Istanbul - Dining

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Dining

Istanbul

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Overview

Dining The guide was updated: 2023-10-31

A meal often begins with meze—a number of small dishes such as aubergine purée, börek, various salads and cheese. Filling vegetables such as tomatoes, paprika, aubergines and zucchini with rice and minced meat is typically Turkish (dolmasi). There are special restaurants that only serve kebab or köfte, meatballs, look for Kebabci or Köfteci. Simpler restaurants are called Lokanta.

Pandeli

Pandeli

This is a lunch restaurant on the first floor of the Spice Bazaar, decorated with blue Iznik tiles. Serves traditional Turkish food with some Greek dishes.

Yakup 2

Yakup 2

Yakup 2 is situated on a side street to Istiklâl Cad. The owner, Yakup Arslan, serves traditional meze to bohemian regulars and cultural celebrities.

Kumkapi

Kumkapi

Kumkapi means "sand gate" in Turkish and is a district near Sultanahmet, located along the Marmara Sea. This is a quarter famous for its many good fish restaurants.

Galatasaray Fish Market and Çicek Pasaji

Galatasaray Fish Market and Çicek Pasaji

Halfway through the market runs the Nevizade, a lane with a string of good value Meyhanes—traditional taverns. The flower thoroughfare next to the market is a reconstructed restaurant street, but it’s a little more expensive.

Meşale Restaurant & Cafe

Meşale Restaurant & Cafe

A local hotspot with great service and a vibrant atmosphere, stop by for some tea and shisha. The café serves cocktails, but nothing with alcohol, although the smoking of hookhas is frequent. Excellent place to see the whirling dervishes and listen to live music.

Four Seasons

Four Seasons

The luxurious Four Seasons hotel is a converted prison from around year 1800 near the Topkapi Palace. The restaurant is in a round outbuilding on what was once the prison yard, and here you can eat like a prince.

Ozi Pizza & Pasta

Ozi Pizza & Pasta

This Italian restaurant opened its doors in 2004 and serves pizza and pasta. Ozi Pizza & Pasta is a small charming restaurant with a friendly owner. On the menu you will find tasty pizza dishes like barbeque lamb, seafood and Margarita.

Barbeku House

Barbeku House

Barbeku House is a hidden gem, located just minutes from the Blue Mosque. This is the place where you can enjoy quality Turkish food at affordable prices in a warm and cosy atmosphere. You can also expect excellent service from the welcoming staff.

House of Medusa

House of Medusa

The restaurant is named after the goddess Medusa and is located in an old building that used to be a mansion before it restored into a restaurant. This charming restaurant provides a lovely courtyard where you can appreciate delicious Turkish specialties.

Eleos

Eleos

Eleos is a warm and welcoming Greek restaurant which can be hard to find but it will be well worth the effort. The small menu changes daily, depending on the catch of the day. With your fresh food enjoy a glass of excellent wine, the house wine is recommended.

Nostra Casa

Nostra Casa

This hidden delight is tucked away in the old town near the Sofia mosque and offers great views over the city from the roof terrace. The friendly owner serves delicious Italian dishes and fine wines. For dessert, the tiramisu is highly recommended.

Rana by Topaz

Rana by Topaz

For fine dining, head over to this award-winning restaurant that boasts a breathtaking view of the Bosphorus. At this restaurant you can enjoy exquisite gourmet cooking in a Mediterranean and Ottoman style.

Beyti Restaurant

Beyti Restaurant

Beyti Restaurant is a unique Turkish meat restaurant and admired not only in the country but all over the world. The friendly owner Mr. Beyti comes to every table every evening to wish you "bon appetite". The dish called "Beyti Kebap" is highly recommended.

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