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A local institution, famed for classics like braised lamb with eggplant. Lutfi Kirdar Kongre ve Sergi Sarayi; 011-90-212-232-4201 or borsarestaurant.com.
Turkish-inspired comfort food, like rice pilaf with mussels and calamari. Akkavak Sokak 16/2; 011-90-212-219-3114 or kantin.biz.
A rooftop café in the stylish Bebek area, serving perfectly grilled sea trout and elegant snacks. Cevdetpasa Caddesi 69, Bebek; 011-90-212-263-5199.
Defne’s lively steak house specializes in dry-aged steaks and house-made sausages, which are also sold at her butcher shop two doors away. Fatih Sultan Mehmet Mah. Atatürk Caddesi 4, Armutlu; 011-90-212-277-8860 or dukkanistanbul.com.
The Samatya outpost, near the airport, is Defne’s favorite: “I’m not a fan of modern, lighter kebabs. A good kebab should be at least 40 percent fat, as they prepare them there.” Gümüsyüzük Sokak 7, Samatya; 011-90-212-529-0833 or develikebap.com.
Its outpost in the Sakip Sabanci Museum offers Scandinavian style and updated Turkish dishes like pan-fried beef tongue with mustard sauce. Sakip Sabanci Caddesi 22, Emirgan; 011-90-212-323-0901 or changa-istanbul.com.
Defne loves this cozy restaurant’s fish meze: “I get the wild-herb salads, stuffed calamari and lots of bits and pieces of cured fish.” Kadir Has Caddesi 5, Cibali; 011-90-212-533-2846 or cibalikapibalikcisi.com.
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