offers wonderful Bosphorus views and continental cuisine with a Turkish flair. It’s become a classic for locals in-the-know.  After dinner, you can dance the night away at the bar next door.

In nice weather, diners sit under the stars at this informal restaurant enjoying platters of divine mezze, meat and kebab dishes that are the house specialties.

Located on the top floor of Denis Palas, an incredible historic building that was recently renovated by the IKSV (Istanbul Culture and Art Foundation) which is also located in the building.  The restaurant, run by the Borsa group,  offers fantastic views and their usual wonderful food here highlighting fusion Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine.  In nice weather, there is also a terrace for outside dining.

One of our favorite restaurants in London, Zuma, with its exceptional contemporary Japanese cuisine and refined contemporary décor is now in Istanbul. The trademark robata grill is here where mouth-watering fish, vegetable and meat dishes are prepared; there’s also a sushi bar where patrons can dine and watch the sushi chefs at work.