Good, local restaurants in Istanbul?

TONS of good food in Istanbul!  If you want the traditional kabob-type food for cheap, try heading over to the Asia side - Kadıköy or Üsküdar.  A little wander off the main streets and you'll find something for sure. 

I also really love the non-Turkish food in Istanbul. Istanbul is a multicultural city with recent and long-term immigrant communities. There's a Latin American restaurant in Beyoğlu called La Paz that is utterly delicious!

Try everything and stay away from the touristy places (you know the ones - with a guy outside enticing you to come in), and you'll be very full and very happy.

You can find a large variety of anatolian tastes inc. breathtaking desserts at KANAAT LOKANTASI  in Üsküdar. Food is excellent however waiters are on the opposite side, they look a little bit bored of the busy restaurant.

Balıkçı Sabahattin in Sultanahmet (historic district)

Asitane in Edirnekapi  (pretty close to the Chora museum)

Çiya Sofrası in Kadikoy (a very cute neighborhood)

360 İstanbul Restaurant in Beyoglu (great view)

Pita Kuzguncuk in Kuzguncuk for breakfast!

Kantin Lokantası in Nisantasi

Bankalar Lokantası in Karakoy

Enjoy!

My top two favorites: Asitane and Cipriani. Beautiful locations and decor, and most importantly, GREAT food