Florida Aviator

Istanbul: Best/Unique Restaurants/Spaces

I need a family member's POV again...The previous Barcelona advice shared was greatttt! I know there are several Istanbul threads which seem to sort of just touch the issues below:

My partner and I are headed to Istanbul 11/08 - 11/16, and fellow GLBT FTers tips are always useful. We will be based in the city for the 7 NTS the entire time and venture forth for day trips. We wil be staying at the Park Hyatt and Grand Hyatt so that's covered, but what can be suggested for:

1) FTer choices for best, including high and low brow, food venues. I am definitely into unique setting/food. I know there are dozens of guide books on the city, but looking for GLBT choices, and

2) FTer choices for hidden/interesting/unique experiences in the city, other than the great, but always, always referenced Blue Mosque, Hagia Sofia, etc., which we will of course visit.

Any old, or young, Istanbul hands...perhaps some FTers living in Istanbul.

Thanks!

djjaguar64

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/glbt-...71461-ist.html

Doug 1029

Istanbul is a wonderful place to visit. Check out the side streets behind the grand bazaar. Great copper work, wholesale stores that sell beatiful crystal from Eastern Europe plus much more. Go to a couple carpet stores but there is so much more in these back streets.

SeamusSA

About the midpoint of Istiklal çadessi, across from Galatsary school, is the location of the former flower market at Çiçek Pasaji Walk a little down the pasaji, take a right on Sahne sokak then left onto Nevizade sokak. Several restaurants frequented by locals. Forget the name of the specific place I had a great meal but it was about half way down on the left.

Don't miss the street food, either. The ring shaped simit bread is delectable. Right near the Galata bridge I had a fish sandwich purchased from a guy who had caught the fish and was grilling them right there. I likely would not have ventured this on my own, was led to it by a local whose acquaintance I made (not, not that kind of acquaintance) who insisted it was an authentic Istanbul treat It was.

Enjoy!

Florida Aviator

Thanks, now this is a great example of the kinds of nuggets of information that I can rely on FTers to provide....GLBTers especially. I am sure I will have a really good list by the time of the trip....just as in the case of my Barcelona trip.

Any FTers in Istanbul with some insights?

8dimsum

Our cruise ship was docked nearby. The crew, also made mention of walking down to the bridge area for the freshly caught and grilled fish for snacks. Cheap, too.

dragonfirebcn

cocktails @ the W!

SeamusSA

Yep, dirt cheap as I recall, with all the ambiance of a midtown parking lot - but a great sandwich!

FragranceMarketingGuy

Sunset Restaurant
www.sunsetgrillbar.com/
Awesome ambiance, view is spectacular, fun place and good food. Most of the servers speak English.

olafman

We just spent a 17 days in Istanbul. We used Couch Surfers to meet some local gay couples. Didn't stay with them but had some nice meals and hung out.

Our best meal was at Ciya:
http://www.ciya.com.tr/

It's been written up in Saveur, Food & Wine... Great food. Worth more than one visit.

The bars/clubs are fun. Tek Yon is the one were everyone goes and everyone ends up at at the end of the night. There are others that charge covers but Tek Yon is mostly where it is at.

Gayromeo is the main online hookup site like the rest of Europe.

Have fun and PM me if you have any specific questions.

palermo

The cheap boat tour accross the bosphorous is interesting as well.

I do like the Bazaar. It is about 2/3 stops from Sultanamet by tram.

If you can, try Reina. Yes, it is pretentious, expensive and very straight but the views and setting are unique.

jra3

I didn't go out GLBT style much since I flew in on Sunday and left on Thursday or Friday, but I really loved these restaurants:

Mikla - Great food, awesome view.

Leb-i Derya - Great food, really nice view, Seemed to be a good place for cocktails before dinner too, but we didn't make it back

Kosebasi - I think this is right near your hotel, so great if you're not in the mood to go far afield - great Turkish food, excellent service.

As for tourism, we did the standard set - Hagia, Blue Mosque, Reina Sofya, Ferry up the Bosporous, some Art galleries and history museums. Really great, but nothing off the beaten path.

Enjoy!
John

mcg1000

It's touristy, but I like the kebabs at Hamdi. The pistachio kebabs and the views are fantastic. Reserve if you want a table by the window. I quite like Changa too.

And bring bubble wrap to stock up on glassware at Paşabahçe.

mcg1000

I forgot, I also like Doğa Balık (unexpected location with great views) and Sofyalı 9 (unpretentious meyhane).

mcg1000

And all the House Cafes are good. I like the one in Ortaköy with the view of the Büyük Mecidiye Mosque. And I like the lounge bar at the Büyük Londra Hotel. Doilies and parrots.