Good Food in Istanbul Part 1.
Created | Updated Oct 11, 2012
There are plenty of incredible places to have great food in Istanbul but foreigners seem to have a knack for missing them. This appears to be a trend though as it was overheard that some people can't find anything good to eat in Paris.
The first place to visit if you want something to eat is Kosebasi in the Levent area of Istanbul. (www.kosebasi.com)
It is not the cheapest place around but a great cullinary experience. Reservations is not required but may be a good idea especially on weekends.
After you enter the restaurant and are seated at your table you will be asked by the waiter what you will be drinking. The drink of choice for the locals is Raki (a grape and aniseed drink, very strong,drunk with ice and water) although you can opt for red wine too.
Then the waiter will leave to fetch your drinks, do not ask for a menu!
A variety of dishes will be brought to your table (2 kinds of salad etc..)
Do not panic. This is the way it is. Enjoy.
While having your first sip, a tray of different Meze's (turkish tapas) will be shown to you. Take whatever strikes your fancy. Most of the waiters speak english so feel free to ask what it is you are shown. They will be glad to help.
At this point the norm is to enjoy your food and the conversation for some time before the main dishes are ordered. You could alternatively ask for a plate of Cop Sis, (small lamb meat bits on a skewer) and eat it as a Meze as well.
The main dish ordering is a serious affair and it is highly recommended to go for one of their kebaps. There are different kinds to chose from and you can go wrong. Ask for the advice of the waiter. By all means order an Adana or Urfa, the staple Kebap in Turkey.
Now some inside information. With your kebap , please order a few pieces of brazed aubergines (Kozde patlican). Then proceed to make yourself small bite size portions of kebap, aubergines, tomatoes , wrap them in Pita and go for it!
Once the meal is approcahing to an end, desserts can be ordered or alternatively fruits, washed down with tea or turkish coffee.
The Check at the end wont be scandalous but expect to pay around 50 to 60 Usd per head. Well worth the price in our humble opinion.
The first place to visit if you want something to eat is Kosebasi in the Levent area of Istanbul. (www.kosebasi.com)
It is not the cheapest place around but a great cullinary experience. Reservations is not required but may be a good idea especially on weekends.
After you enter the restaurant and are seated at your table you will be asked by the waiter what you will be drinking. The drink of choice for the locals is Raki (a grape and aniseed drink, very strong,drunk with ice and water) although you can opt for red wine too.
Then the waiter will leave to fetch your drinks, do not ask for a menu!
A variety of dishes will be brought to your table (2 kinds of salad etc..)
Do not panic. This is the way it is. Enjoy.
While having your first sip, a tray of different Meze's (turkish tapas) will be shown to you. Take whatever strikes your fancy. Most of the waiters speak english so feel free to ask what it is you are shown. They will be glad to help.
At this point the norm is to enjoy your food and the conversation for some time before the main dishes are ordered. You could alternatively ask for a plate of Cop Sis, (small lamb meat bits on a skewer) and eat it as a Meze as well.
The main dish ordering is a serious affair and it is highly recommended to go for one of their kebaps. There are different kinds to chose from and you can go wrong. Ask for the advice of the waiter. By all means order an Adana or Urfa, the staple Kebap in Turkey.
Now some inside information. With your kebap , please order a few pieces of brazed aubergines (Kozde patlican). Then proceed to make yourself small bite size portions of kebap, aubergines, tomatoes , wrap them in Pita and go for it!
Once the meal is approcahing to an end, desserts can be ordered or alternatively fruits, washed down with tea or turkish coffee.
The Check at the end wont be scandalous but expect to pay around 50 to 60 Usd per head. Well worth the price in our humble opinion.
