"A Drink Under the Vines in Istanbul The blocks of Karikoy from the Galata Bridge going east to Istanbul Modern have emerged as one of the hottest areas in the city in recent years. In this transitioning neighborhood, there are still plenty of local barbershops and offices and shops that reflect the port-related economy of the old Karikoy, but emerging among them are boutiques and cafés catering to a new crowd. Karabatak's name, Turkish for cormorant, reflects the harbor front location of the neighborhood (Karabatak itself is three blocks inland), but this coffee house which opened in 2011 is all about the new Karikoy. It is the Istanbul headquarters of the Austrian coffee roasting company Julius Meinl and you can sit in its comfortable rooms with tiled floors and vintage furniture and choose from a long menu of coffee drinks, as well as sodas, limonatas, and some sandwiches and snacks. On warm evenings, patrons sit under the vine arbor that forms a roof over the pedestrian street, extending to another popular café, Unter, diagonally across the intersection. (Karabatak is on the right side of the street in this photo.)"

"Lezzetli Lavazza Italian Coffee in Galata Recently opened, the Galata Lavazza Coffee Shop is becoming the meeting place for tourists who appreciate traveller’s timeout with a good cup of Italian coffee. The café faces the Galata Tower and square where all manner of people and laid back activities can keep you entertained as you sip on your favourite blend and say, "Çok lezzetli!" (Turkish for, very delicious). Lavazza coffee was first served in Turin in 1895 and is now touted as Italy’s favourite coffee and brewed all over the world. If you’re missing your daily cappuccino, double espresso, Americano, macchiato or latte, then drop by Galata Lavazza and order a cup to drink on their provincial street-side terrace. Italian pastas, desserts and café snacks are also available. Afiyet olsun / Bon appetit"

"Genuine Hospitality and Cuisine On arrival to Istanbul , many tourists order the chicken şiş (chicken kebab) for a meal because it's familiar and safe, but they're really missing out on some of the best food in the world! I encourage anyone visiting Turkey to gastro-travel through the country's tasty cuisine and sample the many Ottoman dishes and succulent regional kebabs on offer. My favorite place to take guests is Fuego Cafe & Restaurant in Sultanahmet. Fuego opened in early 2012 and is fast becoming one of the most reputable restaurants in the tourism precinct. The outstanding service by owner-operators Can, Ali, Mehmet and Salih has earned the restaurant accolades. Try the Ali Nazik (minced beef on yogurt, eggplant and tomato mash), Hünkar Beğendi (tender lamb on a bed of smoked eggplant puree) or pilic dolma (stuffed chicken with a rich saffron sauce) and wash it down with a glass of Turkish wine from the comprehensive wine list. The restaurant is also open late, so pop in for a nightcap or two on your way back to your hotel. If you're a coffee drinker, ask Can, a former barista, to brew you a cappuccino, latte, espresso, French coffee, Irish coffee, or even a herbal tea. Fuego welcomes guests for breakfast, lunch, and dinner all through the year and can accommodate people with food intolerances—just ask your waiter for recommendations."

"Colorful Bakery in Sultanahmet One of the latest cafes to open in Sultanahmet is Karafırın on Akbıyık Caddesi (Street). It's part of a larger chain of stores in Turkey specializing in baked goods and cafe-style refreshments. Check out the bakery section full of tasty treats, then browse the displays of "only in Istanbul " gifts ideas that appeal to all ages. With all the color and choice in the store, you may feel like Charlie in the chocolate factory trying to decide what to buy. The baklava, mini tarts, cakes, chocolate, tulumba, börek (savoury pastry rolls) and poğaça (baked bread) are all very inviting on the counter, so too is the lemonata, strawberry lemonade, rose sherbet, freshly brewed tea and Italian coffee. Karafırın is great for a coffee and cake break but also has a menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner."