The new W Istanbul is an ideal destination for committed gourmands. It's located in Besiktas district, in a converted set of row houses, and its neighbors include some of the top restaurants in the city.
In fact, the star-studded dining starts downstairs inside the hotel, explore an outpost of Jean-Georges Vongerichten's Spice Market, which fits the cultural crossroads atmosphere of Istanbul perfectly with its blend of Southeast Asian and European flavors. A more overt East-West fusion may be had at nearby Vogue, which brings together Mediterranean and Japanese in a see-and-be-seen atmosphere.
Next door to the W is 1897 Konyali, the latest from one of the city's oldest and most respected restaurants, Konyali. 1897 takes Ottoman cuisine to new fine dining heights — lamb cooked for four hours with fresh and dried fruit, orange baklava, game-stuffed fresh pasta — ask for a tasting menu and watch the lavish dishes come streaming to your table.
For a quick bite while shopping, CafeCity is a good, affordable bet in a rather expensive neighborhood. Light entrees, salads and espresso is served either inside or in a secluded courtyard garden.
