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…

September 23, 2019 | Recommended | Istanbul Popular

Photos of Istanbul, Airport IGA Business Lounge

Airports | Istanbul Turkey Middle East

Turkey

September 21, 2019

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…

September 21, 2019 | Travel & Tourism | Istanbul Airports

Ioki: An Excellent Sushi in Istanbul

Asian & Chinese | Istanbul Turkey Middle East

Turkey

September 21, 2019

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…

September 21, 2019 | Japanese & Sushi | Istanbul Asian & Chinese

Nusr-Et Burger Istanbul: An Overrated Experience

Grill & BBQ | Istanbul Turkey Middle East

Turkey

September 21, 2019

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…

September 21, 2019 | Restaurants | Istanbul Grill & BBQ

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

Breakfast & Coffee | Istanbul Turkey Middle East

Turkey

September 21, 2019

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…

September 21, 2019 | International Cuisine | Istanbul Breakfast & Coffee

Cuma: Breakfast at Home in Istanbul

Breakfast & Coffee | Istanbul Turkey Middle East

Turkey

September 21, 2019

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…

September 21, 2019 | Recommended | Istanbul Breakfast & Coffee

Journey Lounge: Buckwheat Pancakes and Soy Milk Granola in Istanbul

Breakfast & Coffee | Istanbul Turkey Middle East

Turkey

September 21, 2019

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,…

September 21, 2019 | Restaurants | Istanbul Breakfast & Coffee

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

International Cuisine | Istanbul Turkey Middle East

Turkey

September 21, 2019

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!…

September 21, 2019 | Restaurants | Istanbul International Cuisine

Delicatessen: Classical Music and Great Breakfast in Istanbul

Breakfast & Coffee | Istanbul Turkey Middle East

Turkey

September 17, 2019

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!…

September 17, 2019 | Recommended | Istanbul Breakfast & Coffee

Petra Roasting Company: A Coup de Coeur in Istanbul

Breakfast & Coffee | Istanbul Turkey Middle East

Turkey

September 17, 2019

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…

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

Mangerie Bebek: Excellent Breakfast Loaded with Flavors

Breakfast & Coffee | Istanbul Turkey Middle East

Turkey

September 17, 2019

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…

September 17, 2019 | Recommended | Istanbul Breakfast & Coffee

Paper Moon: Enjoying My Favorite Milanese Restaurant in Istanbul

Italian Food | Istanbul Turkey Middle East

Turkey

September 17, 2019

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…

September 17, 2019 | Recommended | Istanbul Italian Food

Hamdi Restaurant: Top Quality Turkish Food with a View

Lebanese/Middle Eastern | Istanbul Turkey Middle East

Turkey

September 17, 2019

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…

September 17, 2019 | Restaurants | Istanbul Lebanese/Middle Eastern

Esmer Chef: Fresh Street Food Pasta in Istanbul

Italian Food | Istanbul Turkey Middle East

Turkey

September 17, 2019

Esmer Chef: Fresh Street Food Pasta in Istanbul

Some of the blog’s readers recommended “Esmer Chef.” Pizza, pasta, salads, international cuisine and everything…

September 17, 2019 | Restaurants | Istanbul Italian Food

House of B: A Good American Burger in Istanbul

American | Istanbul Turkey Middle East

Turkey

September 17, 2019

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.”…

September 17, 2019 | Burgers | Istanbul American

Wagamama Istanbul: Noodles and Sushi I Always Enjoy

Asian & Chinese | Istanbul Turkey Middle East

Turkey

September 08, 2019

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…

September 08, 2019 | Restaurants | Istanbul Asian & Chinese

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

International Cuisine | Istanbul Turkey Middle East

Turkey

September 08, 2019

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;…

September 08, 2019 | Restaurants | Istanbul International Cuisine

La Petite Maison: A Must Do in Istanbul

French Food | Istanbul Turkey Middle East

Turkey

September 04, 2019

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…

September 04, 2019 | Recommended | Istanbul French Food

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

Hotels | Istanbul Turkey Middle East

Turkey

September 04, 2019

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…

September 04, 2019 | Reviews | Istanbul Hotels

Eataly at Zorlu Center: Disappointing More and More Every Time

Italian Food | Istanbul Turkey Middle East

Turkey

September 04, 2019

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…

September 04, 2019 | Restaurants | Istanbul Italian Food

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

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…

October 28, 2018 | News | Istanbul Airports

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

Reviews | Istanbul Turkey Middle East

Turkey

September 02, 2017

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…

September 02, 2017 | Travel & Tourism | Istanbul Reviews

Brasserie St.Regis: Perfection in the Details

French Food | Istanbul Turkey Middle East

Turkey

September 24, 2016

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…

September 24, 2016 | Recommended | Istanbul French Food

Staying at the Park Hyatt Hotel Istanbul: An Outstanding Experience

Hotels | Istanbul Turkey Middle East

Turkey

September 23, 2016

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…

September 23, 2016 | Recommended | Istanbul Hotels

A Happy Moment: Breakfast at Park Hyatt Istanbul

Breakfast & Coffee | Istanbul Turkey Middle East

Turkey

September 23, 2016

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…

September 23, 2016 | Hotels | Istanbul Breakfast & Coffee

Dardenia: Fast Casual Japanese in Istanbul

Fish & Seafood | Istanbul Turkey Middle East

Turkey

September 21, 2016

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…

September 21, 2016 | Japanese & Sushi | Istanbul Fish & Seafood

Eataly: Istanbul's Italian Market

Italian Food | Istanbul Turkey Middle East

Turkey

September 17, 2016

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…

September 17, 2016 | Pizza | Istanbul Italian Food

ZUMA Istanbul: Superb Decor, Deceiving Food!

Fusion Cuisine | Istanbul Turkey Middle East

Turkey

September 17, 2016

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…

September 17, 2016 | Japanese & Sushi | Istanbul Fusion Cuisine

Nusr.Et Steakhouse: A Must Experience!

Burgers | Istanbul Turkey Middle East

Turkey

September 16, 2016

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…

September 16, 2016 | Grill & BBQ | Istanbul Burgers

Hard Rock Cafe Istanbul: Loud Music, Average Food

American | Istanbul Turkey Middle East

Turkey

September 07, 2016

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…

September 07, 2016 | Restaurants | Istanbul American

Dragon: A Chinese Restaurant to Avoid in Istanbul!

Asian & Chinese | Istanbul Turkey Middle East

Turkey

July 24, 2016

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…

July 24, 2016 | Restaurants | Istanbul Asian & Chinese

Insanely Small Paintings On Food

Spotted Stories

July 01, 2014

Insanely Small Paintings On Food

Hasan Kale, an talented artist from Turkey, pushes the boundaries in art by painting the tiniest most detailed beautiful…

July 01, 2014 Spotted Stories

The World Will Soon Have A New "Biggest" Terminal

Travel & Tourism

April 22, 2014

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.…

April 22, 2014 | Airports Travel & Tourism

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

Contributors | Istanbul Turkey Middle East

Turkey

March 24, 2014

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…

March 24, 2014 | Contributors | Istanbul Contributors

W Hotel Istanbul - A Colorful Welcome

Hotels | Istanbul Turkey Middle East

Turkey

April 05, 2013

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…

April 05, 2013 | Reviews | Istanbul Hotels

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…

February 01, 2013 | Travel & Tourism Popular

2012: NoGarlicNoOnions Beyond Borders... Discovering while Traveling

News

January 19, 2013

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 News

2012: The Year's Greatest Hotel Stays

January 07, 2013 | Top 10 List Popular

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

Contributors | Istanbul Turkey Middle East

Turkey

September 15, 2012

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…

September 15, 2012 | Contributors | Istanbul Contributors

ISTANBUL: One of the Region's Richest Cities

Travel & Tourism | Istanbul Turkey Middle East

Turkey

July 10, 2012

ISTANBUL: One of the Region's Richest Cities

Guides from around the world: Istanbul

July 10, 2012 | Istanbul Travel & Tourism

Ali Baba Local Cuisine in Istanbul's Bazar

Lebanese/Middle Eastern | Istanbul Turkey Middle East

Turkey

June 14, 2012

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…

June 14, 2012 | Reviews | Istanbul Lebanese/Middle Eastern

Saray Muhallebecisi Restaurant, Istanbul

International Cuisine | Istanbul Turkey Middle East

Turkey

May 23, 2012

Saray Muhallebecisi Restaurant, Istanbul

If

May 23, 2012 | Restaurants | Istanbul International Cuisine

Rixos Pera Hotel, Istanbul

Hotels | Istanbul Turkey Middle East

Turkey

May 22, 2012

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…

May 22, 2012 | Reviews | Istanbul Hotels

Enstitu, Istanbul Culinary Institute

International Cuisine | Istanbul Turkey Middle East

Turkey

May 22, 2012

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 International Cuisine

Wagamama, The International Japanese Cantine

Japanese & Sushi | Istanbul Turkey Middle East

Turkey

May 21, 2012

Wagamama, The International Japanese Cantine

I have been introduced to Wagamama from my new friends who love this contemporary Japanese cantina. As I like to try the Armani's…

May 21, 2012 | Restaurants | Istanbul Japanese & Sushi

Plaza Hotel Istanbul, Turkey

Hotels | Istanbul Turkey Middle East

Turkey

February 25, 2012

Plaza Hotel Istanbul, Turkey

The best part about the Plaza Hotel is the really nice and relaxing view you get from the Piano Bar.

February 25, 2012 | Reviews | Istanbul Hotels