We used the advice by Rick Steves, Lale Surmen Aran and Tankut Aran to help plan our 6 days in Istanbul. It was enormously helpful! A couple of comments relative to our experience ...
In terms of dining, we found that the Albura Kathisma was, indeed, terrific! We ate there two nights. We also tried the recommended Blue House Restaurant, but found it to be merely okay. However, here is another restaurant that is well-worth going to: Babylonia Garden & Terrace. It is diagonally across from the Albura Kathisma and is terrific! We had both fish and lamb the two nights that we went there. Try the salt fish!! Good wines and excellent baklava!
We found the people of Istanbul to be nothing but friendly and helpful. This was a wonderful place to visit with much to see and do. The Rick Steves book was very helpful!