Restaurants Istanbul
Babel
Address:
Turnacibasi Caddesi, 56
The neighborhood Cihangir
On Istikal Caddesi down from Taksim there is small mosque behind white walls on the north side. Opposite this mosque is the street Sadri Alisik Sokak. The street is narrow but busy with restaurants. Walk south all the way down then turn left on Turnacivasi Caddesi. Café Babel will be on the right. It is a beautiful old building with restored exposed brick walls and brick vaults. They have street seating, mezzanine seating and balcony seating. Free Wifi. People there are kind and international. They have nice bathroom.
Information from Eleanor Pries
General Information on Eating in Istanbul
The American custom of asking for separate checks is uncommon in Turkey. Instead, usually one member of the group gets the bill and pays, and the group repays him or her afterward.
About 10 percent tip for cafes and restaurants is customary. For self service tip isn’t expect however they do appreciate an extra lira or two.
Certain restaurants do not serve alcohol due to permit expanses and most are located too close to a place of worship or school to qualify for a permit.
Types of Restaurants:
Kebab lokantasi or Kebabci – serve traditional Turkish meat dishes
Meyhane – tavern style restaurant, open mostly during night as it offers live music for entertainment
Balik lokantasi – fish and seafood restaurant, fish priced daily so it varies per day, usually fish dish serve 2 to 3 people
“Self-servis” restaurants – functions like cafeteria but with restaurant quality food, survey what you see and point to what looks good (no menu)
Esnaf lokantasi – offers real backdoor eating experience, simple eateries on back streets in low rent areas and business districts, inexpensive wholesome food, usually open for lunch, they don’t accept credit cards, food on display for menu
Information from Rick Steve's Istanbul guide book
