Istanbul with seven hills is a metropolis where many ethnic groups have lived together for more than centuries. In this way, the eating and drinking culture is also quite broad. If you are wondering about the places in Istanbul that have hosted a long history and bring us the tastes that are on the tongue with their deep nostalgia, come; Let’s take a look at them together.
1. Rejans Russian Restaurant
Kaynak: https://www.tripadvisor.com.tr/Restaurant_Review-g293974-d10245353-Reviews-1924Istanbul-Istanbul.html
The story of Rejans Russian Restaurant begins when three Russian friends who escaped from the Russian Revolution come to Istanbul and take over a Russian restaurant in Beyoğlu, then known as Turkuaz. The regulars of the restaurant, which has been operating in Beyoğlu since 1932, are also very important names. At the restaurant where Atatürk often went and ate, table number two was always reserved for him. Since 1938, Atatürk’s table has been kept reserved by the venue. Although the century-old Russian restaurant was closed in 2015 due to problems with the owner, a South African chef brought Rejans back to life. The venue, which is now operational again, continues to welcome its visitors in the same ambiance and location.
2. Orient Express Restaurant
Kaynak: https://orient-express-restaurant.business.site/
Between 1883 and 1977, the train known as Express d’Orient served between Paris and Istanbul. This most iconic train of its time; It brought many famous names, well-known politicians and artists to our country. For this reason, Orient Express Restaurant and Sirkeci Train Station were among the places that the world turned its attention to. Even though Express d’Orient is no longer operating, Orient Express Restaurant still continues to serve its visitors. The restaurant, which serves Turkish food, has become one of the best train station restaurants in the world. You should definitely visit the place, which is visited by tourist groups visiting Sirkeci.
3. Ayaspaşa Russian Restaurant
Kaynak: https://www.tripadvisor.com.tr/Restaurant_Review-g293974-d1045682-Reviews-Ayaspasa_Russian_Restaurant-Istanbul.html
The flavors of the restaurant, which was opened in 1943 by Hungarian immigrant Judith Krischanovski and her White Russian husband, are astounding. In 1979, Cemal Ok, who worked as a busboy at the restaurant for many years, bought the place and continued to run it. Until he buys the place, he does not forget to learn the secret of making the food so delicious from Madam Judith. Ayaspaşa Russian Restaurant hosts unusual flavors such as yellow vodka and borscht soup. The restaurant located in Gümüşsuyu; It is one of the clean, simple and stylish places. The restaurant, which offers many different tastes to its visitors, also offers live music on some days during the winter months.
4. Pandeli Restaurant
Kaynak: https://vogue.com.tr/metropol/son-istanbul-beyi-pandeli-restoran
Located on the upper floor of the Spice Bazaar, Pandeli Restaurant has a century-old history. Although it was closed in recent years, the restaurant has started to serve again today and has hosted many important names. After its restoration, it continues to introduce its visitors to its unique tastes. The place is known to have been frequented by Ataturk; It stands out with its blue tiles, tasteful and historical texture. You can have a nice meal here after visiting the Spice Bazaar.
5. Hacı Abdullah Restaurant
Kaynak: https://www.tripadvisor.com.tr/Restaurant_Review-g293974-d806407-Reviews-Haci_Abdullah_Lokantasi-Istanbul.html
Hacı Abdullah Lokantası, which has been serving in Beyoğlu since 1888, is one of the oldest restaurants of Ottoman cuisine. The restaurant is run by a master-apprentice relationship. The restaurant, which combines many traditional flavors of the Ottoman Empire, impresses with its unique tastes. The restaurant is a great location for those who want to experience the traditional tastes of the Ottoman Empire.
6. Pera Palace Hotel
When the Orient Express started its Paris-Istanbul flights in 1888, the lack of a place for the high class to stay in Istanbul caused problems. That’s why Pera Palace Hotel is built. Pera Palace Hotel opened as one of the largest buildings in Istanbul and broke new ground. Hotel; Apart from Istanbul’s Ottoman Palace, the building has electricity, the first electric elevator and the first running water. Pera Palace Hotel, Turkey’s first hotel that meets European standards, has witnessed historical events since its establishment and is considered one of the most important symbols of the city culture. Pera Palace has hosted Mustafa Kemal Atatürk many times since 1917. Ataturk used room 101 as a home to make important decisions for the country and to host his senior guests after returning from the war. The room was converted into a museum room in 1981, the 100th anniversary of Atatürk’s birth. Atatürk’s personal belongings are also exhibited here. For this reason, Pera Palace has the feature of a “museum hotel”. There is Agatha Restaurant inside the hotel. This serves as the hotel’s main restaurant. The restaurant where Turkish, Italian and French cuisines come together; Open for visitors from breakfast. Orient Bar is one of the rare places where many intellectuals meet and will help you relive the true bar pleasure that has begun to be forgotten. One of the rare places of Pera Palace Hotel is Patisserie de Pera. The venue, which serves many Turkish and French delicacies, offers its guests a unique atmosphere with its authentic decoration.
