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This recently opened and simply glamored cosy restaurant in the old city,  is “the” definition of comfort food.

Oven baked a-la-turca macaroni, İzmir Köfte, German style cauliflower soup, mastic pudding with chocolate mousse and many more mouth watering recipies. View the menu: here.

The guests can relax and enjoy the atmosphere watching TV, working on laptop, reading a book and they feel at home, while away from home!

What could one want more on snowy, fairy days like this? Come and meet the welcoming crew.

Address: Yavuz Sultan Selim mah., Seferikoz sok., No:16, Cibali / İstanbul

Tel: +90 212 523 10 80

Website: http://www.hungrymaus.com/

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The Hill That Breathes wins ‘Best European Retreat’ in 2011 and then I start to get triggered.

Reading and learning about the inspiring story of two colorful personalities-ex advertisers- John & Gaia, I find out about the “f**k it” weeks in Italian retreats where you can discover a new approach to relaxion. They have a fantastic story how they started the business idea. You can read it here chronologically and learn about the best selling f**k it books here.

Teaching their “f**k it” philosophy in outstanding locations in Italy such as Puglia, Stromboli and Urbino; John & Gaia helps you to let go of the useless things in your daily lives, mostly consisting of habitual addictions. As the Observer puts it “We need to say f**k it when we are out of synch with the natural world. It helps us go with the flow.”

 These gorgeous Italian venues are definitely on my top to-go list abroad, hopefully accompanied with some fear and stress release!

Website for info and reservation: here.

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A few months ago, Morro opened its doors to Beyoglu lovers. Soon eneough, it became the choice of residents and social good mood seekers.

Since the owners had an experience of 11 years  in pizza making from “Pidos” – they created their new menu also as Mediterrenean, doing what they are best at. The building is pretty, atmosphere is easy, laid back; the food is delicious, pizza is legendary; the staff is friendly.

The specialties are: Pizza, melanzane (baked eggplant with tomato sauce) and branzino (seabass covered with grapeleaves) and selected wines.

Last but not least, dinners at Morro end with homemade limoncello – which are responsible for my hangovers the  following day. Unstoppable.

Address: Kumbaracı Yokuşu No: 66, Tünel, Beyoğlu / İstanbul

Tel: 00 90 212 292 2550

After the opening of Garanti Bank’s art platform Salt in Beyoglu last year, the new Salt building in Karaköy is awating us in a historic and minimal atmosphere now. The venue is a contemporary art platform and it accomodates restaurants and cafes inside as well as bookshops and libraries.

Ca’D'oro is at the terrace of the wonderfully renovated historic building of the bank overlooking the Istanbul silhouette, and this cafe / restaurant offers selections from the international cuisine.

The modern and minimally decorated Ca’D'oro was designed by the famous architect Han Tümertekin. 

Looks like it will be one of the most popular spots in İstanbul next year. It is already hard to find place without reservation – even during the week.

Very European, very urban, very atmospheric.