Bright and Central Flat in Kadikoy With Balcony

Kenan and Pınar Çetinkaya welcome you warmly to their intimate restaurant, where capacity is limited. A seat at the counter offers the perfect vantage point to watch the chefs expertly tame the open fire (there are also a few tables in the conservatory). It creates a convivial atmosphere too – you'll almost certainly strike up conversations with your neighbours, and the chefs happily take the time to talk you through their dishes.What may at first glance look simple reveals remarkable depth once you taste it. The chefs focus on bringing out the true essence of their ingredients. They have a pe

Head to the neighbourhood of upmarket Bağdat Avenue and experience the convivial and friendly atmosphere of Nazende Cadde. This is a charming place, in which to share all kinds of delicacies with friends. The tempting menu changes daily to take advantage of the best market offerings and is simply irresistible. The chefs put their heart and soul into every creation and have a few signature dishes up their sleeves, including succulent, boldly spiced grilled squid rings. They like working with offal, pairing tenderly cooked lamb brains with fresh parsley, diced tomatoes, olive oil and lemon. At t

Lamb, grilled dishes and mezze are the specialities of this lively, spacious restaurant spread over two floors. This is where traditional Turkish cuisine reveals all of its generosity. Picture the skewers arriving at your table, still sizzling from the grill. Imagine feasting on sac tava – diced lamb in a punchy tomato and chilli pepper sauce – or fabulous grilled aubergine and pepper with succulent minced lamb. No pretence here, just bold, satisfying flavours. The numerous photographs of celebrities who have dined here are proof that this place has been a crowd-pleaser since 1978.

Parvus Kalamış is a modest little establishment with just a handful of tables that see a steady stream of diners throughout the day. The chefs describe their cuisine as simple and delicious, and we can only agree. Think ravioli generously stuffed with ricotta and broccoli, bathed in a sage-infused butter sauce, or perfectly medium-rare lamb fillet served with bulgur risotto and carrot purée laced with Middle Eastern spices. This fusion of Turkish and Mediterranean culinary traditions delivers deep, indulgent flavours that are nothing short of irresistible. Beyond the extensive à la carte selec

Istanbul residents come to this sun-drenched restaurant to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. The waiters give expert advice on the wide selection of mezze in the display fridge – the salads are beautifully fragrant! And that's just the beginning, because the traditional preparation methods accentuate the rich flavours of super-fresh fish and seafood. Whatever you choose, the chef will cook it according to your wishes: the bluefish, for example, can be barbecued whole and served with al dente vegetables. This is ingredient-led cuisine that never fails to impress.

Stylish and spacious, Sapa is located in a predominantly corporate neighbourhood and caters to breakfast, lunch and dinner crowds. We especially recommend the set menu, available from 2pm. (N.B. The 12-course menu is for a minimum of two people.) The chef has a penchant for open-flame cooking and a knack for balancing robust flavours with contemporary culinary lightness. He accompanies succulent grilled rockfish with a salmon cream paired with chestnut and capers for a touch of fresh acidity. A drizzle of syrup adds a hint of sweetness – a refreshing spin on Turkish cuisine!

Kaan Sakarya and Derin Aribaş honed their skills in top-flight European restaurants before opening this lively bistro. A seat at the counter offers the best view of how they blend European and Turkish traditions with a street-food twist. Their seasonal, market-fresh cuisine is beautifully showcased in the sweet brioche filled with tomato jam, onion and stracciatella. The pan con tomate with perfectly salted anchovies is simply irresistible. The appealing menu demonstrates the chefs' knack for infusing every dish with personality.