10 Must-Try Dishes
- Turkish Kebabs: A quintessential Turkish delight, kebabs present themselves in diverse forms, including doner (rotating meat cooked on a vertical spit), shish (grilled meat skewers), and iskender (thinly sliced meat served over bread, accompanied by tomato sauce and yogurt). Make sure not to overlook the tantalizing Adana kebab, crafted with minced meat blended with spices and grilled on skewers.
- Meze Delights: Meze, comprising small appetizers or drink accompaniments, offer a plethora of flavors to relish. From stuffed grape leaves (dolma) to eggplant puree (patlıcan ezmesi), garlic-infused yogurt (sarımsaklı yogurt), and more, these small dishes are best savored with freshly baked bread.
- Delectable Baklava: A cherished Turkish dessert, baklava consists of layers of delicate pastry dough filled with finely chopped nuts, typically pistachios or walnuts, and sweetened with syrup or honey. Rich, sweet, and irresistibly indulgent, it’s a treat not to be missed for those with a sweet tooth.
- Turkish Pizza: Lahmacun: Lahmacun, often likened to Turkish pizza, features a thin, round dough topped with a savory mixture of minced meat (usually lamb or beef), vegetables, and spices, baked to perfection. It’s traditionally served with fresh herbs, lemon wedges, and occasionally a drizzle of olive oil or yogurt.
- Flavorful Manti: These petite, dumpling-like delights are filled with seasoned meat, often lamb or beef, and served with yogurt and garlic, sometimes adorned with melted butter and a sprinkle of paprika or sumac. Varied in size and shape, manti never fail to captivate with their burst of flavors.
- Turkish Breakfast (Kahvaltı): A leisurely affair boasting an assortment of dishes such as cheeses (including beyaz peynir and kasar), olives, tomatoes, cucumbers, jams, honey, eggs (often prepared as menemen, scrambled with tomatoes and peppers), bread, and tea. Turkish breakfast promises a delightful fusion of savory and sweet tastes.
- Balık Ekmek: Translating to “fish bread,” this popular street food features a grilled fish fillet, usually mackerel or sea bass, nestled within a crusty bread roll alongside lettuce, onions, and a spritz of lemon. Balık ekmek offers a delectable and gratifying snack experience along the Bosphorus waterfront.
- Tempting Kumpir: A baked potato scooped out and mashed with butter and cheese, then adorned with various toppings like olives, corn, pickles, sausage, and more. Kumpir presents a hearty and customizable meal option, perfect for a quick and satisfying bite.
- Simit Sensation: Commonly referred to as Turkish bagels, simit are circular bread rings coated in sesame seeds, imparting a crunchy texture and nutty flavor. They’re often enjoyed as a convenient on-the-go snack or paired with tea for breakfast.
- Pide Pleasures: Resembling lahmacun but with a thicker crust, pide takes the form of a boat-shaped flatbread adorned with an array of ingredients such as cheese, minced meat, vegetables, and eggs. Baked to golden perfection in a stone oven, pide promises a gratifying and comforting meal experience.
Top 10 Restaurants in Istanbul
Nusr-Et Steakhouse
Nusr-Et Steakhouse, synonymous with culinary spectacle and opulence, stands as a beacon in Istanbul’s vibrant dining landscape. Established by the charismatic chef Nusret Gokce, affectionately known as Salt Bae, this venue redefines the art of steak preparation. Diners not only savor impeccably cooked meat but also witness a theatrical presentation like no other, as Salt Bae himself skillfully seasons and serves each dish with his signature flair. With its lavish atmosphere, attentive hospitality, and unmatched dining experience, Nusr-Et Steakhouse has become an essential stop for those in pursuit of an unforgettable culinary odyssey in Istanbul.
Ciya Sofrasi
Ciya Sofrasi, nestled in Istanbul’s bustling Kadikoy neighborhood, shines as a culinary jewel celebrated for its genuine Anatolian flavors. With a daily-changing menu highlighting seasonal produce and local delicacies, Ciya Sofrasi promises a dynamic dining venture that honors Turkey’s rich culinary legacy. Patrons can delight in an array of mezes, kebabs, and vegetable specialties, all crafted with meticulous attention and culinary finesse. The restaurant’s laid-back yet inviting ambiance, combined with its dedication to excellence and creativity, establishes Ciya Sofrasi as a cherished haven for gastronomes in search of authentic Turkish warmth and flavor.
Balikci Sabahattin
Situated in Istanbul’s storied Sultanahmet quarter, allures guests with its allure and culinary mastery. Focused on seafood freshly harvested from the Bosphorus, this eatery presents a delectable assortment of classic Turkish flavors. From juicy grilled fish to aromatic mezes, each offering at Balikci Sabahattin embodies a dedication to excellence and tradition. The restaurant’s welcoming ambiance, adorned with rustic accents and genuine hospitality, sets the scene for an unforgettable dining affair. Committed to highlighting the finest of Istanbul’s maritime bounty, Balikci Sabahattin remains a cherished spot for seafood aficionados and tourists alike.
Mikla
Set atop the Marmara Pera Hotel, Mikla presents a dining escapade that merges awe-inspiring vistas of Istanbul’s skyline with inventive Turkish fare. Under the stewardship of esteemed chef Mehmet Gürs, the restaurant seamlessly weaves Scandinavian influences into its repertoire, yielding a captivating fusion of tastes and culinary methods. Guests can anticipate dishes fashioned from premium local ingredients, artfully presented to spotlight the opulence of Turkish cuisine. With its refined setting, attentive hospitality, and unwavering pursuit of culinary distinction, Mikla shines as a pinnacle of gastronomic indulgence in Istanbul, beckoning both locals and travelers alike to partake in its unmatched culinary voyage.
Karakoy Lokantasi
placed in Istanbul’s lively Karakoy neighborhood, Karakoy Lokantasi puts a contemporary spin on traditional Turkish fare. With its chic yet inviting atmosphere, this modern meyhane beckons guests to embark on a culinary adventure celebrating Turkey’s vibrant flavors. From robust mezes to savory kebabs and artisanal bread, each offering at Karakoy Lokantasi embodies a dedication to excellence and tradition. The restaurant’s innovative take on beloved dishes, paired with its genuine hospitality, solidifies its status as a cherished spot for both locals and tourists eager to savor Istanbul’s culinary legacy with a contemporary twist.
Sunset Grill & Bar
Sunset Grill & Bar, gracefully perched overlooking the iconic Bosphorus Bridge, delivers a dining affair as breathtaking as the vista itself. Renowned for its sweeping panoramas and sophisticated ambiance, this establishment entices guests with its fusion of international fare and Turkish influences. From sumptuous grilled meats to exquisite seafood creations, each dish at Sunset Grill & Bar is crafted with precision to enchant the palate. The restaurant’s extensive selection of wines and inventive cocktails complement the culinary offerings, rendering it a sought-after destination for romantic evenings, celebratory events, and relaxed gatherings alike. Sunset Grill & Bar guarantees an unforgettable dining experience amidst the awe-inspiring backdrop of Istanbul.
360 Istanbul
Perched in Istanbul’s historic Beyoglu district, 360 Istanbul promises more than mere dining; it’s an immersive sensory delight. Its sweeping vistas of the city’s skyline and iconic landmarks set an unparalleled stage for savoring Mediterranean-inspired fare. From tantalizing seafood specialties to inventive cocktails, every element of the menu at 360 Istanbul is meticulously honed to captivate. Whether seated indoors or on the expansive terrace, guests are ensconced in impeccable hospitality and an ambiance of refinement. A visit to 360 Istanbul is a culinary pilgrimage not to be missed for those craving an unforgettable epicurean journey in the heart of Istanbul.
Etiler Uludag Kebapcisi
Etiler Uludag Kebapcisi stands as a culinary icon in Istanbul, celebrated for its authentic Bursa-style kebabs. For over fifty years, this revered establishment has delighted patrons with its succulent grilled meats and classic Turkish flavors. Nestled in the upscale Etiler neighborhood, it exudes a warm and inviting ambiance, drawing locals and tourists alike to savor its renowned dishes. From tender lamb kebabs to flavorful mezes and freshly baked bread, each bite at Etiler Uludag Kebapcisi is a tribute to Turkey’s vibrant culinary heritage. With its steadfast dedication to quality and tradition, it remains a cherished destination for kebab connoisseurs.
Tugra Restaurant
Nestled within the opulent Ciragan Palace Kempinski, Tugra Restaurant offers a dining experience fit for royalty. With its regal ambience and stunning views of the Bosphorus, this fine dining establishment sets the stage for a culinary journey through Ottoman cuisine. Guests can indulge in a menu curated to perfection, featuring refined dishes that pay homage to Turkey’s imperial past. From sumptuous kebabs to exquisite mezes and decadent desserts, every aspect of the dining experience at Tugra Restaurant is marked by elegance and sophistication. With impeccable service and an atmosphere of grandeur, Tugra Restaurant promises an unforgettable dining experience in the heart of Istanbul.
Hamdi Restaurant
Hamdi Restaurant, with its panoramic view of the majestic Golden Horn, embodies the quintessence of Turkish hospitality and culinary mastery. Located in the heart of Istanbul’s historic Eminonu district, this esteemed establishment presents a menu highlighting the finest renditions of traditional Turkish fare. From juicy kebabs to savory mezes and artisanal bread, each offering at Hamdi Restaurant pays homage to authentic flavors and top-quality ingredients. The restaurant’s refined atmosphere, impeccable service, and breathtaking vistas attract locals and tourists alike, promising an unforgettable dining venture steeped in Istanbul’s rich cultural heritage.
Book your next trip to Istanbul
The culinary scene in Istanbul is a lively mosaic of flavors, where time-honored customs meld effortlessly with contemporary creativity. From savory kebabs to decadent desserts, every dish narrates a tale of Turkey’s vibrant cultural legacy. Whether you’re navigating the bustling markets or dining in upscale eateries, each meal in Istanbul promises a sensory escapade. So why delay? Plan your next excursion to Istanbul today and immerse yourself in a gastronomic voyage like no other. With convenient flight options to Istanbul readily available, there’s no better moment to savor the tantalizing tastes of this captivating city firsthand. Bon appétit and safe travels!
