Istanbul historic restaurants

Istanbul is a city of food and history. They are often combined when we talk about the historic restaurants of Istanbul...

Rejans

This is one of the most famous restaurants in the city, whose history is inextricably linked with Russian cuisine and Russian culture. It is easy to find on the pedestrian Istiklal Avenue. Besides, any local merchant will show you the way. "Rezhans" was opened in the last century by Russian emigrants who came to Istanbul during the revolution. The restaurant was named in honor of the French Rejans. In a few months this restaurant became the most popular in this area of Istanbul. Many Russians and Turks started to dine here. Famous singer Vertinsky liked local red-beet soup, even Ataturk, the founder of the Turkish Republic, liked to dine here. They say Ataturk liked to order here a decanter with chilling vodka... Today the restaurant retains the atmosphere of old Rejans, although their cuisine became more modern. They still cook good soup and make dumplings. And the interior of the restaurant is the same one that was here when Vertinsky sang his songs...

Sehzade Mehmed Sofrasi

Strictly speaking, this restaurant is... 500 years old. At least its building. The house and the mosque, which is located next door, were built by Sinan architect - Eastern Michelangelo. As it was customary, the dining room for religious pilgrims, students of madrassas and mosques’ servants was made in an extended gallery, divided into small cubicles. They stay here till now. The atmosphere in the restaurant is quite oriental and the cuisine is truly wonderful (Turkish, Mediterranean and Ottoman). The only restriction - they do not sell alcoholic beverages (even beer).

Komur Lokantasi

It is hard to believe until you see it with your own eyes - this is a five-storey restaurant! A huge space with several rooms, playground for children, hall for special guests... This restaurant is famous for its glorious history, and the local chefs specialize in dishes of the Ottoman and Turkish cuisine. They cook meat on fire and their kebabs are the best in Istanbul. The atmosphere around is very peculiar, the restaurant is surrounded by shops. This restaurant is very cheap - you can dine for $15 for two (without alcohol, of course).

Pudding Shop

This is a historical place of Istanbul and at the same time relatively young. In the 20 century the town was chosen by European alternative youth. Hippies passed through Istanbul on their way to India. This is where they stayed, chatted and looked for fellow travelers - in a place with the best puddings in the city... Photographs, press-clippings and other things - one can find here many artifacts of "hippie era" until now!