Istanbul is a paradise for food lovers, offering a mix of traditional Turkish cuisine, international flavors, and fine dining experiences. Whether you’re looking for authentic kebabs, fresh seafood, modern fusion cuisine, or Ottoman palace dishes, the best restaurants in Istanbul provide an unforgettable culinary journey.
From charming street-side eateries to Michelin-starred restaurants, this guide highlights the best restaurants in Istanbul that you should visit for a true taste of the city’s diverse food scene.
Best Traditional Turkish Restaurants in Istanbul
For those looking to experience authentic Turkish cuisine, these restaurants offer classic dishes that have been perfected over generations.
1. Pandeli
- Location: Eminönü (Inside Spice Bazaar)
- Why Visit? Established in 1901, Pandeli is one of Istanbul’s most historic restaurants, serving traditional Turkish and Ottoman cuisine.
- Must-Try Dishes: Hünkar beğendi (lamb stew over eggplant puree), lamb shank, and stuffed grape leaves.
2. Çiya Sofrası
- Location: Kadıköy (Asian Side)
- Why Visit? Famous for its regional Turkish and Anatolian dishes, Çiya Sofrası is a great place to taste flavors from across Turkey.
- Must-Try Dishes: Ali Nazik kebab, lentil soup, and homemade Turkish desserts.
3. Kanaat Lokantası
- Location: Üsküdar (Asian Side)
- Why Visit? A local favorite since 1933, offering authentic home-cooked Turkish meals in a no-frills setting.
- Must-Try Dishes: Meat stews, pilav (Turkish rice), and baklava.
Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Istanbul
For those seeking a luxurious dining experience, these fine dining restaurants offer exquisite flavors, high-end service, and breathtaking views.
4. Mikla
- Location: Beyoğlu
- Why Visit? One of Istanbul’s top fine dining restaurants, offering modern Turkish cuisine with Scandinavian influences. The rooftop location provides stunning views of the Bosphorus.
- Must-Try Dishes: Lamb loin with Anatolian herbs, grilled octopus, and signature tasting menus.
5. Neolokal
- Location: Karaköy
- Why Visit? A Michelin-starred restaurant, known for reinventing traditional Turkish dishes with a modern twist.
- Must-Try Dishes: Contemporary meze platter, smoked eggplant, and slow-cooked lamb.
6. Sunset Grill & Bar
- Location: Ulus
- Why Visit? A high-end restaurant with a mix of Turkish, Mediterranean, and Japanese cuisine, offering panoramic views of the Bosphorus.
- Must-Try Dishes: Wagyu steak, sushi rolls, and seafood platters.
Best Seafood Restaurants in Istanbul
With its location between the Bosphorus, the Black Sea, and the Sea of Marmara, Istanbul is a great place to enjoy fresh seafood.
7. Balıkçı Sabahattin
- Location: Sultanahmet
- Why Visit? A legendary seafood restaurant that serves fresh fish and traditional Turkish seafood meze.
- Must-Try Dishes: Grilled sea bass, stuffed mussels, and calamari.
8. Kıyı Restaurant
- Location: Tarabya (Bosphorus)
- Why Visit? A high-end seafood restaurant overlooking the Bosphorus, known for fresh seasonal fish and elegant ambiance.
- Must-Try Dishes: Fish stew, jumbo shrimp, and fish baked in salt crust.
9. Tarihi Karaköy Balıkçısı
- Location: Karaköy
- Why Visit? A hidden gem serving traditional Turkish fish dishes in a simple yet welcoming setting.
- Must-Try Dishes: Grilled sea bream, fish soup, and shrimp casserole.
Best Street Food Restaurants in Istanbul
For those who prefer quick, delicious, and budget-friendly options, Istanbul has some of the best street food eateries.
10. Dürümzade
- Location: Beyoğlu
- Why Visit? Famous for its delicious dürüm (Turkish wrap) made with charcoal-grilled kebabs.
- Must-Try Dishes: Adana kebab dürüm and spicy lamb wrap.
11. Bambi Café
- Location: Taksim
- Why Visit? A classic late-night spot serving kokoreç (grilled lamb intestines) and wet burgers.
- Must-Try Dishes: Islak hamburger (wet burger) and döner sandwich.
12. Namlı Gurme
- Location: Karaköy
- Why Visit? A modern Turkish deli, famous for sucuk (spicy Turkish sausage), cheese platters, and gourmet sandwiches.
- Must-Try Dishes: Sucuklu yumurta (eggs with sausage) and Turkish breakfast platter.
Best Restaurants with a View in Istanbul
For those who want to enjoy a meal with a breathtaking view, these restaurants offer some of the best panoramic dining experiences in Istanbul.
13. 360 Istanbul
- Location: Beyoğlu
- Why Visit? A rooftop restaurant with 360-degree views of Istanbul, offering a mix of Mediterranean, Turkish, and international cuisine.
- Must-Try Dishes: Duck confit, meze platter, and signature cocktails.
14. Lacivert
- Location: Anadoluhisarı (Asian Side)
- Why Visit? A romantic seafood restaurant on the Bosphorus, accessible by boat.
- Must-Try Dishes: Grilled fish, shrimp risotto, and Turkish wine.
15. Ulus 29
- Location: Ulus
- Why Visit? A luxury restaurant with Bosphorus views, known for its international and Turkish fusion cuisine.
- Must-Try Dishes: Slow-cooked lamb shank and truffle pasta.
Best Restaurants in Istanbul for Turkish Breakfast
One of the best ways to start your day in Istanbul is with a traditional Turkish breakfast, which includes fresh cheeses, olives, honey, tomatoes, cucumbers, eggs, and simit (Turkish bagel). Some of the best restaurants in Istanbul for breakfast include Van Kahvaltı Evi in Cihangir, known for its Anatolian-style breakfast, and Sütiş Emirgan, which offers a picturesque Bosphorus view while you enjoy freshly baked bread and kaymak (clotted cream with honey).
Best Restaurants in Istanbul for Vegetarian and Vegan Food
While Turkish cuisine is famous for its meat-based dishes, there are plenty of vegetarian and vegan-friendly options in the city. The best restaurants in Istanbul for plant-based food include Bi Nevi Deli in Etiler, offering creative vegan dishes, and Community Kitchen in Kadıköy, where you can enjoy homemade plant-based versions of traditional Turkish meals. Many meze dishes, such as mercimek köftesi (lentil balls) and imam bayıldı (stuffed eggplant), are naturally vegetarian and can be found in most traditional restaurants.
Best Restaurants in Istanbul for Ottoman Cuisine
If you want to experience the flavors of the Ottoman Empire, there are several best restaurants in Istanbul that specialize in Ottoman palace dishes. Asitane Restaurant in Edirnekapı is one of the top choices, serving historical recipes once enjoyed by Ottoman sultans, such as stuffed quince, almond soup, and lamb with figs. Another great spot is Deraliye Ottoman Cuisine in Sultanahmet, which offers a fine dining experience with dishes prepared using historical cooking techniques.
Best Restaurants in Istanbul for Desserts and Sweets
Turkish cuisine is famous for its rich and flavorful desserts, and the best restaurants in Istanbul for sweets offer a variety of options. Hafız Mustafa 1864 in Sirkeci is a must-visit for its legendary baklava, kazandibi (caramelized milk pudding), and şekerpare (syrupy semolina cookies). For a more modern twist, Karaköy Güllüoğlu is one of the most famous places to try freshly baked baklava, made with top-quality pistachios and butter.
Best Restaurants in Istanbul for Rooftop Dining
For an unforgettable dining experience, visiting one of the best restaurants in Istanbul with a rooftop view is a must. Seven Hills Restaurant in Sultanahmet offers breathtaking views of Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, making it a perfect spot for both lunch and dinner. Another great choice is Spago Istanbul in Nişantaşı, where guests can enjoy gourmet international cuisine while taking in panoramic views of the Bosphorus and the city skyline.
Tips for Dining in Istanbul
- Make a Reservation – Many of the best restaurants in Istanbul get fully booked, especially on weekends.
- Try a Mix of Traditional and Modern Cuisine – Istanbul’s food scene is diverse, so explore both historic and contemporary flavors.
- Check for Seasonal Menus – Seafood restaurants, in particular, serve different fish depending on the season.
- Be Prepared to Share – Turkish meals often include shared appetizers and meze, so be ready to taste a bit of everything.
- Enjoy Turkish Drinks – Pair your meal with Turkish wine, rakı, or freshly brewed Turkish tea.
The best restaurants in Istanbul offer a wide variety of dining experiences, from historic eateries serving classic Turkish dishes to modern fine-dining establishments. Whether you’re in the mood for grilled kebabs, fresh seafood, or innovative fusion cuisine, Istanbul’s diverse food scene ensures that every meal is an unforgettable experience.
Exploring the best restaurants in Istanbul is not just about eating—it’s about discovering the culture, flavors, and traditions that make this city one of the world’s top food destinations.
