NoGarlicNoOnions: Restaurant, Food, and Travel Stories/Reviews

Three Days in Istanbul: 18 "Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner" Restaurant Experiences to Try

Popular | Istanbul Turkey Middle East

September 23, 2019

Three Days in Istanbul: 18 "Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner" Restaurant Experiences to Try

A couple of years ago, Turkey and Lebanon signed an agreement allowing both populations to visit their neighbors without the need of a visa. That opened a lot of touristic and business opportunities.…

September 23, 2019 | Recommended | Istanbul

Photos of Istanbul, Airport IGA Business Lounge

Airports | Istanbul Turkey Middle East

Turkey

September 21, 2019

Airports

Photos of Istanbul, Airport IGA Business Lounge

It rocks, it simply rocks! I loved the size, the views, the amenities, the colors, I simply loved it, the same way I adored the airport terminal. Located on the opposite side of the airport, a long…

September 21, 2019 | Travel & Tourism | Istanbul

Ioki: An Excellent Sushi in Istanbul

Asian & Chinese | Istanbul Turkey Middle East

Turkey

September 21, 2019

Asian & Chinese

Ioki: An Excellent Sushi in Istanbul

It has appeared on the lists, in all my searches, it’s one of the capital’s best Asian restaurants according to many... after a bit so pleasant lunch down at the Bosphorus, we grabbed a…

September 21, 2019 | Japanese & Sushi | Istanbul

Nusr-Et Burger Istanbul: An Overrated Experience

Grill & BBQ | Istanbul Turkey Middle East

Turkey

September 21, 2019

Grill & BBQ

Nusr-Et Burger Istanbul: An Overrated Experience

Nusr-Et, once meat restaurant in Etiler has expended all around Istanbul and the world. From a "meat" fine dining restaurant, you have to book weeks in advance to other casual eateries of which…

September 21, 2019 | Restaurants | Istanbul

The Allis at Soho House: Eat, Chill, Relax, Enjoy the Garden in Istanbul

Breakfast & Coffee | Istanbul Turkey Middle East

Turkey

September 21, 2019

Breakfast & Coffee

The Allis at Soho House: Eat, Chill, Relax, Enjoy the Garden in Istanbul

Positive vibes in the garden while listening to good music; that’s The Allis at Soho House in Istanbul. Enjoy a cold coffee, let the breath of air caress your cheeks, mingle with people while…

September 21, 2019 | International Cuisine | Istanbul

Cuma: Breakfast at Home in Istanbul

Breakfast & Coffee | Istanbul Turkey Middle East

Turkey

September 21, 2019

Breakfast & Coffee

Cuma: Breakfast at Home in Istanbul

Jazz music, the light coming in from all sides, wooden tables, layback seats... it’s home away from home in the heart of Istanbul. Order eggs Benedict with labneh! Enjoy a mouthwatering…

September 21, 2019 | Recommended | Istanbul

Journey Lounge: Buckwheat Pancakes and Soy Milk Granola in Istanbul

Breakfast & Coffee | Istanbul Turkey Middle East

Turkey

September 21, 2019

Breakfast & Coffee

Journey Lounge: Buckwheat Pancakes and Soy Milk Granola in Istanbul

Walking the streets of Beyoğlu, up on the hills overviewing Istanbul, I decided to have Journey lounge as my next stop. Trees, wooden furniture, and calm vibes. On the menu, you can find a wide…

September 21, 2019 | Restaurants | Istanbul

MUST: Casual, Relaxed and Serving Good International Cuisine in Istanbul

International Cuisine | Istanbul Turkey Middle East

Turkey

September 21, 2019

International Cuisine

MUST: Casual, Relaxed and Serving Good International Cuisine in Istanbul

Spending four days in Istanbul, and eating almost every cuisine until now, the last dinner must be special, so why not try MUST! MUST, which is the new address in Istanbul for special food and good…

September 21, 2019 | Restaurants | Istanbul

Delicatessen: Classical Music and Great Breakfast in Istanbul

Breakfast & Coffee | Istanbul Turkey Middle East

Turkey

September 17, 2019

Breakfast & Coffee

Delicatessen: Classical Music and Great Breakfast in Istanbul

Oh, My Goodness! When I think that’s, I’ve been to the best breakfast place in town; another pops up! Delicatessen locates on the hills of Nisantasi is your perfect breakfast…

September 17, 2019 | Recommended | Istanbul

Petra Roasting Company: A Coup de Coeur in Istanbul

Breakfast & Coffee | Istanbul Turkey Middle East

Turkey

September 17, 2019

Breakfast & Coffee

Petra Roasting Company: A Coup de Coeur in Istanbul

On this beautiful Sunday morning, my first stop was at Mangerie, where I thought I'd discovered the best... I then continued to Delicatessen where again I thought I’ve found my coup de Coeur...…

September 17, 2019 | Coffee, Wine & Drinks | Istanbul

Mangerie Bebek: Excellent Breakfast Loaded with Flavors

Breakfast & Coffee | Istanbul Turkey Middle East

Turkey

September 17, 2019

Breakfast & Coffee

Mangerie Bebek: Excellent Breakfast Loaded with Flavors

I woke up at 6, walked around Istanbul to fly my drone then searching for a place to have breakfast. I wanted something cosmopolitan, fun and trendy at the same time: Mangerie popped up. Located…

September 17, 2019 | Recommended | Istanbul

Paper Moon: Enjoying My Favorite Milanese Restaurant in Istanbul

Italian Food | Istanbul Turkey Middle East

Turkey

September 17, 2019

Italian Food

Paper Moon: Enjoying My Favorite Milanese Restaurant in Istanbul

After enjoying Paper Moon twice in Milano, I couldn’t but try it in Istanbul. One of my favorite Italian restaurants of all times makes my heart skip a beat. Pasta, pizza and Italian dishes,…

September 17, 2019 | Recommended | Istanbul

Hamdi Restaurant: Top Quality Turkish Food with a View

Lebanese/Middle Eastern | Istanbul Turkey Middle East

Turkey

September 17, 2019

Lebanese/Middle Eastern

Hamdi Restaurant: Top Quality Turkish Food with a View

The view is breathtaking and the food as well. Good food with a superb view is what Hamdi offers in the heart of Istanbul’s busy touristic quarters.

September 17, 2019 | Restaurants | Istanbul

Esmer Chef: Fresh Street Food Pasta in Istanbul

Italian Food | Istanbul Turkey Middle East

Turkey

September 17, 2019

Italian Food

Esmer Chef: Fresh Street Food Pasta in Istanbul

Some of the blog’s readers recommended “Esmer Chef.” Pizza, pasta, salads, international cuisine and everything in between, the casual fast food has several branches of which one on…

September 17, 2019 | Restaurants | Istanbul

House of B: A Good American Burger in Istanbul

American | Istanbul Turkey Middle East

Turkey

September 17, 2019

American

House of B: A Good American Burger in Istanbul

After enjoying Istanbul’s vibes down at Beşiktaş, walking from a street to the next, I stopped at “House of B.” Burgers are what they do in an American diner-style decor and…

September 17, 2019 | Burgers | Istanbul

Wagamama Istanbul: Noodles and Sushi I Always Enjoy

Asian & Chinese | Istanbul Turkey Middle East

Turkey

September 08, 2019

Asian & Chinese

Wagamama Istanbul: Noodles and Sushi I Always Enjoy

The journey with Wagamama started in 2012 at that same location. Seven years passed, and here I come again to experience one of my favorite brands. I love the naughty child painted on the wall, the…

September 08, 2019 | Restaurants | Istanbul

The Market at Bosphorus: Not Recommended and Not Worth a Visit

International Cuisine | Istanbul Turkey Middle East

Turkey

September 08, 2019

International Cuisine

The Market at Bosphorus: Not Recommended and Not Worth a Visit

When it’s called "the Market", it should have the vibes of a market and probably enough goods to buy. The logo is inviting; the menu is presented on an iPad with mouthwatering photos of all…

September 08, 2019 | Restaurants | Istanbul

La Petite Maison: A Must Do in Istanbul

French Food | Istanbul Turkey Middle East

Turkey

September 04, 2019

French Food

La Petite Maison: A Must Do in Istanbul

Amazing, exceptionally amazing like all the “La Petite Maison” restaurants I’ve been to around the world. After indulging in the finest food in Nice, Dubai, and Beirut, here comes…

September 04, 2019 | Recommended | Istanbul

W Hotel Istanbul: Back After Six Years and I Still Enjoy it!

Hotels | Istanbul Turkey Middle East

Turkey

September 04, 2019

Hotels

W Hotel Istanbul: Back After Six Years and I Still Enjoy it!

Visiting Istanbul this summer, I chose the W for my stay. Part of the Marriott group of hotels, the W is a luxurious yet trendy brand for the youth. It’s rare to find older people due to…

September 04, 2019 | Reviews | Istanbul

Eataly at Zorlu Center: Disappointing More and More Every Time

Italian Food | Istanbul Turkey Middle East

Turkey

September 04, 2019

Italian Food

Eataly at Zorlu Center: Disappointing More and More Every Time

Slow service but who cares when you can enjoy your time devouring the olive oil focaccia dipped in olive oil. Lovely fluffy freshly baked Italian focaccia with premium quality olive oil while…

September 04, 2019 | Restaurants | Istanbul

Inauguration of the New Istanbul Airport that will Host the ATC Tower Designed by Pininfarina and AECOM

Airports | Istanbul Turkey Middle East

Turkey

October 28, 2018

Airports

Inauguration of the New Istanbul Airport that will Host the ATC Tower Designed by Pininfarina and AECOM

The New Istanbul Airport (INA), designed to become the largest new airport in terms of annual passenger capacity, will be inaugurated on the 29thof October. The structure will initially be able to…

October 28, 2018 | News | Istanbul

When Visiting Istanbul... What to do in 5 Days

Reviews | Istanbul Turkey Middle East

Turkey

September 02, 2017

Reviews

When Visiting Istanbul... What to do in 5 Days

For the first time visitors to Istanbul, five days is the perfect amount of time to spend. There is so much to see and do in Istanbul and you can be sure that you will not be bored at the end of…

September 02, 2017 | Travel & Tourism | Istanbul

Brasserie St.Regis: Perfection in the Details

French Food | Istanbul Turkey Middle East

Turkey

September 24, 2016

French Food

Brasserie St.Regis: Perfection in the Details

Located at the St.Regis, one of Istanbul's most luxurious hotels is The Brasserie. A brassiere with a real French feel... Choose the terrace or the restaurant and enjoy a selection of handcrafted…

September 24, 2016 | Recommended | Istanbul

Staying at the Park Hyatt Hotel Istanbul: An Outstanding Experience

Hotels | Istanbul Turkey Middle East

Turkey

September 23, 2016

Hotels

Staying at the Park Hyatt Hotel Istanbul: An Outstanding Experience

Located in the heart of Istanbul is the Park Hyatt. Visiting the capital for the weekend, it's where my wife and I chose to relax far from the city's busy life. The hotel rocks! A wide lobby, a…

September 23, 2016 | Recommended | Istanbul

A Happy Moment: Breakfast at Park Hyatt Istanbul

Breakfast & Coffee | Istanbul Turkey Middle East

Turkey

September 23, 2016

Breakfast & Coffee

A Happy Moment: Breakfast at Park Hyatt Istanbul

A luxurious stay needs a luxurious breakfast. Down at the lobby facing the bar is the breakfast space. A rectangular room lit with crystal chandeliers welcomes you for breakfast. Day light enters…

September 23, 2016 | Hotels | Istanbul

Dardenia: Fast Casual Japanese in Istanbul

Fish & Seafood | Istanbul Turkey Middle East

Turkey

September 21, 2016

Fish & Seafood

Dardenia: Fast Casual Japanese in Istanbul

Walking around the hotel in Istanbul, my wife and I spotted a restaurant called Dardenia. The logo and signboard seemed interesting and as you walk inside you feel like you're entering an upper scale…

September 21, 2016 | Japanese & Sushi | Istanbul

Eataly: Istanbul's Italian Market

Italian Food | Istanbul Turkey Middle East

Turkey

September 17, 2016

Italian Food

Eataly: Istanbul's Italian Market

I love this concept... I tried Eataly in New York, Dubai and Milano and I fell in love with it even more after I attended a lecture presented by the owner himself Mr. Oscar Farinetti. Eataly is Italy…

September 17, 2016 | Pizza | Istanbul

ZUMA Istanbul: Superb Decor, Deceiving Food!

Fusion Cuisine | Istanbul Turkey Middle East

Turkey

September 17, 2016

Fusion Cuisine

ZUMA Istanbul: Superb Decor, Deceiving Food!

It's ZUMA, it's the restaurant, it's the address to see, be seen and experience. After visiting ZUMA Dubai and ZUMA London here comes ZUMA Istanbul where the ambiance and feel look the same around…

September 17, 2016 | Japanese & Sushi | Istanbul

Nusr.Et Steakhouse: A Must Experience!

Burgers | Istanbul Turkey Middle East

Turkey

September 16, 2016

Burgers

Nusr.Et Steakhouse: A Must Experience!

When you're welcomed with a huge display of dry aged meat, you definitely know you're in for a treat... I was drooling... A smile was drawn on my face as I walked towards the main seating area of…

September 16, 2016 | Grill & BBQ | Istanbul

Hard Rock Cafe Istanbul: Loud Music, Average Food

American | Istanbul Turkey Middle East

Turkey

September 07, 2016

American

Hard Rock Cafe Istanbul: Loud Music, Average Food

I miss Hard Rock Cafe so much, I miss the one in Beirut even more... Whenever I am out of town I try to visit a Hard Rock Cafe if they have one. The last one I tried was in Lisbon and I recently…

September 07, 2016 | Restaurants | Istanbul

Dragon: A Chinese Restaurant to Avoid in Istanbul!

Asian & Chinese | Istanbul Turkey Middle East

Turkey

July 24, 2016

Asian & Chinese

Dragon: A Chinese Restaurant to Avoid in Istanbul!

We chose to dine at Dragon after reading positive reviews about it around the Internet. Many even placed Dragon on the top of the list as Istanbul's sole Chinese restaurant. Very pricey, I expected a…

July 24, 2016 | Restaurants | Istanbul

Insanely Small Paintings On Food

Spotted Stories

July 01, 2014

Spotted Stories

Insanely Small Paintings On Food

Hasan Kale, an talented artist from Turkey, pushes the boundaries in art by painting the tiniest most detailed beautiful paintings. His artistic canvases include, but are not limited to, rice, onion…

July 01, 2014

The World Will Soon Have A New "Biggest" Terminal

Travel & Tourism

April 22, 2014

Travel & Tourism

The World Will Soon Have A New "Biggest" Terminal

Soon enough there will be a new "world's biggest terminal". Today, Dubai holds this title with Grand Terminal 3 but not for long. Turkey is working on a new one million square meters terminal…

April 22, 2014 | Airports

360 Istanbul: A Tour Around the World with a Turkish Touch

Contributors | Istanbul Turkey Middle East

Turkey

March 24, 2014

Contributors

360 Istanbul: A Tour Around the World with a Turkish Touch

If you think that only Lebanese people know how to party, think again. During a special birthday visit to Istanbul with my best friend, I was amazed to see how lively the Turkish are… Fun is part of…

March 24, 2014 | Contributors | Istanbul

W Hotel Istanbul - A Colorful Welcome

Hotels | Istanbul Turkey Middle East

Turkey

April 05, 2013

Hotels

W Hotel Istanbul - A Colorful Welcome

I have heard a lot about the W Hotel long before I had the chance to try it. The W is a new concept of Hotels, part of the SPG group around the world creating contemporary locations with a special…

April 05, 2013 | Reviews | Istanbul

Turkish Airlines Experience: Surely not the Best in Europe as they Claim

After watching all these ad spots on TV starring the best football players in the world advertise Turkish Airlines, makes you want to anxiously try it. Today was my fourth flight on board the Turkish…

February 01, 2013 | Travel & Tourism

2012: NoGarlicNoOnions Beyond Borders... Discovering while Traveling

News

January 19, 2013

News

2012: NoGarlicNoOnions Beyond Borders... Discovering while Traveling

2012 was a big year for me. I had the chance to travel a lot and discover many countries fr

January 19, 2013 | Popular

2012: The Year's Greatest Hotel Stays

January 07, 2013 | Top 10 List

The Movenpick Hotel Istanbul - They Made our Second Year Anniversary Very Special

Contributors | Istanbul Turkey Middle East

Turkey

September 15, 2012

Contributors

The Movenpick Hotel Istanbul - They Made our Second Year Anniversary Very Special

To celebrate our second year wedding anniversary, my husband and I, together with our baby son, went on a trip to Istanbul. We stayed at the Movenpick Hotel, where we were really pampered... …

September 15, 2012 | Contributors | Istanbul

ISTANBUL: One of the Region's Richest Cities

Travel & Tourism | Istanbul Turkey Middle East

Turkey

July 10, 2012

Travel & Tourism

ISTANBUL: One of the Region's Richest Cities

Guides from around the world: Istanbul

July 10, 2012 | Istanbul

Ali Baba Local Cuisine in Istanbul's Bazar

Lebanese/Middle Eastern | Istanbul Turkey Middle East

Turkey

June 14, 2012

Lebanese/Middle Eastern

Ali Baba Local Cuisine in Istanbul's Bazar

Ali Baba is not one of those well known restaurants around the Turkish city, or not a place you would find review about, but it is one of those place I would highly recommend you try when visiting…

June 14, 2012 | Reviews | Istanbul

Saray Muhallebecisi Restaurant, Istanbul

International Cuisine | Istanbul Turkey Middle East

Turkey

May 23, 2012

International Cuisine

Saray Muhallebecisi Restaurant, Istanbul

If

May 23, 2012 | Restaurants | Istanbul

Rixos Pera Hotel, Istanbul

Hotels | Istanbul Turkey Middle East

Turkey

May 22, 2012

Hotels

Rixos Pera Hotel, Istanbul

We planned our trip to Istanbul at the last minute and the Rixos Pera was one of the few hotels available in the category we were searching for. It is a five star hotel we found at a very good rate…

May 22, 2012 | Reviews | Istanbul

Enstitu, Istanbul Culinary Institute

International Cuisine | Istanbul Turkey Middle East

Turkey

May 22, 2012

International Cuisine

Enstitu, Istanbul Culinary Institute

"All meals are prepared by chef school students under the supervision of professional chefs..."

May 22, 2012 | Lebanese/Middle Eastern | Istanbul