Restaurants

With wooden flooring and ceiling, and a staircase that sweeps down from the main ground floor to a cellar with an arched roof, Ishtar has a modern look. The ground floor contains a long curved bar and an ocakbaşı grill; part of it is on a raised level. On the walls, shelves display preserved fruit in jars. Heavy white tablecloths cover the tables and help to contain the noise level. A starter of houmous kavurma was very pleasing, though unusual in being topped with minced lamb rather than small cubes or strips. The pide bread that came with it was outstanding. Rocket salad with orange, pear and walnut was highly appetising too, though perhaps relied too much on the pear. As a main course, chicken ískender was brilliant, with wonderful thick yoghurt and an exceptional sauce. The wine list is a highlight too. Our waitress was noticeably efficient and enthusiastic, though on previous visits service has been erratic. In all, though, Ishtar has become an established destination and deserves to be visited.

Time Out Eating & Drinking Guide 2008