Near the ferry docks, Egyptian (Spice) Bazaar and Galata Bridge (map), only a 10-minute stroll from Sultanahmet (and an even shorter tram ride), are many places to dine.
Hamdi Restaurant
Traditionally known as one of Istanbul's most famous places for roasted and grilled meats, with views of Eminönü, Galata Bridge and the Golden Horn, Hamdi has expanded its menu to include all sorts of dishes. More...
Egyptian (Spice) Bazaar
The Egyptian (Spice) Bazaar (Mısır Çarşısı in Turkish), facing the huge Yeni Valide Mosque, has no restaurants, but there's lots of food to buy both inside and outside along the west wall, and along Hasırcılar Caddesi, the way to the Rüstem Pasha Mosque.
Elaborate fish sandwich boats in the Golden Horn, Eminönü, Istanbul.
Inexpensive Meals
Several narrow streets—passages, really—near Eminönü offer simple, cheap and good snacks and meals. Here they are.
Balık-Ekmek Fish Sandwiches
The cheapest seafood in the city is under the Galata Bridge, on the western (Golden Horn) side, where you can have a great, cheap traditional Istanbul fish sandwich. More...
Sirkeci Restaurants
The Sirkeci hotel area has quite a number of satisfying restaurants, many with excellent cuisine and moderate prices. More...
Hocapaşa Restaurants
For cheaper, easier, enjoyable fare you should also wander south of the station to a great little neighborhood packed with simple, cheap, good eateries called Hocapaşa.
—by Tom Brosnahan