Inci Pastanesi

Istiklal Caddessi
Taksim / Beyouglu
about 3 mins walk down Istiklal, opposite Mavi Jeans

Cheap Eats

This place has been around for at least 60 years, you can figure that out quite quickly from the décor and the old news clippings. People only come here for one thing ... a plate of profiteroles with vanilla cream and covered in delicious chocolate goo!

It's always busy ... so rush in, hand over your 5 YTL, grab a dish and then sit down. Savour each mouthful and when you're done, someone else will be waiting to take your seat.

Suggest you make a plan to head to your favourite coffee shop you'll need it.

Kantin

Akkavak Sokak 16/2
Nişantaşı
T: +90 212 219 31 14
W: www.kantin.biz

Mid Priced
Mixed Veg

Open weekdays til 7pm.

You'll be greeted well by the staff and probably even the owner as you step into this trendy cafe in the back of Nisantasi. Walk past the chefs library and notice cook books from the River Side Cafe or Delia's latest, don't worry, the trend here is great food done well.

Veg options do change on a daily basis, the menu is written up in chalk! Generally, expect parcels with cheese and grilled veg, soup of the day and a mix of other delights including a veg mince and rice 'kofte' or bake.

Think sweet things here while sipping on your Americano, the staff will always press you to try the extra light cheesecake with wild berry sauce or maybe its a meringue with chestnut ice cream.

The House Cafe - Teşvikiye

Atiye Sokak No 10/ 1
Teşvikiye
T: +90 212 259 23 77
W: www.thehousecafe.com.tr
off the street in an apartment building. Look for the small sign on the first floor window

Mixed Menu
Mid Priced
Open 7 days til 10pm
Free WIFI

Great options in a friendly chilled atmosphere with a large communal table to sit around and enjoy your food or a just grab a juice or coffee. You can quite easily pass a few hours here with friends.

Menu options range from breakfast Turkish specialities like spicy-scrambled eggs (memnen) to more traditional breakfasts of breads and cheese. A range of great fresh juices get you started, try the House Boom combo juice with 1/2 banana, some apple, fresh orange and cherry juice.

Head down anytime of the day for lunch or dinner options from green lentil salad with white cheese and french mustard dressing or a large pizza with pear, walnut and rockfort cheese. If you want more space to yourself, try to grab one of the few tables for 2 in the back room and if you find smoking really gets up your nose, ask for seat right by the entrance.

For summer days and a Sunday brunch head to the Ortakoy and then go shopping at the local markets.

Zencefil

Kurabiye Sokak 8
just off Istiklal Passaj
up from the Spanish Institute
T: +90 2122444082

Mid Priced
Veg Menu with a fish and chicken option
Local wines
Not open Sunday / Pazar

Great location for this place. One of the only veg cafes in Istanbul with a menu that is interesting. The cool surrounds mean you can sit back and enjoy a wine with your meal but the place does get full on week nights so you may want to try to book.

The menu is all in Turkish but if you muddle through, on the staff she understands you. I've tried this place a few times now, the soups are really good served with a slice of cheese and homemade bread. Standard veg items like spinach parcels can be uninviting and snack sized, but try the bulgur risotto. Leave room and try the Zencefil Desert with a pot of 'Mediteraneo' special tea.

Its a shame that this place isn't open Sunday evenings when quiet and good is what you need!