A Guide to Istanbul’s Best Restaurants

Istanbul is renowned for its vibrant culture, rich history and amazing food. This city has something to offer every traveler, from the renowned Grand Bazaar to the incredible street food. To make sure you get the most out of your trip to Istanbul, here’s a guide to some of the best restaurants in the city.

Traditional Turkish Cuisine

If you’re looking for a taste of traditional Turkish cuisine, then you won’t be disappointed. Istanbul is home to some of the best chefs in the country, who specialize in traditional dishes such as kebabs, soups and stews. One of the most popular restaurants is Hünkar, located in the Beyoglu district. They serve up delicious dishes such as manti (Turkish dumplings) and köfte (meatballs) that will have you coming back for more.

If you’re looking for something a bit more upscale, then Hacı Abdullah is the place for you. This restaurant is renowned for its exquisite Turkish dishes and impeccable service. From the lahmacun (Turkish pizza) to the karnıyarık (stuffed eggplant), you’ll find something to tantalize your taste buds. The restaurant also offers an excellent selection of wines, which are perfect for pairing with their delicious dishes.

For a truly unique experience, head to Karaköy Lokantası. This restaurant is located in the heart of Istanbul’s old town and specializes in traditional Turkish cuisine. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, and the staff is friendly and knowledgeable. The menu features classic dishes such as pilav (rice pilaf) and dolma (stuffed vegetables), as well as some modern twists on traditional recipes.

Seafood Restaurants

If you’re looking for some of the freshest seafood in Istanbul, then you’ll want to head to one of the city’s many seafood restaurants. One of the best is Hünkar, located in the Beyoglu district. This restaurant specializes in fresh seafood dishes such as balık ekmek (fish sandwich) and karides güveç (shrimp casserole). The seafood is always fresh, and the atmosphere is laid-back and relaxed. The restaurant also offers a selection of wines that are perfect for pairing with their dishes.

If you’re looking for something a bit fancier, then Karaköy Balıkçısı is the place for you. This restaurant is renowned for its fresh seafood dishes and impeccable service. From the midye dolma (stuffed mussels) to the karides sote (shrimp sauté), you’ll find something to tantalize your taste buds. The restaurant also offers an excellent selection of wines, which are perfect for pairing with their delicious dishes.

For a truly unique experience, head to Karaköy Deniz Mahallesi. This restaurant is located in the heart of Istanbul’s old town and specializes in fresh seafood dishes. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, and the staff is friendly and knowledgeable. The menu features classic dishes such as deniz mahsulleri (seafood platter) and karides güveç (shrimp casserole), as well as some modern twists on traditional recipes.

Vegetarian Restaurants

Istanbul is home to some of the best vegetarian restaurants in the world. If you’re looking for a delicious vegetarian meal, then you won’t be disappointed. One of the most popular restaurants is Karaköy Yeşillik, located in the Beyoglu district. They specialize in dishes such as patlıcan kebabı (eggplant kebab) and taze fasulye (fresh green beans), that will have you coming back for more.

If you’re looking for something a bit more upscale, then Gülhane Parkı is the place for you. This restaurant is renowned for its delicious vegetarian dishes and impeccable service. From the közlenmiş patlıcan (roasted eggplant) to the kızarmış kabak (fried zucchini), you’ll find something to tantalize your taste buds. The restaurant also offers an excellent selection of wines, which are perfect for pairing with their dishes.

For a truly unique experience, head to Sofralik. This restaurant is located in the heart of Istanbul’s old town and specializes in vegetarian dishes. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, and the staff is friendly and knowledgeable. The menu features classic dishes such as mücver (zucchini fritters) and gözleme (Turkish flatbread), as well as some modern twists on traditional recipes.

Street Food

For a truly authentic experience, you’ll want to try some of Istanbul’s famous street food. The city is home to some of the best street vendors in the world, who specialize in dishes such as simit (sesame-covered bread rings) and lahmacun (Turkish pizza). Be sure to check out Karaköy Büfe, which is one of the most popular street vendors in the city. They serve up delicious dishes such as dürüm (wraps) and köfte (meatballs).

If you’re looking for something a bit more upscale, then Lokma is the place for you. This restaurant is renowned for its delicious street food and impeccable service. From the künefe (shredded pastry) to the gözleme (Turkish flatbread), you’ll find something to tantalize your taste buds. The restaurant also offers an excellent selection of wines, which are perfect for pairing with their dishes.

For a truly unique experience, head to Kadıköy Pide. This restaurant is located in the heart of Istanbul’s old town and specializes in street food. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, and the staff is friendly and knowledgeable. The menu features classic dishes such as döner (spit-roasted meat) and lahmacun (Turkish pizza), as well as some modern twists on traditional recipes.

International Cuisine

If you’re looking for something a bit different, then you’ll be pleased to know that Istanbul is home to some of the best international restaurants in the world. One of the most popular is Mikla, located in the Beyoglu district. This restaurant specializes in dishes such as ceviche (Peruvian fish dish) and risotto (Italian rice dish) that will have you coming back for more.

If you’re looking for something a bit more upscale, then Ciragan Palace Kempinski is the place for you. This restaurant is renowned for its exquisite international dishes and impeccable service. From the salmon tartare to the quinoa risotto, you’ll find something to tantalize your taste buds. The restaurant also offers an excellent selection of wines, which are perfect for pairing with their dishes.

For a truly unique experience, head to Tandoori. This restaurant is located in the heart of Istanbul’s old town and specializes in dishes from around the world. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, and the staff is friendly and knowledgeable. The menu features classic dishes such as tandoori chicken and butter chicken, as well as some modern twists on traditional recipes.

Fine Dining

If you’re looking for a truly luxurious dining experience, then you won’t be disappointed. Istanbul is home to some of the best fine-dining restaurants in the world. One of the most popular is Nomad, located in the Beyoglu district. This restaurant specializes in dishes such as pan-seared scallops and roast duck that will have you coming back for more.

If you’re looking for something a bit more upscale, then Mikla is the place for you. This restaurant is renowned for its exquisite fine-dining dishes and impeccable service. From the foie gras to the truffle risotto, you’ll find something to tantalize your taste buds. The restaurant also offers an excellent selection of wines, which are perfect for pairing with their dishes.

For a truly unique experience, head to Çiya Sofrası. This restaurant is located in the heart of Istanbul’s old town and specializes in fine-dining dishes. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, and the staff is friendly and knowledgeable. The menu features classic dishes such as stuffed quail and lamb shank, as well as some modern twists on traditional recipes.

Cafes and Coffee Shops

If you’re looking for a great place to grab a cup of coffee or a light snack, then you’ll want to check out one of Istanbul’s many cafes and coffee shops. One of the most popular is Karaköy Güllüoğlu, located in the Beyoglu district. They specialize in dishes such as börek (savory pastries) and kadayıf (shredded pastry) that will have you coming back for more.

If you’re looking for something a bit more upscale, then Gülhane Parkı is the place for you. This cafe is renowned for its delicious coffee and impeccable service. From the kahve (Turkish coffee) to the çay (tea), you’ll find something to tantalize your taste buds. The cafe also offers an excellent selection of sweets, which are perfect for pairing with their drinks.

For a truly unique experience, head to Kahve Dünyası. This cafe is located in the heart of Istanbul’s old town and specializes in Turkish coffee. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, and the staff is friendly and knowledgeable. The menu features classic drinks such as köpüklü kahve (frothed coffee) and kızılcık şurubu (hibiscus syrup), as well as some modern twists on traditional recipes.

Bars and Nightlife

If you’re looking for a great place to grab a drink or dance the night away, then you’ll want to check out one of Istanbul’s many bars and clubs. One of the most popular is 360, located in the Beyoglu district. This bar specializes in cocktails such as Raki (anise-flavored liqueur) and Türk Kahvesi (Turkish coffee liqueur) that will have you coming back for more.

If you’re looking for something a bit more upscale, then Babylon is the place for you. This club is renowned for its delicious cocktails and impeccable service. From the Mojito to the Cosmopolitan, you’ll find something to tantalize your taste buds. The club also offers an excellent selection of wines, which are perfect for pairing with their drinks.

For a truly unique experience, head to Asmalı Cavit. This bar is located in the heart of Istanbul’s old town and specializes in Turkish drinks. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, and the staff is friendly and knowledgeable. The menu features classic drinks such as rakı (anise-flavored liqueur) and boza (fermented millet drink), as well as some modern twists on traditional recipes.

Conclusion

Istanbul is one of the most vibrant and diverse cities in the world, and its culinary scene has something to offer every traveler. From traditional Turkish dishes to international cuisine, there’s something to tantalize your taste buds. Whether you’re looking for a cozy cafe or a luxurious fine-dining experience, you’ll find it in Istanbul. So what are you waiting for? Go explore and discover some of the best restaurants in the city.