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Karaköy Lokantasi

Istanbul, Turkey

A lunch clientele consisting primarily of well-heeled Turkish businesspeople and a noisy dinner crowd of all ages and nationalities, marks out corner restaurant Karaköy Lokantasi as something special. Decor is airy French bistro meets traditional esnaf lokantasi (workers’ cafeteria), with Iznik-inspired turquoise tiles dominating. Star dish is Hünkar beğendi (Sultan’s delight), an Ottoman-era extravagance featuring nursery-soft, smoky, chargrilled aubergine topped with tender chunks of slow-cooked lamb awash in the gravy it was stewed in. Great service and good Turkish wines add to the pleasure.

Key Information

Location

Kemankes Caddesi 37/A, Kadiköy, Istanbul, 34425