Istanbul is one of our favorite places in the world. It has something for everyone: history, culture, tasty food and delicious drink.
A bustling city that reflects the best of both East and West, Istanbul is a wonderful cultural hub, combining the best of both Europe and Asia. A bustling city, Istanbul offers a unique culinary experience reflective of its rich history. With new flavors and culinary techniques around every corner and cuisine inspired by both the East and West, there is certainly something for everyone to indulge in during your visit to this city.
From traditional Turkish cuisine to modern fusion, We’ve sifted through all of the restaurant options to find the top 7!
1) Mikla
If you are looking for the best place to see Istanbul’s most iconic sites while enjoying delicious food, then look no further than Mikla Restaurant. Of course, Istanbul is full of places with great views. But Mikla sets itself apart by providing you with stunning views, good food and service, all in an unforgettable atmosphere. If tasting menus are your thing, Mikla offers a 7 course tasting menu with wine pairing.
2) Bilice Kebap
Although this place is not very flashy or glamorous, it doesn’t need to be. It is the food that everyone cares about after all. Bilice Kabap offers traditional Turkish food in a casual setting. Choose your own table, order at your table (def recommend ordering the big platter & adding lamb), eat at your table and pay at the counter. The ultimate kebap experience.
3) Lokanta 1741
The charming Lokanta1741 restaurant offers you a truly unique experience. Lokanta (lok. an. ta) Turkish word for “restaurant” … Restaurant 1741 hidden in a 300 year old Turkish bath (hamam). When the weather is nice, head to the terrace and enjoy a tasty craft-cocktail. For those days when the weather is a bit chilly, head inside to enjoy the cosy ambience (and a glass of Turkish wine) in the fireplace room. The dinner menu is more extensive and they also offer a tasting menu.
Güney Restaurant is the king of Turkish breakfast. When you feel like having breakfast with a mix of some Western and Turkish food, this is the right spot for you. Strongly recommend Menemen (Turkish scrambled eggs with olive oil, tomatoes and peppers) and the Güney omelet. The food is excellent, the cafe is pretty and is a great location, right next to Galata Tower.
This cafe is a cute farm to table cafe and shop located on the Asian side of the Bosphorus. We tried two different dishes- a savory pastry stuffed with pastrami and Turkish cheese (yum) and another pastry stuffed with Turkish cheese and parsley. Served with a side of acuka- blend of tomato puree, walnuts, garlic, olive oil and hot chili peppers- so delicious we had to buy some to bring back home with us.
6) Yeni Lokanta
Great dinner and drinks at this charming restaurant and bar. Serving traditional dishes with a contemporary spin. We did the tasting menu which was delicious but very small amounts of food. Make sure to get another dish in addition or go when you are not starving. Cozy ambience and great service.
7) Resturant 24
Our days in Istanbul are marked by rooftop cocktails. Always a favorite spot for Istanbul locals and visitors alike, Restaurant 24 at The Georges Hotel in Galata offers unobstructed views of the Bosphorus and Golden Horn. Perfect for an afternoon glass of champagne, or an evening of classic Turkish dishes before an evening out in Istanbul.
(Make sure to check out our post on the best places to stay in Istanbul to find out why The Georges Hotel is our favorite place to stay).
And there you have it, our Top 7 Restaurants Istanbul.
Have a Restaurant you think we should add to the list? Drop it in the comment section below.
Bon apetit or as the Turksih say, Afiyet olsun!
