657066 Sun Oct 04 23:12:17 -0700 2009 2 52 Turkey/Greece 0 5079326 Hi all, A friend and I are in Instanbul for about 10 days and we have used many of your suggestions, especially Istanbuleats. Thanks to all the posters who have done research for us prior to our visit! We are going to try Ciya Sofrasu today. We are very excited about it. Hamdi's is a favorite of ours too. We have already eaten there two times. The view is fantastic with the 3rd floor being the best. We would also like to recommend the small restaurants on Hocapasha Soaka near Sirkaci Station. There are many small places that are top-notch. Our number one favorite place is Kesap Osman for Iskander kabab. There is a place kitty corner from that where we have had lentil chorba twice and it also has outstanding firin sutlac. Thanks and enjoy!!! salemjan Sun Oct 04 23:12:17 -0700 2009 16884 salemjan 1 5079532 Let us know what you think of Çiya Sofrası. Actually, I enjoyed my visit to Cevahir Sofrasi, at one end of Hocapasa, more. It's an easy and enjoyable trip over to the Asian side and Çiya Sofrası, though - and the walk through the small market on the way to the restaurant. Cevahir Sofrasi Hocapasa Mahallesi – Hocapasa Sokak No. 47-49A Sirkeci – Eminonu – Istanbul Tel: (0212) 526-39-61 Mon Oct 05 06:19:06 -0700 2009 5079326 181831 gomexico 2 5080136 We had a wonderful lunch at Ciya! It was fairly easy to find and the trip on the ferry was very nice. I had an eggplant/lamb meatball/tomato dish that was out of this world. My friend had iskander kabob. He said it was the best he had ever tasted. I had a pumpkin/walnut/tahinni dessert that was amazing. I'm now in a serious search for a good Turkish cookbook written in English. Any suggestions??? Thanks, salemjan Mon Oct 05 10:28:28 -0700 2009 5079532 16884 salemjan