Quick answers — eating in Istanbul
- Best restaurant overall
- TURK Fatih Tutak
- Best value
- Aheste (800 TRY - 1,300 TRY (25 USD - 40 USD))
- Strongest cuisines
- Turkish, Mediterranean, Modern European, Italian, Seafood
- Dishes to try
- Islak Hamburger (Wet Burger), Çıtır Mantı (Crispy Mantı), İskender Kebap, Döner Kebap
- Booking window
- For starred restaurants like TURK or Neolokal, aim to book 3-6 weeks in advance, especially for weekend evenings. Many use online booking platforms, which simplify the process.
Booking is highly recommended, especially for Michelin-starred establishments, often several weeks in advance. Dress codes typically range from smart casual to elegant, depending on the venue. Tipping around 10% is customary for good service. Dinner hours usually start between 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM, extending late into the evening.
Turkish
Best Turkish restaurants in Istanbul
Turkish cooking spans meze tables meant to last hours, charcoal kebabs cut to order, and modern Anatolian kitchens reworking village recipes with restaurant technique.
TURK Fatih Tutak
Two MICHELIN StarsModern Anatolian · Şişli · 4,500 TRY - 5,500 TRY (140 USD - 170 USD)
Fatih Tutak
Chef Fatih Tutak reinterprets traditional Turkish cuisine with an inventive, contemporary approach. His tasting menus are a journey through Anatolian flavors, presented with sophisticated techniques and artistic plating. The sleek, modern dining room offers an intimate and refined experience, making it a culinary landmark in Istanbul.
Order: Duck mantı, fermented yogurt, caviar
Neolokal
One MICHELIN StarAnatolian, Sustainable · Beyoğlu · 2,800 TRY - 3,500 TRY (90 USD - 110 USD)
Maksut Aşkar
Neolokal champions sustainable gastronomy, celebrating ancestral recipes and forgotten Anatolian ingredients. Chef Maksut Aşkar's philosophy emphasizes 'seed to table,' working directly with local producers to create dishes that tell a story of Turkey's rich culinary heritage. The restaurant's design, inside the Salt Galata building, is equally thoughtful and minimalist.
Order: Dried eggplant dolma, "Kavurga" (ancient grain popcorn)
Mikla
MICHELIN SelectedContemporary Anatolian · Beyoğlu · 2,500 TRY - 3,500 TRY (80 USD - 110 USD)
Mehmet Gürs
Located on the top floor of The Marmara Pera Hotel, Mikla offers breathtaking 360-degree views of Istanbul, including the Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace. Chef Mehmet Gürs is celebrated for his 'New Anatolian Cuisine,' blending traditional techniques and ingredients with modern culinary artistry. The ambiance is chic and sophisticated, perfect for a special occasion.
Order: Anatolian cheese platter, lamb with eggplant
Foxy Nişantaşı
Bib GourmandWine Bar, Modern Turkish · Nişantaşı · 1,000 TRY - 1,500 TRY (30 USD - 50 USD)
Foxy is a stylish wine bar and restaurant offering an impressive selection of local and international wines. Their menu features modern Turkish and Mediterranean small plates designed to complement the extensive wine list. It's a convivial spot perfect for a relaxed yet refined evening, showcasing quality ingredients in a chic setting.
Order: Artichoke with lemon confit, beef cheek stew
Aheste
Bib GourmandMeze, Modern Turkish · Galata · 800 TRY - 1,300 TRY (25 USD - 40 USD)
Nestled near the iconic Galata Tower, Aheste offers a modern take on traditional Turkish meze culture. The dishes are creative, flavorful, and perfect for sharing, encouraging a communal dining experience. The cozy, bohemian atmosphere and attentive service make it a beloved spot for both locals and visitors seeking genuine Turkish hospitality.
Order: Smoked eggplant puree, lamb ribs with sour cherry
Mediterranean
Best Mediterranean restaurants in Istanbul
Mediterranean menus borrow freely across the sea — olive oil, fish, vegetables, citrus — and tend to be the easiest choice for a mixed table.
Nicole
One MICHELIN StarMediterranean, Contemporary · Beyoğlu · 2,500 TRY - 3,200 TRY (80 USD - 100 USD)
Serkan Aksoy
Perched on the top floor of the historical Franciscan Monastery, Nicole offers breathtaking views of the Bosphorus and Princes' Islands. Chef Serkan Aksoy's Mediterranean-inspired menu is refined and elegant, focusing on seasonal ingredients with subtle Turkish influences. The sophisticated ambiance and exceptional service contribute to a memorable dining occasion.
Order: Slow-cooked lamb shank, fig dessert
Sunset Grill & Bar
MICHELIN SelectedMediterranean, International · Beşiktaş · 2,000 TRY - 3,000 TRY (65 USD - 95 USD)
Iconic for its unparalleled Bosphorus views, Sunset Grill & Bar has been a premier dining destination for decades. The menu offers a refined blend of Mediterranean and international cuisine, executed with consistent quality. Its terrace is particularly coveted at dusk, providing a spectacular backdrop for an elegant meal and special celebrations.
Order: Sushi and sashimi platters, rack of lamb
Modern European
Best modern European restaurants in Istanbul
Modern European is the catch-all for kitchens that borrow technique from France, produce from their own region and ideas from everywhere — usually tasting-menu only.
Arkestra
One MICHELIN StarContemporary European · Beşiktaş · 2,600 TRY - 3,300 TRY (85 USD - 105 USD)
Cenk Debensel
Arkestra delivers a sophisticated contemporary European experience with a modern aesthetic. Chef Cenk Debensel crafts precise, ingredient-focused dishes that highlight seasonality and delicate flavors. The elegant, minimalist interior and attentive service create a serene atmosphere, allowing the innovative culinary artistry to take center stage.
Order: Foie gras with apple, wild sea bass
Italian
Best Italian restaurants in Istanbul
Italian kitchens abroad split into two camps: the classic trattoria doing pasta, fish and a short wine list, and the modern dining rooms treating Italian produce with tasting-menu precision.
Spago Istanbul
MICHELIN SelectedCalifornian, Italian · Nişantaşı · 1,800 TRY - 2,800 TRY (60 USD - 90 USD)
Wolfgang Puck (concept)
Bringing Wolfgang Puck's renowned Californian-Italian fusion to Istanbul, Spago offers a vibrant dining experience atop the St. Regis hotel. The menu features modern interpretations of classic dishes, complemented by a lively atmosphere and stylish decor. The rooftop terrace provides chic views over Maçka Park, ideal for a cosmopolitan evening.
Order: Smoked Salmon Pizza, Austrian Veal Schnitzel
Seafood
Best seafood restaurants in Istanbul
Seafood restaurants live or die on the day's catch — the shortest menus are usually the best sign, because the kitchen is cooking what actually came in.
Tershane
Bib GourmandSeafood, Meze · Karaköy · 900 TRY - 1,400 TRY (30 USD - 45 USD)
Located in a historic building overlooking the Golden Horn, Tershane offers fresh seafood and an array of traditional mezes in a lively, vibrant setting. The focus is on seasonal, local ingredients, prepared simply to highlight their natural flavors. It's an excellent choice for an authentic Turkish seafood experience with a contemporary twist.
Order: Grilled octopus, seasonal fish
Budget
Where to eat cheaply in Istanbul
Durumzade
Famous for its authentic Adana and Urfa durum kebabs, wrapped in thin lavaş bread with fresh herbs. Expect a flavorful, spicy, and satisfying meal for around 150-200 TRY per person.
Borsa Lokantası
Offers classic Turkish home-style cooking ('esnaf lokantası') in a more upscale setting. Enjoy traditional dishes like hünkar beğendi or karnıyarık for approximately 250-350 TRY, a fantastic value for quality.
Şehzade Cağ Kebap
Specializes in Erzurum's unique horizontally-roasted lamb cağ kebap. Skewers are sliced fresh onto your plate, served with thin lavaş and onions. Delicious and addictive for about 100-150 TRY per skewer.
Karadeniz Pide ve Döner Salonu
A legendary spot in Beşiktaş for the best döner kebab. Succulent, slow-roasted lamb and beef served in a half-bread or lavaş, offering rich flavor for around 150-200 TRY.
Gaziantep Burçak Kebap & Pide Salonu
Authentic Antep cuisine, especially known for its kebabs, lahmacun, and delicious baklava. A hearty and flavorful meal can be enjoyed for about 200-300 TRY per person.
Local dishes
What to eat in Istanbul
Islak Hamburger (Wet Burger)
Taksim's legendary late-night snack: a small beef patty in a soft bun steeped in a garlicky tomato-butter sauce and kept warm in a steam cabinet. The bun turns pillowy and soaked, which is exactly the point. The classic spot is the row of glass-cabinet stands at the bottom of İstiklal Avenue in Taksim Square — best after midnight.
Çıtır Mantı (Crispy Mantı)
A modern Istanbul twist on the classic dumpling: mantı fried until golden and shattering-crisp, then served with cool garlic yogurt, tomato-butter sauce and dried mint. It is richer and crunchier than the boiled version and appears on menus in Kadıköy, Moda and Beşiktaş. Order it alongside boiled mantı to compare the two textures.
İskender Kebap
Slices of döner laid over cubes of pide bread, drenched in tomato sauce and sizzling browned butter poured at the table, served with a scoop of thick yogurt and grilled peppers. It is a hearty lunch dish rather than a street snack. Traditional kebap houses in Karaköy, Nişantaşı and Kadıköy do the tableside butter pour properly.
Döner Kebap
Thinly sliced, marinated meat (lamb, beef, or chicken) cooked on a vertical spit, typically served in flatbread with vegetables and sauce. It's an iconic street food, readily available from countless vendors across the city. Seek out a busy, established döner stand for the freshest experience and authentic taste.
Meze
A selection of small dishes served as appetizers, similar to Spanish tapas. Common mezes include hummus, baba ghanoush, haydari (yogurt dip), ezme (spicy tomato dip), and dolma (stuffed vine leaves). They are best enjoyed at a traditional meyhane (tavern) alongside raki, fostering a convivial dining experience.
Manti
Small, delicate Turkish dumplings filled with seasoned ground meat, typically beef or lamb. They are boiled and served with a generous dollop of garlicky yogurt and a drizzle of melted butter infused with paprika or mint. Look for specialized mantı restaurants for a truly authentic and comforting dish.
Simit
A circular bread, coated with sesame seeds, resembling a bagel but with a distinct, slightly crispier texture. Simit is a quintessential Turkish street food, often enjoyed for breakfast or as a snack. Find vendors pushing carts throughout Istanbul, especially near ferry terminals and busy squares, often paired with Turkish tea.
Küflü Peynir
A unique Turkish blue cheese, primarily from the central Anatolian region of Konya. It possesses a sharp, earthy, and pungent flavor with a crumbly texture and characteristic blue veins. It's often enjoyed as part of a traditional Turkish breakfast spread or alongside fresh bread. Find it at specialized cheese shops in markets like Kadıköy Pazarı.
Gözleme
A savory Turkish flatbread, hand-rolled and often stuffed with various fillings such as spinach and cheese, minced meat, or potatoes. It's cooked on a traditional griddle until golden and slightly crispy. Many small cafes and market stalls, particularly in areas like Kadıköy or along the Bosphorus, offer freshly prepared gözleme.
Baklava
A rich, sweet pastry made of layers of thin filo dough, filled with chopped nuts (pistachios or walnuts), and sweetened with syrup or honey. Istanbul is famous for its baklava, with many specialty shops. Hafız Mustafa 1864 and Karaköy Güllüoğlu are renowned establishments to savor this iconic dessert fresh.
Menemen
A classic Turkish breakfast dish consisting of scrambled eggs cooked with sautéed tomatoes, green peppers, and onions, seasoned with herbs like red pepper flakes and black pepper. It’s typically served hot in a small pan, perfect for scooping up with fresh bread. Many breakfast eateries and cafes serve this comforting and flavorful dish.
How to book a table in Istanbul
- · For starred restaurants like TURK or Neolokal, aim to book 3-6 weeks in advance, especially for weekend evenings. Many use online booking platforms, which simplify the process.
- · Some high-demand restaurants may require a credit card guarantee or a non-refundable deposit for larger groups or prime time slots. Always check their specific policy when reserving.
- · Consider booking a lunch reservation at fine-dining establishments. It often provides a more accessible price point for experiencing the chef's culinary vision, typically 20-30% less than dinner.
- · Be mindful of no-show policies. Cancellations within 24-48 hours may incur a fee or forfeit a deposit, as these establishments often have waiting lists for tables.
FAQ
Istanbul restaurant questions travellers ask
What is the best restaurant in Istanbul?
TURK Fatih Tutak in Şişli is the benchmark table — Modern Anatolian, led by Fatih Tutak, two michelin stars, around 4,500 TRY - 5,500 TRY (140 USD - 170 USD) per person. Order the Duck mantı, fermented yogurt, caviar
Where is the best Turkish restaurant in Istanbul?
TURK Fatih Tutak in Şişli is the Turkish table to book in Istanbul (4,500 TRY - 5,500 TRY (140 USD - 170 USD) per person). Other strong options: Neolokal, Mikla, Foxy Nişantaşı.
Where is the best Mediterranean restaurant in Istanbul?
Nicole in Beyoğlu is the Mediterranean table to book in Istanbul (2,500 TRY - 3,200 TRY (80 USD - 100 USD) per person). Other strong options: Sunset Grill & Bar.
Where is the best modern European restaurant in Istanbul?
Arkestra in Beşiktaş is the modern European table to book in Istanbul (2,600 TRY - 3,300 TRY (85 USD - 105 USD) per person).
Where is the best Italian restaurant in Istanbul?
Spago Istanbul in Nişantaşı is the Italian table to book in Istanbul (1,800 TRY - 2,800 TRY (60 USD - 90 USD) per person).
Where is the best seafood restaurant in Istanbul?
Tershane in Karaköy is the seafood table to book in Istanbul (900 TRY - 1,400 TRY (30 USD - 45 USD) per person).
Where can I eat well in Istanbul without spending a fortune?
Aheste is the best-value table on this list at roughly 800 TRY - 1,300 TRY (25 USD - 40 USD) per person. Beyond fine dining, locals point to Durumzade, Borsa Lokantası, Şehzade Cağ Kebap.
How far in advance should I book restaurants in Istanbul?
For starred restaurants like TURK or Neolokal, aim to book 3-6 weeks in advance, especially for weekend evenings. Many use online booking platforms, which simplify the process. Some high-demand restaurants may require a credit card guarantee or a non-refundable deposit for larger groups or prime time slots. Always check their specific policy when reserving.
What food is Istanbul famous for?
Islak Hamburger (Wet Burger), Çıtır Mantı (Crispy Mantı), İskender Kebap, Döner Kebap, Meze — the dishes most worth eating where they come from. Taksim's legendary late-night snack: a small beef patty in a soft bun steeped in a garlicky tomato-butter sauce and kept warm in a steam cabinet. The bun turns pillowy and soaked, which is exactly the point. The classic spot is the row of glass-cabinet stands at the bottom of İstiklal Avenue in Taksim Square — best after midnight.
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