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Galata House Restaurant Address: Galata Kulesi Sokak 15, Galata, Istanbul Phone: 0112 245 1861
Located 100m down a quiet residential street from the famous Galata Tower, Galata House restaurant is a hidden gem in Istanbul's restaurant scene, and is one of the best restaurants in Istanbul.
A former British civil prison, Galata House restaurant was purchased and renovated by architects Mete and Nadire Goktug, who turned the house into a restaurant that serves up authentic Russian and Georgian food.
Galata House restaurant has two main dining rooms, one at the front of the house that has cozy window-side tables, and one at the back of the house that has room for large parties. In the summer you can dine al fresco on the terrace, which is a real treat.
The food at Galata House restaurant is excellent. To start, try the mixed appetizer plate, which features yogurt with squash, walnut spread, walnut-stuffed eggplant, and beet salad.
For your main, choose from veal goulash, Tatar meat ravioli with cream (Nadire's mother's recipe!), lamb with plum sauce, or another of the many delicious Russian and Georgian dishes.
While you dine, Mete, an Istanbul native and polyglot (equally fluent in English, French, and Danish, as I witnessed last time I was there), will tell you all about the history of the building. He'll even give you a tour after dinner if you ask.
While Mete talks, Nadire will sit down at the piano and play and sing Russian folk songs. An authentic touch that adds a special ending to an already authentic meal!
