Istanbul Food Scene in September

April through May and September through October offer the best eating weather. You'll want to sit outside at those Bosphorus-side fish restaurants, and summer heat makes that miserable. Plus, spring and fall coincide with the best produce — fresh fava beans in spring, pomegranates and persimmons in fall. Winter has its own food rhythms. Hot chestnuts from street vendors, steaming bowls of lentil soup, and the cozy interiors of traditional restaurants become more appealing. But outdoor dining — a huge part of Istanbul's food culture — essentially disappears from December through February. Ramadan changes everything. Many restaurants close during daylight hours, but iftar (breaking the fast) creates incredible communal dining experiences. Hotels and some restaurants offer special Ramadan menus, and the atmosphere in the city shifts dramatically. If you're visiting during Ramadan, embrace it — just plan accordingly.