With something to suit everyone, try out these restaurants and cafes in Istanbul's Üsküdar district, with almost all of them offering a breathtaking view of the Bosporus while you satisfy your cravings.
GÖNÜL AYDEMİR - ISTANBUL
1. Kanaat Restaurant
The well-known "tradesman" restaurant is located a short walk's distance from the ferry and bus stations. With a variety traditional Ottoman dishes as well as vegetarian options. Expect to pay TL 60 ($15.50) for a meal for two.
2. Filizler Köftecisi
Even though they have a variety of steaks along with fajitas and salads, meatball dishes are their main specialty. However, whatever you eat by this spectacular view of the Maiden's Tower, should be enjoyable, regardless. Expect to pay TL 90 for a meal for two. Various breakfast plate options are also available for early birds.
4. Katibim Cafe & Restaurant
One of the oldest and most established restaurants in Üsküdar, Katibim, offering a mesmerizing view of the Bosporus has something to suit all taste buds. With board games and shisha (water pipe) also available, you are likely to spend more than a couple hours here. Expect to pay TL 90 for a meal for two or TL 75 for breakfast for two.
5. 216 Cafe Trend
The vast majority of its customers might be in the younger age group, yet once you try it, 216 Cafe Trend will become one of your local favorites. Located right across the road from the ferries, you have a seamless view of the Üsküdar coastline all the way to the Maiden's Tower. Although the majority of food choices include salads, wraps, burgers, sandwiches, pizzas and salads, you won't be disappointed with their chicken and red mead varieties either. Expect to pay TL 90 for a meal for two.
6. Keyif Istanbul
The menu might have a variety of dishes listed, but your best choice at this shabby cafe, would be breakfast as you enjoy the beautiful view of the Bosporus. However, be ready to climb a few floors as no lifts are available in this old building, situated just behind the fish market. There are guitar and violin performances every Wednesday at 8:00 p.m. Expect to pay TL 55 for a meal for two.
7. Teras Cafe
Located at the end of the fish market, you might have to ask someone before you are able to locate the entrance. No need to worry, as most will be able to easily direct you. Don't expect a rich menu here, but the gözleme – pastry with a variety of filling options available – and the Ayvalık toast containing kasseri cheese, sujuk, diced sausages, capsicum, pickles, are favorites. Majority of the customers are frequenters who come for the shisha and daily live music performances – generally starting at about 7:30 p.m. Saturday nights being the busiest, you are recommended to call and make a reservation if you plan to go in the evening. Expect to pay TL 70 for two people. Also, note that the plate of mixed nuts – at TL 10 – is yours – whether you eat it or not – once you sit to enjoy the music.
