Are you thinking of planning a trip to Istanbul? Get ready to discover a city that serves up history, culture and unforgettable flavours in every bite. From smoky grilled mutton kebabs to delicate mezes and centuries-old forgotten Ottoman recipes, Istanbul’s food scene is something else. The handpicked guide ahead takes you on a culinary journey to the best restaurants in Istanbul, Turkey. So read on to make sure you do not miss out on any.
Istanbul, the largest city in Turkey, is a tourist destination that knows how to make an unforgettable impression on visitors, not just through its historic landmarks and scenic Bosphorus views, but also through its delectable food scene. The local cuisine of Istanbul is as layered as the city’s heritage, drawing from Ottoman, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and Balkan influences. For anyone visiting this beautiful city, exploring the diverse range of restaurants in Istanbul is as important as visiting the Hagia Sophia or taking a Bosphorus cruise.
What sets this city apart from other attractions in Turkey is its dining experiences, which are embedded into everyday life. In the early morning hours, you would find locals enjoying a simit and Turkish tea at a roadside cafe. By lunch, business districts in the city buzz with eateries serving scrumptious kebabs, hearty lentil soups and freshly baked pide. As the sun goes down, the city transforms into a culinary playground with the best and the most famous restaurants in Istanbul serving dishes that are truly chef’s kiss. Given all that information, choosing where to eat on your things to do in Istanbul itinerary can be overwhelming. To help you navigate the options, we have compiled a list of the ten best restaurants in Istanbul, Turkey, that offer something unique to enhance your travel experience a bit more.
But before you begin, although some of the restaurant names in Istanbul may seem a little tricky to pronounce or remember at first glance, rest assured that the food is absolutely delicious and every bite is worth the money spent.
Let’s dig in now!
Top 10 Restaurants in Istanbul
- Çiya Sofrası, Kadıköy (chee-ya-soh-frah-suh)
- Pandeli Restaurant, Eminönü
- Zübeyir Ocakbaşı (zoo-bey-eer of-jahk-bah-shuh), Beyoğlu
- Asitane Restaurant, Edirnekapı
- Balıkçı Sabahattin (bah-luhk-chuh sah-bah-ha-teen), Sultanahmet
- Neolokal, Karaköy
- Karaköy Lokantası
- Mikla, Beyoğlu
- Tugra Restaurant, Çırağan Palace, Beşiktaş
- Buhara Ocakbaşı (boo-hah-rah oh-jahk-bah-shuh), Sirkeci
Çiya Sofrası (chee-ya-soh-frah-suh), Kadıköy
Tucked into the famous, bustling Asian-side neighbourhood of Kadıköy, Çiya Sofrası is a go-to place for food lovers, locals and tourists alike. Çiya Sofrası is known as one of the best restaurants in Istanbul, famed for its regional Turkish cuisine from the Southeastern region. The restaurant has built its reputation for authentic Turkish cuisine, serving forgotten Anatolian recipes that are hard to find in other parts of Turkey. The food at this restaurant is flavour-packed and perfect for food lovers who wish to dig deeper into the country’s culinary history.
Price range: Low to mid
What not to miss: Lamb with sour cherries, stuffed vine leaves and Zeytinyağlı meze
Pandeli Restaurant, Eminönü
Set above the spice market in Eminönü, Pandeli is a top heritage restaurant in Istanbul that has served royalty for decades. The interiors of the restaurant are adorned with tiles in signature Iznik blue, which adds an old-world charm to the dining experience. The food at the Pandeli Restaurant is simply mouthwatering, too. It is a perfect lunch stop after exploring the nearby Grand Bazaar and Galata Bridge, both must-visit attractions in Istanbul.
Price range: Mid to high
What not to miss: Hünkâr beğendi (Sultan’s Delight), stuffed vine leaves and semolina dessert
Zübeyir Ocakbaşı (zoo-bey-eer of-jahk-bah-shuh), Beyoğlu
If you are drawn to the aroma of charcoal-grilled meat, you must visit Zübeyir Ocakbaşı, one of the famous restaurants in Istanbul. Zübeyir is a traditional Ocakbaşı (open-fire grill house) where you watch the authentic Turkish cuisine being made. The vibe at the restaurant is casual, the flavours are intense and the meat is perfectly charred and deeply satisfying. You may order a small portion of meze and a glass of Rakı to go with the meat.
Price range: Low to mid
What not to miss: Adana kebab, lamb skewers and lavash with butter
Musafir Indian Restaurant, Taksim
After a busy day spent sightseeing, if you crave some comfort food in the heart of Istanbul, you can go to the Musafir Indian Restaurant. This Indian restaurant in Istanbul, Turkey, is famed for its authentic South Indian cuisine, which is all served in generous portions and is beautifully aromatic. Additionally, the Indian music playing in the background and attentive staff make it a great place to enjoy your meal.
Price range: Mid
What not to miss: Butter chicken, garlic naan, paneer tikka and biryani
Balıkçı Sabahattin (bah-luhk-chuh sah-bah-ha-teen), Sultanahmet
If you are a seafood lover craving some delicious seafood with a local touch, you may head to Balıkçı Sabahattin. Located on a quiet street just minutes away from the Blue Mosque, this is one of the nicest restaurants in Istanbul, serving some of the freshest seafood in town. The setting is unpretentious with white tablecloths, wooden floors and the salty scent of the sea mixed in the air. The restaurant is popular among locals, so reservations are wise. Great for a relaxed evening with mouth-watering seafood and a picturesque setting.
Price range: Mid
What not to miss: Grilled sea bass, octopus salad and fried mussels
Neolokal, Karaköy
When we talk about some of the best restaurants in Istanbul, Neonakal deserves a special position, as it blends innovation with nostalgia. Perched in the SALT Galata building, the restaurant uses local ingredients to reimagine traditional Anatolian recipes in a minimalist, fine-dining atmosphere. The interior is sleek and the views over the Golden Horn are simply breathtaking. While at the restaurant, you can expect homemade sourdough and Turkish wines that are just excellent. If you are searching for vegetarian restaurants in Istanbul, Neonakal has something for everyone.
Price range: High
What not to miss: Tasting menu, fermented beetroot and heritage grains
Karaköy Lokantası
This polished tavern-style restaurant is a beloved staple in the heart of Karaköy. By day, this restaurant is a relaxed spot for hearty stews and mezes, and by night, it turns romantic with soft lighting and a refined menu. The blue-tiled interiors and old-school hospitality make this restaurant a crowd favourite, especially for those seeking a balance between sophistication and tradition.
Price range: Mid
What not to miss: Stuffed eggplant, sea bass in wine and walnut baklava
Mikla, Beyoğlu
Shining bright in the list of top restaurants in Istanbul is another gem, Mikla, which is helmed by acclaimed chef Mehmet Gürs. This restaurant in Istanbul is a gastronomic landmark offering panoramic views of the city’s skyline. The menu is huge, serving everything from contemporary, seasonal and artistic, often featuring lesser-known local ingredients transformed with Nordic precision. If you are visiting Istanbul anytime soon, book a table at this restaurant once and you will know what we are talking about.
Price range: High
What not to miss: Tasting menu, lamb variations, Turkish coffee ice cream
Tuğra Restaurant, Çırağan Palace, Beşiktaş
Tuğra is housed inside the Çırağan Palace, which was a former Ottoman residence now turned into a luxury hotel. Dining at this restaurant is like stepping into a period film, with candlelit tables and marble columns setting the mood. And the food? The food is rich, beautifully plated and utterly delicious. In fact, the restaurant itself is a fine-dining experience wrapped in centuries of legacy.
Price range: High
What not to miss: Sultan’s tasting menu, lamb shank and künefe
Buhara Ocakbaşı (boo-hah-rah oh-jahk-bah-shuh), Sirkeci
Simple, mood-setting and absolutely delicious, Buhara Ocakbaşı is a nice restaurant in Istanbul if you are longing for comforting Turkish cuisine. Located near the Grand Bazaar, it is a great pit stop after a day of sightseeing. The staff at the restaurant makes you feel like family, the portions are generous and the food, without any doubt, is excellent. Grilled meats, buttery rice and fluffy bread at this restaurant hit all the right notes.
Price range: Low to mid
What not to miss: Mixed grill platter, lentil soup and künefe
Finally, we understand why Istanbul is often called the bridge between worlds. Its cuisine reflects the same spirit, which is layered, vibrant and unforgettable. From streets lined with simit stalls to fine dine-ins serving hearty kebabs, freshly caught seafood and Indian restaurants in Istanbul, every corner of this city has something delicious to offer. And the best way to enjoy it all is with thoughtful planning and trusted guidance.
With Veena World’s carefully curated Istanbul tour package, you can explore this city at your own pace and taste its culinary delights, all without the stress of planning every detail. The memories you create here will not only come from the sightseeing places you cover from your itinerary but also from the meals you share and the moments lived in between. Explore the packages now to book one.
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