Solo dining in Istanbul?

[Asperges]

I've seen various posts on eating in Istanbul, but can anyone point me towards the places that are the friendliest/most user-friendly for a solo female diner?

(FYI, for the first half of my trip I'll be staying near Sultanahmet, the second half near Taksim Square.)

[seambyseam]

You have probably been on your trip by now, but let me know if you have not!

[Jetgirly]

I was alone in Turkey in 2010, and I recall my meal at Ciya Sofrasi (in Kadikoy) because the food was really good AND because there were a number of women working in the restaurant, which I didn't see at many other places.

[antman]

It is true that most restaurants are staffed by men. There a number of family restaurants as well where it is usually a husband/wife team in the kitchen and their children serving. Klemuri is run by two sisters and their mother- wonderful Eastern Black Sea cuisine. Ficcin is also totally matriarchal.
Karakoy Lokantasi also has a mostly female waitstaff. But after some anecdotal research with single female friends, I've found that most local restaurants are quite comfortable for single females.

[mrnyc]

good news is of all the places we went i didnt notice anywhere that would be an issue at all for a solo dinner, male or female.

to add to my post below i might rec kybele cafe for you in sultanahmet for a light lunch and peranostra directly across from tunel in beyogulu for a light evening meal.

for drink about anywhere seemed fine as well. of the two main pub strips near taksim i might rec: cezayir sk > nevizade sk for a solo woman. just because its more atmospheric and less standard/hectic.

let me know if you have more questions - have fun and no worries its an easy place to visit and enjoy, just make sure when you go to the aya sofia & topkapi you get on line in the morning an hour before they open, trust me on that tip if no other lol!

[Asperges]

Thanks for the tips!