Akdeniz Restaurant  
Mustafa Kemalpaşa Caddesi 48, Aksaray, 36420 Tel (0212) 458 13 00 
This is an unassuming, mid-range lokanta (traditional restaurant) serving a large range of appetizers, kebabs, lahmacun (thin-crust crepe), pide (flat bread) and pizzas. The specialty is tandoor lamb. Ask for a table away from the TV screen if you prefer peace and quiet with meals. Alcohol is available.

Havuzlu 
Gani Çelebi Sokak 3, Grand Bazaar, Beyazıt, 36420 Tel (0212)527 33 46 
Havuzlu is where you head when hunger interrupts a shopping spree. It Is a small restaurant serving honest local food. Everything is cooked freshly. The soups, dolma (stuffed vine leaves) and different kinds of kebabs and grills are great snacks. Havuzlu means "with pool" and is named for the burbling fountain found inside.

iskender Saray 
Atatürk Bulvarı 116, Aksaray, 36420 Tel (0212) 520 34 04 
This classic restaurant serves döner kebabs and signature dishes include iskender kebab (döner meat on bread with a rich sauce) and saç kavurma (lamb and vegetables flambéed at the table). The white table cloths and cheerful, friendly staff lend a professional touch. They do a handy takeaway service. No alcohol is served.

Karaca 
Gazi Sınan Paşa Sokak, Vezir Han l/A, Nuruosmaniye, 36420 Tel (0212) 512 90 94 
This large restaurant is part of an authentic Ottoman caravanserai. Diners eat very well here and dishes such as pazı dolması (stuffed chard) and islim kebabı (lamb with aubergine) are hearty and filling. Save room for the calorific kabak tatlısı (pumpkin pudding) The clientele Includes shopkeepers from the Grand Bazaar.

özbolu Kebap House
Hoca Paşa Sokak 33, Sirkeci, 34430 Tel (0212) 522 46 63 
In a street of budget kebaberies, this one stands out with an amazing choice of hot and cold dishes The grills, stews, seasonal fish and puddings are hearty, fresh and delicious. Succulent and juicy kebabs are the dish of the house. The atmosphere here is cheerful Sour cherry juice and soft drinks are available instead of alcohol.

Subaşı 
Nuruosmaniye Caddesi. Kılıççılar Sokak 48, Çarşıkapı, 36420 Tel (0212) 522 47 62 
Located near the Nuruosmaniye Gate of the Grand Bazaar, Subaşı is an uncomplicated traditional eatery serving up freshly cooked dishes every day This is mainly a lunch place and diners will find the food at its freshest and tastiest at this time. You can select various stews, meat and baked dishes before you are seated.

Borsa Lokanta 
Yalı Köşkü Caddesi, Yal, Köşkü Han 60, Sirkeci, 36420 Tel (0212) 511 80 79 
There are two eateries here a fast-food, service one on the ground floor and a more formal one on thetoel above. Borsa Lokanta has many branches in Istanbul One of their trademark recipes ıs begendılı kebab, (meat with a creamy aubergine sauce). The service is extremely competent. Alcohol is served.

Dârüzziyafe 
Sifahane Caddesi 6, Sûleymaniye, 36420 Tel(0212)511 84 14 
The former kitchens of the Sûleymaniye Mosque  house this excellent restaurant, serving unusual and elaborate Ottoman dishes. The nourishing house soup is made with spinach, vegetables and meat Meze; a e available. For dessert, try keşkül (milk pudding with pistachios and almonds). It is best to reserve No alcohol served.

Pandeli 
Mısır Çarşı 1, Eminönü, 36420 Tel (0212) 527 39 09 
Pandeli is one of Istanbul's most venerable restaurants and they have a crisp and brisk attitude to their business They are ideally located in the middle of the Spice Bazaar; so it is always crowded and lively. Locals come for the patlıcan böreği (aubergine pastry) and sea bass steamed in wax paper (kağıtta levrek). Reservations advised