Spice Market

Over in Istiklal one of the more fashionable districts you will find a plethora of modern restaurants and bars – I gave the over-hyped Mikla restaurant a try but was rather disappointed. It’s a restaurant on the top floor of the Marmara Pera hotel so the views across Istanbul are spectacular – I think a 360 view of the city. The bar and restaurant represents the new Turkey and is a very popular place but I found the restaurant too modern, square plates and drizzles of this and that, not my cup of tea but perfectly decent food if you like the more modern approach.

Be sure to visit the Spice Market – not so much the inside the market but the variety of stalls on the outside of the markets selling all sorts of kitchen and cooking paraphernalia. Search out where the locals are lunching – you’ll find them crowded around the Turkish grills in tiny little cafes in the market. Grab a low stool and order a kebab – freshly char-grilled in front of your eyes and absolutely delicious.