SATISFYING THE MUNCHIES AT ATATURK AIRPORT
When it can take as much as an hour to travel for downtown Istanbul to Atatürk Havalimani (Istanbul International Ataturk Airport), compounded with the additional two-hour check-in time, well you're bound to be hungry.
If you're like me, a resident of Asia, traveling well across town through bumper-to-bumper, it may take as long as four hours before you actually step on a plane. So....If you need to satisfy the munchies while lounging at impossibly busy Atatürk airport, you're in for a suprise. They're lots of options from the ubiquitous refreshment stands -- or kiosks in Turkish -- and branches of global java giants to a compilation of international fast food stands and even a few typically Turkish brand diners. (I counted more than 30 spots on my last cursory run-through!)
Oh, and Istanbul's one of the only airports in the world with a hotel inside its international terminal. It's great because it allows travelers with longer layovers to either bed down or chow away in a calmer setting without having to be re-screened through security.
But word to the wise: noshing at Atatürk International Airport will take a bite out of your wallet. The price of food and beverages there is about equal or slightly higher than those for collations at London's pricey Heathrow Airport. A tall Starbucks coffee, for instance, is about 5TL (US$3) -- or double what you'd expect to pay in the US. That pretty much extends to all sit-down locations across the building's' two main terminals (map).
With the rules of engagement taken care of, here are your dining options at Istanbul's major point of arrival:
DOMESTIC TERMINAL
• CAKES & BAKES CAFE: There are actually two locations serving sandwich and other delicacies all produced on site. You'll find this quaint café just past the ticket control station, next to Gate 104 at the departure level. The other location's at the domestic arrival level to the right of the terminal's passenger entrance gate.
INTERNATIONAL TERMINAL
• Divan Pub: Grown up foodies should aim their fork for the International Terminal's Divan Pub (from 20TL/person). The fast yet friendly service, a slew of internationally-inspired fare, and its up-market clientele make this location arguably the best spot at IST's international airport. It's akin to the open-kitchen Daily Grill concept in the US with an indelible Turkish twist. It's my favorite, hands down.
• Flags of the World Restaurant: This 24-hour, self-service airport diner offers an open-buffet breakfast. The popular combo of Italian, Turkish and Asian fare graces Flags' menu, with features palatabel pizzas, fresh scrumptious salads, and tangy Chinese chicken noodles. Noshers in need of a caffeine boost will find great jave options, in addition to the popular Turkish mastic ice cream, cakes like tiramisu; junior travelers will enjoy freshly squeezed fruit juices and yummy chocolate cakes galore. Flags is located at the departure level across from the "E" Check-In Desk, just before the passport check point.
• Basilico Restaurant & Bar: For adult tastes, Basilica serves a variety of fresh pasta dishes, as well as pizzas prepared per order, from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Enjoy either or both with a Corvus claret selected from Basilico's limited wine list. This diner's at the Food Court, located on the right after the passport control station.
• Burger King: Three BK locations serve the Whopper-filled menu. The first, open between the hours of 7 to 2 a.m., can be found at the departure level, opposite the “E” check-in desk, just before the passport check-point. The second, which opens between the hours of 3 a.m. to midnight, is located at the departure level, behind the THY Ticket sales offices, just beyond the “H” check-in and before the passport check points. Smack dab in the middle of the Food Court is the third BK, which serves between the hours of 4 a.m. to midnight.
• Beer Port Bar: Inside the hall on the left prior to arriving at the passport check point, Beer Port is as authentic to a British pub in an airport as you'll get outside of London's Gatwick. Snacks, salads and beverages of all kinds will titillate the traveler just before take-off. Open 24 hours.
• Greenfield's Sports Bar: At the International Terminal's arrival level, Greenfields (7 to 2 a.m.) serves freshly brewed coffee and cold beer in a sports-themed café, as well as light snacks. The bar's walls are placarded with plasma screens, which continually display live or taped the day's soccer or basketball matches. Great for catching up your favorite soccer or basketball team!
• Gloria Jean's Café: Enjoy the world-wide brand's succulent array of cakes and coffee concoctions at three 24-hour locations within the airport. One is located at the “E” check-in desk at the departure level, another is within the Food Court, and finally at the arrival level of the International terminal.
• Srabucks: You'll find Frapuccinos galore, 24 hours a day, at the International Arrival level.
There are tons of cafés and fast food stalls, including the environmentally-themed, a-la-carte café/bar Green Port Café (24 hours, left hall before passort control); Istanbul Café (opposite of the “B” check-in desk at the departure level) specializes in a wide variety of beverages and pastries, deserts and sandwiches; Delights (Food Court/24 hours; or next to Gate 219/7 a.m. to 11 p.m.) delights with Turkish delights (cute!) and pastries, ice creams and fresh fruit juices.
ISTANBUL INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT HOTEL
The Airport Hotel, inside the International Terminal, features a variety of restaurants and bars, in addition to some 51 "airside" rooms. These accommodations allow travelers the neat option of taking a nap, a shower or a few hours to finish that project their boss wanted yesterday without having to think about re-clearing themselves or their luggage through security. Theh rooms are let by the hour, or larger blocks of time....or you can even overnight.
The AIrport Hotel's Sky Restaurant, which overlooks the tarmac, caters mostly to professionals wishing to get away from the terminals' noisy environment. It's open from 4 a.m. to midnight, and offers a wide, sumptuous breakfast bar, in addition to a European-inspired menu with Turkish overtones that include kebabs.
Considering that the always growing Istanbul International Airport is the 11th busiest commercial airport in Europe, it's no wonder that menus for every taste are de rigueur. It succeeds in meeting demand with a popular Food Court that's proved to be a hit with foreigners looking for comfort food in a land so far away from home.
ESSENTIALS
Address: 34149 Yesilkoy ~ Istanbul
Phone: +90.212.465.5555 Web: http://www.ataturkairport.com/
STRICTLY SPEAKING
GATE = KAPI (Pron. Kapuh)