For those that have visited Türkiye, you know that it is one of the culinary capitals of the world. As self-proclaimed foodies that lived in Istanbul for a year, we’ve compiled a list of our personal favorite restaurants, cafes, and bars in the city.
1. Zubeyir Ocakbasi
A meat lover’s paradise! You must try the lamb ribs here; they’re melt-in-your-mouth good.
2. Velvet Cafe
For a traditional Turkish breakfast, head to Velvet Cafe. Fresh bread, cheeses, olives, and jams—it’s the perfect way to start your day.
3. Fish Sandwiches on Galata Bridge
For a unique street food experience, grab a fish sandwich from the boats lined up along Galata Bridge. The fresh fish, straight from the Bosphorus, is delicious and cheap.
4. En La Luna
This rooftop café offers an amazing view of the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque. It’s a budget-friendly spot surrounded by pricier rooftops, perfect for sipping Turkish tea and snapping some stunning pics. It is never crowded and all you need is to get a Turkish tea (don’t eat here- food is overpriced and better options elsewhere)
5. Şehzade Cağ Kebap
One word: WOW. If you love kebabs, this is the place to be. Order the cağ kebap—it’s easily one of the best kebabs you’ll ever have.
6. Varuna Gezgin Cafe
This backpacker-themed café/bar is covered in flags and travel books. It’s a quirky, relaxed spot that has the best vibe for travelers.
7. Ispanak Bar (Taksim)
Located in the lively Taksim area, Ispanak is your go-to for cheap drinks and a fun atmosphere.
8. Meridien Hotel Rooftop Bar
For a luxurious sunset experience with sweeping views of both the European and Asian sides of Istanbul, head to the Meridien Hotel’s rooftop bar. A bit pricey, but worth it for just one drink!
9. Kebapçı İskender – İskenderoğlu
If you try one dish in Istanbul, make it the Iskender kebab. It’s a regional specialty, and while it originates from another city, this place serves up an incredible version of the dish.
9. Meshur Kireçburnu Midye ve Balık Evi
If you love seafood, you cannot miss this quaint restaurant in Istanbul’s Sariyer neighborhood along the waterfront. With just about 7 tables, be prepared to wait if need be….it is worth it. You need to get 3 things: midye (as mentioned before: stuffed mussels with wild rice), fried mussels on stick (I mean c’mon) and of course the main event- Balik Elmer (grilled fish sandwich) because you can’t come to Istanbul and not have it….it will have you coming back for more!
10. Etiler Kebapçı
Located in the upperclass neighborhood of Etiler on the edge of the Levent financial district, Etiler Kebabçı offers some of the best lahmacun (kind of like a rolled up pizza) around. You have to try both the spicy and mild variations. Don’t be like us and not roll up the circular dish….it is meant to have onions and lettuce put inside and rolled up like a burrito and damn just let your mouth enjoy the wonderful tastes and flavors.
11. Tavan Arası
A quaint little rooftop restaurant in Taksim that might seem hard to get to and you will be greeted by a sketchy elevator to the top…but damn you have to go and gorge on the array of mezze dishes offered. Our favorite, the atom dip ( a spicy yogurt) served with bread. It is incredible…seriously.
12. Turkish Breakfast in Beşiktas
You might think, hmmmm Beşiktaş is a neighborhood, not a restaurant. Well, we realise that but the thing is there is a street called Kahvalticilar Street (literally breakfast street) where you will have many options of restaurants because as soon as you walk down it, you will have servers from each establishment pitching their services. As we have been to several of the restaurants, we don’t have a favorite, rather pick which one you think is the coolest. For about $13-17/person (can’t give an exact amount because well Turkish inflation is terrible), you can treat yourself to the wide range of Turkish breakfast dishes and your Turkish tea/coffee to start your day. I am not going to go into all the dishes offered because that is for you to find out. Don’t go to Türkiye and not have Turkish breakfast…and a step further, let the Breakfast street be your first Turkish breakfast!
