Turkey is a unique country. It straddles the invisible line between Europe and Asia, and Istanbul, once known as Constantinople, is the city that is right at the heart of this melting pot. 

It’s probably not surprising that the food in Turkey reflects its many cultural and historic influences. If you are in the country, and you do find yourself in the capital, here’s a guide for what and where to eat in Istanbul.

Turkish Cuisine

Turkish cuisine is somewhat similar to the style of food you will find in the Mediterranean. Like the Greeks, you will find lots of olives, yogurt and soft cheeses, vegetables, and seafood. 

There are also Asian and middle eastern influences, so you can expect to find hummus, dates, rosewater, and other traditionally middle eastern treats on the menu too. 

While you are in Turkey, you should make a point to sample the local doner, traditional baklava and seafood dishes. Kofte and a variety of mezze are other traditional favourites that should definitely be on you must eat list. 

The food in Turkey is warmly spiced and perfectly cooked, and while it might remind you of other places, taken as a whole, there’s nothing else like it out there. 

Istanbul Food Culture

Istanbul is a modern metropolis, and the food scene is exactly what you would expect to find. 

Here, you will find everything from avant garde, experimental fusion food from top young chefs to traditional feasts. There is street food of every description, but you can also get western fast food, or indulge in sushi. 

Many chefs that came from Turkey originally moved around the world and trained in places like London and New York before returning to their home country to open restaurants. So, you really do get the best of modern international cooking with deep roots in tradition.

More importantly, the Turkish culture really celebrates the experience of eating, and it shows in the restaurant and food scene. In short? Loosen your belt a notch, because if you stay in Istanbul for any length of time, you’ll need a little extra room! 

What and Where to Eat in Istanbul

Breakfast

Like everything in Turkey, you will find a mixture of traditional favourites and modern classics on the breakfast menu in Istanbul. So, whether you want a full English spread, a refined continental style brunch or spicy shakshuka, you will find it (and more) at one of Istanbul’s breakfast eateries. Here are some of the bests. 

Many traditional Turkish breakfasts are more of a platter with a variety of breads, fruit, cheese, meats and more. Which makes for a great informal brunch with friends. Of course, you should also wash your meal down with either local tea or coffee, both of which are delicious. 

Lokma

Lokma is a modern, farm to table restaurant that serves a mixture of Italian fare and local favourites. 

If you do visit for breakfast though, the traditional Turkish breakfast is something you just have to try. It’s packed with local options, and there are several vegetarian friendly options. 

The restaurant also has an amazing view over the water, so if you like food with a view, this is the place to get it. 

Kale Restaurant

A small, cosy restaurant that overlooks the Bosporus. They specialize in Turkish pastries, which make the perfect breakfast food, as it turns out. There are also several traditional Turkish breakfast options on the menu. 

Emirgan Sütiş

Emirgan Sütiş is a more refined, upper-class option for breakfast. So, expect superb quality food, excellent service and prices that are a little higher than elsewhere. This restaurant does also have a fantastic view of the Bosporus though, so you do also get a view with your meal! 

Traditional

You can’t visit Turkey without trying traditional food, and there are so many great traditional restaurants to choose from in Istanbul! Many restaurants offer small plate options, so you can sample many different local specialties, which is a great way to sample more dishes at every meal. 

Zübeyir Ocakbaşı

A stylish, modern restaurant that serves a meat heavy traditional menu. Choose between the dining room or the well-lit terrace, and enjoy flame grilled, spiced meats, exotic salads and more. 

Kaşıbeyaz

A very stylish restaurant with several locations, this restaurant serves up a host of traditional favourites, including kebabs, mezze, and a fantastic take on traditional baklava. 

Develi

Develi is not just a single restaurant that serves fantastic traditional Turkish food – it’s a chain of locations and an institution in the Istanbul food scene. 

Each one of the branches offers a carefully selected menu that showcases the best food Turkey has to offer, and since this restaurant chain has served over a million dinars, you know you’re in great company. 

Bayramoğlu Döner

One of the most famous food exports from Turkey must be the doner. Whether you call it a donair or a kebab, there’s no one that does it quite like Bayramoğlu Döner. So be sure to include a stop here on your food itinerary. 

Köşkeroğlu Karaköy

Köşkeroğlu Karaköy has been serving the best traditional Turkish food to the people of Istanbul since 1946. From grilled meats to fantastic salads and traditional desserts, you will find it all here. 

Öz Kilis

Lahmacun is a thing in Turkey. Local people call it as Turkish pizza and they love it. Don’t leave Istanbul without trying it.

World Cuisine

Turkey has always been a gateway between continents, so it’s only fitting that there is a huge selection of international food on offer in Istanbul too. 

Da Mario

If you want the best pizza in Istanbul, you will find it at Da Mario. Enjoy wood fired pizza and other Italian favourites on the terrace, and you’d swear you were in Italy for the night! 

Inari Omakase

Feel like sushi? You will find that and more at Inari Omakase, which is a traditional Japanese restaurant right in the heart of Istanbul. 

Azur

Azur serves up the best seafood with a Mediterranean twist. Enjoy it on the terrace overlooking the water, and you will feel like you’re eating your meal on a sun-drenched Greek island. 

Elbet Et

If you like meat, and lots of it, then Elbet Et – Istanbul’s favourite steak house – is the perfect place to find it. Enjoy everything from a big juicy steak to a burger, and everything in between. 

Fine Dining

Sometimes, you just want white tablecloths, waiters in suits and the finer things in life. Istanbul’s fine dining restaurants don’t disappoint. 

Turk by Fatih Tutak 

Turk by Fatih Tutak is the flagship restaurant of chef Fatih Tutak and was named one of CNN’s best up and coming restaurants in the world in 2020. Expect elevated versions of traditional Turkish favourites, with lots of international influences. 

Sunset Grill & Bar

The Sunset Grill & Bar is an experience more than just a restaurant. Here, you will find beautiful people, delicious cocktails, and a mixture of sushi and Mediterranean dishes. The décor is perfect, the mood is classy, and it’s a great night out. 

Neolokal

Neolokal is located near to the Galata Tower in Istanbul. It has a large, well-appointed dining room that offers panoramic views of the city, and here, you will find a menu that blends tradition with international trends, using organic, farm to table ingredients. Quite the experience. 

Nicole

Nicole restaurant has a bright, airy terrace with fantastic views. It’s the perfect place for a leisurely lunch or a luxurious dinner, and the contemporary Mediterranean menu is fresh, healthy and has something to suit every palate. 

FAQ

What does a restaurant meal cost in Istanbul?

It really depends on where you choose to eat! Inexpensive cafes and restaurants might cost as little as 25 Turkish Lira per person, while a meal for two in a fancier establishment might cost 300 Turkish Lira or more. 

Is food in Istanbul halal?

That depends a lot on where you eat. Some restaurants are halal, but there are many that are not. If you have a particular preference, you should ask before you make a booking. 

Should I tip when eating out in Istanbul?

It is usually considered polite to tip when you get good service at a restaurant in Istanbul, but the percentage is usually lower – around 5 to 10% instead of 15% or more elsewhere. Some fancier restaurants might automatically add a service charge to your bill. 

Is Turkish food very spicy?

No. Like most middle eastern and Mediterranean cuisines, Turkish food is very flavourful, but it’s not spicy in the same way that you might call Indian food spicy.