Istanbul is deliciously overwhelming and I visit every chance I get, seeking out the best meat, offal, markets and pickles the city has to offer. Here are some highlights.
Adana Ocakbasi
Turkish restaurant · Bozkurt
Simply the best place in Istanbul for grilled sweetbreads and Adana kebab.
Asmalı Cavit
Restaurant · Asmali Mescit
A meyhane in Beyoğlu and one of the best places in the neighborhood for a traditional meal of mezes and rakı.
Istanbul
8 Places
Istanbul is deliciously overwhelming and I visit every chance I get, seeking out the best meat, offal, markets and pickles the city has to offer. Here are some highlights.
Balat Sahil Restaurant
Seafood restaurant
Go for the exceptional mezes and liver washed down with a bottle of triple distilled Beylerbeyi rakı. The fish and vegetal starters are life changing.
Şehzade Cağ Kebap
Kebab shop
This grilled meat palace is at the entrance of Hocapaşa Sokak. Go for the cağ kebabı, skewered meat cut from a horizontal spit.
Kokorecci Asim Usta
Offal barbecue restaurant
The amazing döner shop across the street from Pando. Eat a late breakfast then go directly to Asım Usta for a pide full of sliced meat.
Tarihi Karaköy Balık Lokantası Grifin
Permanently closed
Tucked away on a back street amongst vendors selling hardware and scuba gear, Tarihi Karaköy Balikcisi may very well be the best fish restaurant in town. Go at lunch when (and only when) Maharrem Usta is working the charcoal and get the grilled sole.
Adana Ocakbasi
Turkish restaurant
Simply the best place in Istanbul for grilled sweetbreads and Adana kebab.
Asmalı Cavit
Restaurant
A meyhane in Beyoğlu and one of the best places in the neighborhood for a traditional meal of mezes and rakı.
