Istanbul: Mozaik (August 2009)

My spouse and I dined at Mozaik for dinner in late August 2009. This restored late-19th-century house with small, sun-dappled dining rooms, cozy furniture, and creaky wooden floors is a delightful refuge in the midst of busy Sultanahmet. But it's not just the setting that's noteworthy; the vast menu at this friendly venue ranges from a variety of kebabs and other Turkish specialties to salads, pastas, steaks, schnitzel, and other international fare. The food here is well above average for this part of town, and in summer, seating spills out into the alley beside the restaurant, creating a lively atmosphere.