Italian restaurants in Istanbul
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A
Imren Lokantası
A tiny neighbourhood lokanta with extremely friendly staff, İmren is off the tourist trail but is worth the walk. It serves excellent, dirt-cheap dishes such as peppery lamb guveç (stew) or musakka (baked aubergine and mincemeat). Go for lunch rather than dinner.
reviewed
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B
Çiya Sofrası
We’re going to go out on a limb here, and say that this is the best lokanta in the city. We love the simple modern interior and ever-friendly staff, and we adore the food – everything from the delicious self-service meze spread to the icli köfte (spicy meatballs rolled in bulgar and deep fried) to the plentiful vegetarian choices. Two dishes wowed us on a recent visit: a stew of fresh apricots, chestnuts and lamb; and katmer fıstık şeker hamun kaymak (sweet pistachio flaky pastry with clotted cream). Next-door Çiya Kebapçı is owned and run by the same people, and is just as impressive. If these places served alcohol, we’d move in permanently.
reviewed
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C
Caferağa Medresesi Lokanta
In Sultanahmet, it’s rare to nosh in stylish surrounds without paying through the nose for the privilege. That’s why this teensy lokanta in the gorgeous courtyard of this Sinan-designed medrese near Topkapı Palace is such a find. The food isn’t anything to write home about, but it’s fresh and inexpensive.
reviewed
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D
Kanaat Lokantası
This barn-like place near the ferry terminal has been serving up competent hazır yemek (bistro food) since 1933, and is particularly fancied for its desserts. Its understated but pleasing decor features framed photographs of old street scenes.
reviewed
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E
Lokanta
This cool-weather venue is the twin of Nu Teras , and serves an almost identical menu.
reviewed
