Best restaurants in Istanbul Turkey for every taste. Discover 15 top spots serving traditional Turkish dishes, street food, and fine dining cuisine.
20 Best Restaurants in İstanbul Turkey You Must Try in 2025
Meta Description: Discover the 20 best restaurants in İstanbul Turkey for 2025. From fine dining and authentic Turkish cuisine to street food and rooftop views—this guide has it all.
Why İstanbul Is a Global Culinary Capital
İstanbul is more than just a city; it’s a vibrant tapestry of cultures, flavors, and traditions. With one foot in Europe and the other in Asia, İstanbul is uniquely positioned as a crossroads of civilizations, and this is reflected beautifully in its cuisine.
A Melting Pot of Eastern and Western Flavors
From rich Ottoman imperial dishes to humble Anatolian street snacks, İstanbul’s cuisine brings together influences from the Balkans, the Middle East, the Mediterranean, and Central Asia. The result? A mesmerizing culinary landscape where spice, texture, and tradition rule the plate.
Influence of Ottoman, Balkan, and Mediterranean Cuisines
Dishes like dolma, börek, kebab, and meze are a testament to the city’s diverse past. You’ll find flavors that echo the sultans’ courts, villages of Anatolia, and Aegean coastal towns—all in one city.
How We Selected the Best Restaurants in İstanbul
To narrow down the best restaurants in İstanbul Turkey, we evaluated places based on multiple factors that matter to both travelers and locals.
Criteria: Taste, Service, Ambiance, and Authenticity
We considered:
- Quality and creativity of the food
- Service and hospitality
- Ambiance and location
- Authenticity of flavors
- Local and traveler recommendations
Recommendations from Locals and Food Critics
This list also includes feedback from İstanbul food bloggers, top critics, and the ever-reliable word-of-mouth from the locals who know their city best.
Top Fine Dining Restaurants in İstanbul
Mikla
Located atop The Marmara Pera Hotel, Mikla offers a modern twist on traditional Anatolian cuisine with a stunning Bosphorus view. Chef Mehmet Gürs has turned this restaurant into a world-renowned culinary experience.
Neolokal
This gem focuses on preserving traditional Turkish recipes while giving them a modern spin. Its location in Salt Galata adds architectural charm to your dining experience.
Nicole Restaurant
Set in a historic building in Beyoğlu, Nicole combines Mediterranean flavors with an extensive wine list. The tasting menus here are an absolute must-try for gourmets.
Best Seafood Restaurants in İstanbul
Balıkçı Sabahattin
This quaint, family-run place in Sultanahmet has been delighting seafood lovers with fresh catch and a rustic vibe for decades.
Sur Balık Arnavutköy
With a picturesque Bosphorus view, Sur Balık offers not only stunning scenes but also a wide variety of mezes and fresh fish.
Eleos
A Greek-style seafood restaurant in Beyoğlu, Eleos offers a rich meze spread and impeccable service—perfect for a slow, flavorful evening.
Authentic Turkish Restaurants You Can’t Miss
Çiya Sofrası
Located in Kadıköy, this culinary paradise showcases dishes from every corner of Turkey and beyond. It’s a living food museum.
Hacı Abdullah Lokantası
Since the 1880s, this place has been serving traditional Ottoman food in a setting that’s like stepping back in time.
Kanaat Lokantası
A Uskudar classic, Kanaat is the go-to spot for hearty Turkish stews, soups, and homestyle desserts.
Top Budget-Friendly Eats in İstanbul
Dürümzade
Anthony Bourdain loved this spot for a reason—the dürüms (wraps) here are juicy, spicy, and affordable.
Karaköy Güllüoğlu
The ultimate place for baklava lovers. Their pistachio and walnut versions are a sweet slice of heaven.
Köfteci Arnavut
Serving up some of the best köfte (meatballs) in the city, this no-frills joint is a true local favorite.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
Van Kahvaltı Evi
Start your day the Turkish way—with an elaborate breakfast spread in Cihangir featuring over 20 items.
Kantin
Nestled in Nişantaşı, this casual-chic restaurant serves seasonal, organic Turkish food with an artisanal flair.
Asitane
Specializing in recipes from Ottoman palace kitchens, Asitane offers a historical dive into Turkish gastronomy.
Best Restaurants with a View in İstanbul
360 İstanbul
A rooftop gem in Beyoğlu offering panoramic city views, fusion cuisine, and lively weekend DJ sets.
Sunset Grill & Bar
Sophisticated décor, global cuisine, and breathtaking sunsets make this a top spot for special occasions.
Maiden’s Tower Restaurant
Dine in the iconic Kız Kulesi, surrounded by the waters of the Bosphorus. Talk about a dinner with a view!
Vegetarian and Vegan-Friendly Spots in İstanbul
Bi Nevi Deli
This plant-based hotspot in Etiler offers globally inspired vegan dishes and detox juices.
Vegan Istanbul
Located in Beyoğlu, this cozy café serves Turkish and international vegan favorites, from lentil köfte to dairy-free desserts.
Community Kitchen
A pay-what-you-can vegan restaurant that also supports social causes. Healthy, hearty, and humble.
Best Rooftop Restaurants and Bars
Spago İstanbul
Helmed by celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck, this upscale spot in Nişantaşı boasts luxurious décor and global flavors.
Leb-i Derya
Overlooking the Bosphorus, Leb-i Derya delivers Turkish and Mediterranean delights with a classy rooftop vibe.
Street Food Spots That Locals Love
Eminönü Balık Ekmek
Grilled fish sandwiches served from boats docked near Galata Bridge—an İstanbul must-do.
Tantuni near Taksim
Try this spicy, wrap-style snack originating from Mersin, best served with ayran (yogurt drink).
Kızılkayalar Wet Burger
Famous for its soggy, spicy beef burgers—this Taksim staple is both weird and wonderful.
Dining in Historic Settings
Pandeli Restaurant
Tucked inside the Grand Bazaar, Pandeli is known for its turquoise tiles and nostalgic Turkish dishes.
Feriye Palace
Set in an Ottoman-era building on the Bosphorus, Feriye offers fine dining with deep historical roots.
Must-Try Dishes When Dining in İstanbul
- Meze platters – A delightful way to start any Turkish meal.
- Kebabs – From Adana to Iskender, each type tells a regional story.
- Kunefe – A gooey, cheesy dessert soaked in syrup—pure bliss.
Tips for Dining Out in İstanbul
- Reservations are recommended, especially for fine dining and rooftop venues.
- Tipping is common; 10% is usually sufficient.
- Dress codes vary—dress smart casual for upscale spots.
Safety, Hygiene, and Dietary Needs
- Most restaurants maintain high hygiene standards.
- Halal options are abundant.
- Gluten-free and allergy-friendly dishes are increasingly available, especially in tourist areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the best time to dine out in İstanbul?
Dinner hours are typically 7:00–10:00 PM. Weekends get busy, so reserve ahead.
Q2: Are reservations required?
Yes, especially for upscale or popular spots. Street food and casual eateries are usually walk-in.
Q3: Can I find English menus?
Absolutely. Most tourist-friendly places offer English menus or English-speaking staff.
Q4: Is Turkish food spicy?
Not overly. Most dishes are savory and flavorful, not spicy-hot. You can always ask for milder versions.
Q5: What’s a typical price for a good meal?
You can get a great meal anywhere from $5 (street food) to $50+ (fine dining) depending on the venue.
Q6: Are vegetarian options common?
Yes. Many Turkish dishes like lentil soup, börek, and vegetable stews are naturally vegetarian.
Best Restaurants in İstanbul Turkey: Savor the Flavors of İstanbul
İstanbul is a city best explored bite by bite. Whether you’re feasting on fish by the Bosphorus, sampling ancient Ottoman recipes, or munching on wet burgers near Taksim Square—there’s a culinary adventure waiting around every corner. So pack your appetite and prepare to fall in love with the city through its food.
