ACCOMMODATIONS
Radison Blu Ortakoy is located near the Bosphorus and only a minute walk from The Hotel Café (see below). A really fine classic hotel is the 5-star Legacy Ottoman Hotel, Hobyar Mah., Hamidiye Cad. No. 16, Sirkeci. Prices vary with the season, ranging from ₺5,500 to ₺6,700 ($165 to $200).
MONEY
A guide in Istanbul recommended usng the government owed banks for ATM withdrawals rather than the private banks because of lower fees and presumably a better exchange rate. He noted specifically Ziraat Bank but noted there were others.
RESTAURANTS
Saw on an Andrew Henderson video a top-rated restaurant in Istanbul called Serica, Azapkapi, Bankalar Cd. No:5, Karakoy located in The Bank Hotel. Some amazing dishes were shown such as an elaborate artichoke appetizer consisting of baby artichoke, artichoke purée with dill oil. And then a lamb shoulder tandoori with stuffed onion, apricot purée and lamb jus. They also have a chef's tasting menu for ₺2,600 (about $100).
Here are two additional recommendations by Andrew Henderson located in the Nişantaşi neighbourhood:
Nişantaşi Başköşe, Bronz Sokak, No:5, Maçka
The House Café, Harbiye Mah. Atiye Sok. No: 10/1.
There are 10 locations in Istanbul. I had a delicious breakfast (Savoury Mince & Eggs) at The House Café Ortaköy, Yıldız mahallesi, Salhane Sokak No: 1. Ortaköy is located on the water with a beautiful view of the Bosphorus.
Viyana Kahvesi are a high end chain of coffee houses in Istanbul. They have a large selection of coffees; I had their Turkish coffee which was quite good but not cheap at ₺240 (~$7.25).
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| Nişantaşi Başköşe offerings |
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| The House Café, Ortaköy |
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| Savoury Mince & Eggs at The House Café, Ortaköy |
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