Just couldn't make it to the kofte place recommended by our next-door neighbor, Omer, whose native…read moreturf is Istanbul. But this place came up as a close second and was mentioned in a guide book as the best place in the new town, on the east of the Golden Horn, not far from Taksin Square and walkable from the very nice Hilton Bosphorus, where I find myself at the moment in the opulent lobby coffee shop where nobody has yet come by to ask if I'd like to order anything. Not that I'm complaining. Just saying. The effort in finding this place turned out to be considerable. Google maps was a huge help in navigating, with the caveats that many intersections do not have two street names - or even one at times; google maps shows current locations that are only approximate; and finally, don't be afraid to ask if you're lost. Almost every shopkeeper knows enough English to steer you to your next turn. The restaurant is small (16 seats) and neat. The menu is available on line if you want to take the time beforehand to figure out what you want. I wanted Kofte (the o should have an umlaut, but the iPad keyboard is deficient) - the traditional meatballs that are a staple of Turkish street food, along with Kebap and schwarma-like offerings. I was the first and only customer. I ordered the Kofte, which were grilled to order and served hot, with a little salad, a small mound of pilaf, and some mixed salad. The kofte I've seen here are describes as meatballs, but I think that smallish patties is more accurate. They were quite good; almost up to the Kofte served at Toros restaurant in Clifton, NJ. On the cold and rainy walk back to the hotel, I passed many gorgeous pastry joints, each featuring heaps of desserts that beckoned the weary tourist with the promise of sticky carb overload. Next time.