Çınaraltı
Iskele Meydani 44, Ortakoy, European Side Tel (0212)261 46 16
This is one of the cluster of restaurants on the picturesque waterfront in Ortakoy. Freshly prepared, colourful mezes, salads, meat and fish are all smartly served. The tables are close together and they pack in trendy customers, particularly at weekends. Try elsewhere if you are looking for a more romantic or intimate dining experience.
 
Pafuli
Kuruçeşme Caddesi 116, Kuruçeşme, European Side. Tel (0212)263 66 38
In business for over two decades, Pafull has indoor and outdoor tables. Fish and seafood, such as shrimp and squid are freshly cooked and the superb Black Sea dishes are first rate. Mıhlama (corn bread), hamsi (anchovy) and cheese dishes are legendary. There is an extensive menu and wine list.

Deniz Restaurant 
Kefeliköy Caddesi 23, Kefeliköy, European Side Tel (0212) 262 67 77
Located on the seafront. Deniz Restaurant follows seaside trends in offering excellent fresh fish and seafood specialities. This is an ideal place to enjoy a meal by the Bosphorus (outdoors in summer) with smart knowledgeable service. It is well patronized by locals and reservations are recommended.

HidivKasrı 
Hldiv Yolu 32, Çubuklu, Asian side Tel (0216)425 06 03
Perched high on a hill with sweeping vistas of the straits, this former palace stands in the midst of a beautiful park There is a large, formal restaurant that keeps up Turkish culinary traditions, while the terrace is open for buffet brunches on weekends. Come here for the view and sea breezes. No alcohol is served.

Kız Kulesi 
Leander's Tower, off Üsküdar ferry pier, Asian Side Tel (0216) 342 47 47 
Located just offshore from Üsküdar on its own little islet in the Bosphorus, this old building is a self-service cafeteria during the day, and it rebounds spectacularly at night with a full-service restaurant, gourmet food and live music Bookings for the restaurant and ferry service are advised.

Konak 
Istinye Caddesi 23-25, Emirgan, European Side Tel (0212) 32 65 00/01
This restored wooden mansion house is set on three floors on the water's edge. There is a comprehensive selection of meat, salad and international favourites, but fish is the dish of choice. There is alfresco dining under umbrellas on the breezy terrace in summer. The wines are unremarkable but the sea air and talented cooking compensate.

Kordon 
Kuleli Caddesi 51, Çengelköy, Asian Side Tel (0216)321 04 73
This romantic restaurant is located in a smart and cleverly modernized warehouse. Seafood dishes are artistically presented and there is a fine selection of fresh fish daily. People come for the tempting food as much as for the stunning views of Istanbul's European shores. There is outdoor dining in summer.

Sardunya Fındıklı Restaurant 
Meclisi Mebusan Caddesi 22, Salıpazarı, Fındıktı, European Side Tel (0212) 249 10 92 
The accent here is on regional Italian cuisine with some unusual international classics. Outdoor dining on the terrace is available in summer. The staff have a thoroughly professional attitude to their wines A highly successful twin establishment Is in Gayrettepe.

A'jia 
A'jia Hotel, Kanlıca, Asian Side Tel (0216) 413 93 53
Remote from the urban crush, this beautiful restaurant is part of a hotel of the same name in a refurbished yalı on the Asian shore of the Bosphorus. The design is starkly minimalist and clinical but the food superb. Dishes draw on classic Italian recipes and new Mediterranean cooking with subtle flavours and colours. Reservations are advised.

İskele Çengelköy 
Wharf No. 10, Çengelköyü, Asian Side Tel (0216)321 55 06 "
The indoor restaurant has a nautical theme but it is more fun to eat on the pretty outdoor terrace or garden in summer. The sea air and fishing village atmosphere complement the excellent fresh fish choices and seafood and everything is beautifully cooked, as expected at this popular venue. The service is polished and the wines reasonable.

Körfez 
Körfez Caddesi 78, Kanlıca, Asian side Tel (0216)413 43 14
The talented chef here turns out sublime creations. Go for the levrek (sea bass) and mouthwatering selection of mezes The polished service, fine glass- and tableware and candles hint at romance, and the restored villa that houses the restaurant is steeped in history. Körfez offers dining at its best.

LesAmbassadeurs
Bebek Hotel, Cevdet Paşa Caddesi 34, Bebek, European side Tel (0212) 358 15 65
Diners pay for the sea air and waterfront view but Les Ambassadeurs has a well-chosen menu and abundance of typically Turkish and international dishes. There are also a few Russian dishes on the menu and accompanying vodka Behok is a small village along the sea shore, so dining here is an intimate, neighbourhood experience.

Poseidon 
Cevdetpaşa Caddesi 58, Bebek, European Side Tel (0212) 263 38 23
Poseidon boasts a dream location on a wooden terrace jutting out over the Bosphorus with geraniums and charming tables There is an extensive Turkish and transnational menu but the staff encourage diners to order fish dishes The fish chowder is sublime but can come with a large price tag so beware.

Süreyya
Istinye Caddesi 26, istinye, European Side Tel (0212)277 58 86
Originally established by a Russian immigrant, this restaurant is one of the premier landmarks along the Bos|iliunr,, overlooking the pretty bay at istiniye. Its name comes from the original master chef and some of his recipes slill feature on the menu. Caviar blinis, chicken Kiev and beef Stroganoff go down well with lemon vodka.

Orean 
Kirecbumu Caddesi 13, Tarabya, European Side Tel (0212) 262 00 24
Urcan is a neighborly Bosphorus landmark on the European side, best known for its wonderful seafood dishes. The service is polished and the staff are always eager to please. The chef is wonderfully skilled and the creations are stylish, colourful and generous. This is a satisfying dining experience.