Balikci Sabahattin (Sabahattin the Fisherman) has been our favourite for many years, especially when the weather allows outdoor sitting. Years ago Sabahattin inherited a tiny fish restaurant on a street running parallel to the current one. It was so small that there was hardly any room inside, so he began putting tables out on the street. The current building, which he took over five years ago, is a restored Turkish house. Although sufficiently spacious, many tables still spill out in the summer onto the little square in front. The fish and the meze (hors d'oeuvres) are delicious. Reservation needed. Phone: 0212-458 1824, Address: Seyit Hasan Kuyu Sokak, Cankurtaran.

Rumeli Cafe. This restaurant, housed in a renovated print works is located in a side-street very close to the hotel. It is a small charming restaurant with stone walls, clean white tablecloth, and wood fire in winter. In summer, sitting outside on the pavement is very pleasant. A good choice for lunch as well as dinner. Reservation is needed for dinner. Phone. 0212-5120008. Address: Ticarethane Sok. 8, Sultanahmet.

Giritli Restaurant, a seafood restaurant with a set menu in a restored Ottoman house, is located in a residential area within 10-minute walking distance from the hotel. The food is delicious, and your meal will include over twelve different meze plates followed by perfectly-cooked fish (you have a choice here). Wine is included the price of the "fix-menu." You can sit in the garden during summer. Reserevation is needed. Phone: 0212-4582270. Keresteci Hakki Sokak, Cankurtaran, Ahirkapi.

At Beyoglu (Pera):

Cezayir Restaurant & Bar. "Behind the Galatasaray Lycée, this fabulous 19th century building was originally a school for the Italian Workers' Association. Beautifully converted into a glamorous bar and restaurant, Cezayir throngs with the city's literati and glitterati. The baroque silver and white dining room is stunning. The back room, with original floor tiles, soaring ceilings and a long wooden bar, is a stylish place for sharing some of the most inventive meze in Istanbul. There's a louche lounge with large mirrors and sofas, and a garden at the back". (From TimeOut's Istanbul, 2007 ed). Reservation is needed. Phone: 0212-2459980. Address: Galatasaray, Hayriye Cad. No: 16, Beyoglu. Please click here for the web page..