Bosphorus is always beautiful, especially in the mornings. It’s a great start for a day to have your breakfast with a view of Bosphorus, and the places below are the ones that you can enjoy the view and have a good breakfast. People in Istanbul mostly choose to have their breakfast outside their house on weekends, so if you want to skip the crowds, choose to go to these restaurants on weekdays.

1 – Bebek Cafe
A popular place for a long time, nothing luxurious, it is operated by the same people for years and everything is set up to get relaxed and listen to the Bosphorus. It is always busy and it is not easy to find a table next to the Bosphorus, you will enjoy your linden tea with your ‘peynirli simit’ (Turkish bagel with cheese).
It’s just next to the dock in Bebek, close to the park.

2 – Lokma
With its perfect location, this place serves breakfast from a menu of a lot of choices. Get your book with you and come to Lokma in the morning to see one of the best views from the European side, including the view of Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge on the Bosphorus. After breakfast, there’s also a beautiful walking route from Hisar to Bebek, Arnavutköy, and Ortaköy depending on how strong you got your breakfast.
From Taksim or Sultanahmet you should get to Kabatas by tram, and get on a bus to Rumeli Hisari – bus 22RE, there are also direct buses from Taksim. Taxi from Taksim should cost maximum 20 TL.

3 – Ortaköy House Cafe
House cafes are now 7 branches throughout İstanbul, all have the same comfortable large chairs with a low lounge music and finely selected dishes on a menu. If you would like to add also a beautiful view of Bosphorus bridge and Ortaköy Mosque that is the place, you can have a large breakfast with all the specialities but if you like the place (we bet you are) why don’t you also come for a sunset drink? Do not forget you will be just one meter away from the Bosphorus.
When you come to Ortakoy, anyone can give you directions to the House Cafe.

4 – Mangerie
Actually their style is similar to House Cafe located at Bebek – very popular place with nice cafes & restaurants, especially at weekend you will need a reservation to take your seat on the Bosphorus view large balcony, you will sip your tea with freshly baked bread and cakes.
It’s on Cevdetpasa Street 69, Bebek.

Authentic local cuisine of east Meditterenean and the city of Gaziantep is served here with an ultimate taste. Except for the kebabs, the menu changes everyday; the kebabs are also delicious but the rest of the menu is more unique. Eat as much as you can, the soups, the main courses with or without meat, salads, pilafs, desserts and sorbets are wonderful. The restaurant is located in a crowded street of Kadikoy – Guneslibahce Street No.43 walking distance from the harbour. Their website is inviting: http://www.ciya.com.tr/index_en.php

2- Haci Abdullah

A traditional restaurant in Istanbul with history of more than 100 years, Hacı Abdullah is one of the best places to taste traditional Turkish food. From the main courses Beğendili Kebap (kebab with eggplant puret), Elbasan Tava (lamb casserole with yoghurt) are the favorites. Check their website: http://www.haciabdullah.com.tr/wp-content/English/index.html

3 – Hünkar

The food is delicious and less olive is involved when compared to other traditional Turkish restaurants, so you do not feel discomfort even if you eat forcing your limits. You can see the varities of the menu from an open counter; and choose from there. Hünkar Beğendi (sultan’s delight, lamb stew served on mashed eggplant) would be good choice of main course. Oven baked rice pudding is also worth trying as a dessert.

4 – Abracadabra

You can taste modern interpretations of Turkish food at this prototype restaurant in a waterside residence. Most of the fresh and natural ingredients of the menu is directly brought from the producers, and provides a real taste. If you’re looking for experimenting Turkish food, first go to the classic ones (as above) to understand, then visit Abra Cadabra for well-modified versions. The restaurant is located on Arnavutkoy Street just across the dock of Arnavutkoy.