Istanbul is Turkey's largest city and cultural capital, straddling two continents across the Bosphorus Strait. Once the capital of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires, it's a city of stunning mosques, grand bazaars, and vibrant neighborhoods blending East and West.
Istanbul's cuisine is a rich synthesis of Ottoman palace cooking, Anatolian regional traditions, and Bosphorus seafood culture. The city's signature dishes include fresh fish from the Bosphorus and Sea of Marmara, slow-cooked lamb, meze spreads of cold and warm small plates, and street food staples like simit (sesame bread rings), doner kebab, and balik ekmek (fish sandwiches). Istanbul's diverse immigrant communities from across the former Ottoman Empire have created a uniquely cosmopolitan food culture. The meyhane (traditional tavern) serves raki with meze for long convivial evenings, while modern chefs like Fatih Tutak (Michelin-starred) and Maksut Askar (Neolokal) are redefining what Turkish cuisine can be.
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Karakoy Lokantasi
A beloved modern Turkish meyhane in Karakoy with an excellent menu of creative meze, fresh seafood, and grilled meats. The beautifully tiled interior and warm atmosphere have made this one of Istanbul's most celebrated restaurants. Reservations essential.
Kemankes Cd. No:37A, 34425 Karakoy, Beyoglu/Istanbul
Ciya Sofrasi
One of Istanbul's most famous and original restaurants, Ciya Sofrasi in Kadikoy serves authentic regional Turkish cuisine from across Anatolia. Chef Musa Dagdeviren researches and recreates forgotten Ottoman and Anatolian recipes. The daily changing menu features rare regional dishes you won't find elsewhere.
Gunes Sk. No:43, 34710 Kadikoy/Istanbul
Mikla
Mikla is arguably Istanbul's most acclaimed fine dining restaurant, perched on top of the Marmara Pera hotel with breathtaking city views. Chef Mehmet Gurs creates modern Turkish cuisine using indigenous Anatolian ingredients, earning international recognition as one of Turkey's best restaurants.
Marmara Pera Hotel, Mesrutiyet Cd. No:15, 34430 Tepebasi, Beyoglu/Istanbul
Nusr-Et Steakhouse
The original restaurant of Nusret Gokce, the social media phenomenon known as Salt Bae. Despite its global fame, the Istanbul Nusr-Et remains a serious steakhouse serving high-quality dry-aged beef with theatrical presentation. Located in the upscale Etiler neighborhood.
Nisbetiye Cd. No:19, 34337 Etiler, Besiktas/Istanbul
Ulus 29
Perched on a hillside above the Bosphorus in the upscale Ulus district, Ulus 29 offers some of Istanbul's most spectacular views alongside refined Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine. A destination for special occasions, the terrace dining experience with Bosphorus views is incomparable on a clear evening.
Ahmet Adnan Saygun Cd. Ulus Parki, 34340 Ulus, Besiktas/Istanbul
Asitane Restaurant
Asitane specializes in authentic Ottoman palace cuisine, recreating dishes from 15th and 16th century Ottoman imperial banquets. Using archival menus and historical research, the restaurant offers a unique culinary window into the past. Located near Chora Church in the historic Edirnekapı neighborhood.
Kariye Camii Sk. No:6, 34087 Fatih/Istanbul
Hamdi Restaurant
A Sultanahmet institution famous for its spectacular rooftop terrace overlooking the Golden Horn, Galata Bridge, and Asian shore. Hamdi serves excellent southeastern Turkish cuisine including kebabs, pides, and stews. A must for the views as much as the food.
Tahmis Cd. No:17, 34116 Eminonu, Fatih/Istanbul
Tarihi Karakoy Balik Restauranti
A classic Istanbul seafood restaurant at the Karakoy fish market, known for its fresh daily catch and traditional preparation. The boisterous atmosphere, paper tablecloths, and meyhane-style service make this a quintessential Istanbul seafood experience.
Karakoy Balik Pazari, 34425 Karakoy, Beyoglu/Istanbul
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Turkish
Karakoy Lokantasi
Mikla
Ulus 29
Hamdi Restaurant
Pandeli
Sutis
Turk Fatih Tutak
Aheste
Kuzguncuk Bostani
Mavra
Yanyali Fehmi Lokantasi
Helvetia Lokantasi
Sehzade Erzurum Cag Kebabi
Tarihi Sultanahmet Koftecisi Selim Usta
Namli Gurme
Leb-i Derya Richmond
Kanaat Lokantasi
Comida
Kanatci Gullu
Bahar Restaurant
Midpoint
Kosebasi Beyoglu
Simit Sarayi
Divitis
Anatolian
Anatolian Regional
Creative Meze
Indian
International
Japanese
Modern Anatolian
Ottoman
Steakhouse
Vegetarian
Street food
Local flavours at affordable prices.
Simit
The iconic sesame-crusted bread ring sold from round carts all over Istanbul. Crunchy, chewy, and filling — the quintessential Istanbul breakfast or snack. Best eaten fresh from the cart.
Balik Ekmek (Fish Sandwich)
Grilled mackerel or sea bass fillets stuffed into a crusty white bread roll with onions, tomatoes, and lettuce. Sold from boats moored at Eminonu waterfront — one of Istanbul's most atmospheric street food experiences.
Doner Kebab
Spiced lamb or chicken cooked on a vertical rotisserie, sliced and served in bread (ekmek arasi) or wrap (durum). Istanbul's most ubiquitous fast food. Quality varies enormously — look for places with queues of locals.
Midye Dolma (Stuffed Mussels)
Mussels stuffed with spiced rice, pine nuts, and currants, sold from trays by street vendors. Squeeze lemon and eat directly from the shell. A late-night Istanbul classic sold along Istiklal Street.
Kumpir (Baked Potato)
Giant baked potato loaded with cheese, butter, and your choice of 30+ toppings including corn, sauteed mushrooms, pickles, olives, and coleslaw. The Ortakoy neighborhood is Istanbul's kumpir capital.
Islak Burger (Wet Burger)
Small steamed/wet burgers served from glass display cases at Taksim Square. A beloved late-night Istanbul institution — the tiny burger buns are steam-cooked and served warm, traditionally from vendors at Taksim.
Food markets
Where locals shop and graze.
Misir Carsisi (Egyptian Spice Bazaar)
The 17th-century L-shaped covered market near Galata Bridge is the most famous spice and food market in Istanbul. Stalls sell Turkish spices, dried fruits, nuts, teas, Turkish delight, cheese, olive oil, and preserved foods. The surrounding streets have excellent food shops.
Hours: Mon-Sat 8am-7:30pm, Sun 9am-7pm
Kadikoy Produce Market
The best fresh produce market in Istanbul, beloved by locals and foodies. The covered and street sections sell the finest seasonal fruit, vegetables, cheeses, pickles, olives, fresh fish, and artisan food products. The surrounding streets have excellent bakeries, delicatessens, and specialty food shops.
Hours: Daily 7am-7pm (busiest Sat morning)
Besiktas Pazari
A lively neighborhood market in Besiktas on the Bosphorus, selling fresh produce, fish, cheese, and local foods. Popular with local residents and a good alternative to the more touristy markets. Saturday is the main market day.
Hours: Daily but largest on Saturday
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Lunch is typically 12-3pm and dinner from 7:30pm onwards — Istanbul eats late
For authentic cheap lunches, seek out lokanta (home-style canteen) restaurants with displayed dishes — price and quality are both excellent
Always try meze selections before main courses at traditional meyhanes — the cold meze spread alone can be a meal
Turkish tea (cay) or Turkish coffee after a meal is standard — embrace it
Meyhane culture: arrive with a group, order raki, share meze, take your time — Turkish dining is never rushed
Reservations are essential at top restaurants (Mikla, Turk Fatih Tutak, Neolokal) — book 2-4 weeks ahead
At seafood restaurants, confirm fish prices before ordering as seasonal fish is usually priced by weight
The waiter bringing bread and olives at the start of a meal is almost always charged for — you can decline
Many Istanbul restaurants don't have menus in English — Google Translate photo mode works well
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $5-15/meal | Street food, local eateries, and simple restaurants. |
| Mid-range | $15-40/meal | Sit-down restaurants with good service and varied menus. |
| Upscale | $40+/meal | Fine dining, international cuisine, and premium experiences. |