Archives for “bosphorus” tag

If there is one place that you need to make reservation to drink beer is BBC (Bosphorus Brewing Company)

This is place is so popular amongst both locals, expats and business travellers. Locals are happy to find different tastes of beer and pork dishes, and the foreigners are happy because they can find what they are missing in Istanbul.

The interior, beer and food menu just resemble classic British Pubs. The beer is brewed in their own “micro” brewery. Istanbul Pale Ale is a traditional English cask Ale, Haliç Gold is a spicy and strong ale, B4 is a more bitter beer. They are all served in their special glasses.

Food is good, a bit expensive though. They serve both a bar menu (includes sousages, cheese plates, chicken wings) and a rich lunch / dinner menu. You can choose fish & chips, lasagne, duck and burgers. All of which are good and go well with the beer. 

BBC also suggests which beer goes best with which choice of food.

If you are for a business trip to Istanbul and have a meeting around Mecidiyeköy area, this is a good place to have a beer after the meeting.

Eleos is a hidden gem on famous shopping street Istiklal, located on the 2nd floor of a historical building. You have to know this place as this entrance is less than inviting but once you walk inside the cozy dining room overlooking the Bosphorus welcomes you.

Eleos Beyoğlu offers a complimentary petite entree and special Greek drinks first, followed by cold mezzes, that were presented to you on a preview tray for you to select. After cold mezes, hot mezzes are served -grilled jumbo shrimp and octopus, fried calamari and grilled chanterelle- where my favourite is grilled octopus.

The main course is fish, depending on season I generally prefer small fishes, istavrit (horse mackerel), tekir (striped red mullet) or sarikanat (baby bluefish) which is followed by fruits served in a bucket with various liquors. Eleos offers good service, delicious food, stunning views and all for a very good price.

Eleos Beyoğlu is my number one restaurant to invite my friends or guests. It’s very popular with locals so reservation is a must for every day of week.

Bebek is my favorite neighborhood by the Bosphorus with a more refined and upscale scene. It is in the middle of the best walking ways by the Bosphorus. On a sunny day, walking up to Rumeli Hisarı for around 2 km, or down to Arnavutköy, again around 2 km is priceless. The entire path is by the sea, uninterrupted by any buildings. You can grab a coffee, ice cream or snacks and enjoy walking while watching people. You can also enjoy Bebek Park, situated by the small bay.

If you prefer to rest and have a meal or some desserts, Baylan is the place I suggest. Originated in Kadıköy in 1923, Baylan is the oldest patisserie still serving the customers. This Bebek branch opened in 2010. It has 3 floors and the bottom floor also serves as the restaurant with choices of sandwiches made from lamb to crab meat.

The signature dessert is the coupe; mixture of ice creams, caramel and crouquant. Also famous for parfes and chocolate cakes since it is now owned by one of the biggest chocolate makers.

The view is spectacular, just looking over the sea and I believe it is one of the better stops while enjoying the Bosphorus.