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

Kemankeş Mahallesi, Kemankeş Cd. No:57, Beyoğlu, Istanbul, 34425