Feri Suites

Dining in the gardens of the fully refurbished Feriye Palace is a new experience each time. Here on the edge of the Bosphorus – some diners even arrive by boat – you have the ever-evolving backdrop of the constant coming and going of the ships. And there is something magical about the view of the illuminated Ortaköy Mosque and Bosphorus Bridge, especially when you have a delicious cocktail in hand. This restaurant strikes a fine balance between chic and relaxed, and the service is attentive. The chefs, who can be seen at work in the open kitchen, let the ingredients speak for themselves. Their

Cenk Debensason has travelled extensively over the years, and this has shaped his personality as a chef. In brief, he grew up in Istanbul, trained in France, and matured as a chef in the United States. You also get a sense of his journey in his dishes. His spicy twist on a vol-au-vent, featuring al dente green asparagus and a lively gribiche sauce, showcases his understanding of French cooking. The chef seamlessly blends classic techniques with Asian flavours, for example in his perfectly seared sea bass, which he elevates with the intense sweet and sour complexity of a Thai sauce. The versati

Yoshizumi Nagaya is a Japanese chef who is making waves in Düsseldorf. His mastery of Japanese tradition and technical precision is widely praised there. In Istanbul, he is living up to his reputation. He has set up shop in the cosy boutique hotel Bebek, in the lively neighbourhood of the same name. His stylish Sankai offers stunning views of the Bosporus and subtly marries Japanese authenticity with European influences. His veal cheeks are cooked for 48 hours at a very low temperature until almost candied and intensely flavoursome, then served with beans, a ponzu mayonnaise, powdered vinegar

Fatih Tutak expresses his love for his Turkish terroir here, showcasing ingredients from the region and produce from local traders on a daily basis. This is a chef who cooks with respect for tradition and what nature has to offer. Familiar flavours are given a new dimension, and centuries-old practices are tailored to the zeitgeist. Part of his originality lies in his nuanced use of delicate acidity and smoky flavours. Pide, straight from the oven, is served with three kinds of butter – buffalo, cow's-milk butter and beurre noisette – turning the apparently simple to the sublime. Or try the pe

The never-ending hustle and bustle of the lively Nişantaşı neighbourhood is what characterises this cosy establishment. Istanbulites and international guests alike stream in all day long, whether for a quick bite or an extended meal with friends. Genuine Turkish hospitality and great value for money are the biggest draws of Sade Beş Denizler Mutfağı. Authentic Anatolian specialities such as spicy beef tongue salad with chilli, and lamb-filled manti cooked in a fragrant broth infused with mint and lemon juice are celebrated here with the generosity you would expect. No fuss, just rich flavours

Tatbak has been the go-to kebab place for many an Istanbulite since 1960, and at no point in that time has it compromised on quality. With its lovely stained-glass windows and marble finishings, the vintage-style decor is attractive, but the local vibe and fantastic value for money are the main draws. Take, for instance, the Gaziantep version of spicy lahmacun (Turkish pizza), generously topped with vegetables and parsley, or the kebab with lamb sausages and minced beef – both are house favourites. The experienced chef skilfully balances sweet, spicy and tangy nuances, without losing sight of

Foxy takes its name from the musky flavour of the Concord grape, though it also suits the casual, playful spirit of this spot – where you might notice the house cat wandering around. Indeed, at Foxy, chef Maksut Aşkar of the MICHELIN-starred Neolokal, and wine specialist Levon Bağış have appointed a team that understands their philosophy. Sample wonderful Turkish wines – from natural wines to classic appellations – and savour a fresh, modern and sophisticated take on traditional local cuisine. For instance, cured tuna fillet, lightly salted and served raw, is accompanied by julienned red onion