Istanbul is one of the most exciting food cities we have ever visited. Thanks to its unique position between Europe and Asia, the city brings together flavors and culinary traditions from across Turkey and beyond. From street food classics like simit, dürüm, and balık ekmek to traditional Turkish breakfasts, fresh seafood, and incredible kebabs, there is something for every taste and budget. Use the guide below to help you find the best traditional food, as well as some of the trendiest spots in Istanbul.
If there is one experience we highly recommend in Istanbul, it is joining a guided food tour. Starting near the historic Spice Market, you will cross to the Asian side by ferry and eat your way through Kadıköy’s local kitchens, with more than 20 tastings across 8 family run spots.
BREAKFAST SPOTS
1. Seven Hills Restaurant ($$)
Seven Hills is probably one of the most famous restaurants in Istanbul, largely thanks to its incredible rooftop views overlooking the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and the Bosphorus. Yes, it is very touristy, and yes, you are definitely paying a premium for the view, but honestly, we still think it is worth it, especially if it is your first time in Istanbul. The staff is friendly, the food is good, and the setting is hard to beat.
Traditional Spread Turkish Breakfast
2. Yiğit Sofram Gözleme ve Kahvaltı ($$)
If you are staying around Taksim Square and looking for a proper Turkish breakfast, Yiğit Sofram is a great choice. This cozy local spot serves all the breakfast classics, from fresh bread and cheeses to eggs, spreads, and traditional gözleme, with plenty of additional dishes if you want to try a bit more. The staff is attentive, the atmosphere is welcoming, and everything we tried was fresh, flavorful, and satisfying. It is the perfect place to start your day before heading out to explore Istanbul.
Famous Turkish Breakfast & Mihlama
3. Galata Süheyla ($$)
Galata Süheyla is one of those small, cozy breakfast spots that instantly makes you feel at home. Located just a short walk from the Galata Tower, it offers the option to sit outside on a quiet side street, away from the crowds and noise of the main tourist areas. The atmosphere is relaxed, the breakfast is fresh and delicious, and it is the perfect place to ease into the day before exploring one of Istanbul’s most charming neighborhoods.
Süheyla Breakfast
4. Sa Va Anatolian Breakfast House ($$)
It is slightly pricier than some of the other breakfast spots in the area, but you also get a much larger variety of small dishes to share when ordering the classic Turkish breakfast. The staff are incredibly friendly and genuinely want to make sure you have a great experience, which makes the whole meal feel even more enjoyable. Come hungry, because there is a lot of food, and take your time enjoying one of Turkey’s most beloved culinary traditions.
5. Rumeli Kale Cafe & Restaurant ‘Şube’ ($$)
Rumeli Kale Cafe & Restaurant is probably the most traditional spot on this list, and one of the few where you will find just as many locals as tourists. Located right on the Bosphorus beneath the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge on the European side, it offers beautiful waterfront views while you enjoy breakfast. There is something special about starting your day with eggs, fresh bread, and Turkish tea while watching boats pass by on the water. The food is simple, traditional, and very tasty, and the service is surprisingly fast considering how popular the place is.
RESTAURANTS
6. Sultanahmet köftecisi ($)
Without a doubt, Sultanahmet Köftecisi serves some of the best traditional köfte in Istanbul. This historic restaurant has been a local institution for decades and is famous for its simple menu focused on perfectly grilled Turkish meatballs, served with fresh bread, peppers, and a spicy sauce. Located in the heart of Old Istanbul, just steps away from the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and the Grand Bazaar, it makes the perfect lunch stop between sightseeing.
7. Uskumru restaurant ($$$ – $$$$)
Located right on the Bosphorus, the setting alone makes it worth the trip, with stunning waterfront views and a peaceful atmosphere away from the crowds of central Istanbul. One of the coolest parts of the experience is that if you are staying on the European side, you can call the restaurant and request their complimentary boat transfer, which means you get a free ride across the Bosphorus before dinner. The menu focuses on traditional Turkish cuisine and fresh seafood, all served in a beautiful setting that feels perfect for a special occasion or a memorable evening in Istanbul.
If there is no availability try Lacivert, the restaurant right next to Uskumru that is very similar.
Any meze from the open bar selection & the frozen baklava
8. Arkestra ($$$$)
First of all, let us say that Arkestra deserves every bit of hype it gets. From the moment you walk in, everything feels elegant, refined, and incredibly well thought out. The staff are professional without feeling pretentious, the cocktails are some of the most creative and memorable we have had, and the food completely exceeded our expectations. Every dish feels carefully crafted, with a level of attention to detail that is hard to find.
Arkestra Katsu Sando & Bread & Butter
9. Ulus 29 ($$$)
Perched high above the Bosphorus, Ulus 29 is one of Istanbul’s most iconic restaurants, known for its incredible views and sophisticated atmosphere. The terrace overlooks both the Bosphorus and the Asian side of the city, making it an especially beautiful spot for dinner at sunset or after dark when the skyline lights up. The menu is international with a strong focus on high quality ingredients, fresh flavors, and beautifully presented dishes.
10. Aman da Bravo ($$$$)
Aman da Bravo is one of those restaurants where simplicity is the whole point. The menu is relatively small, but every dish is made with high quality ingredients and executed with great attention to detail. The flavors are clean, balanced, and let the ingredients speak for themselves. While we felt the service could have been slightly more polished considering the price point, the overall experience was still excellent.
Roast “Kokoreç”
11. Zuma Istanbul ($$$)
Located in Istinye Park, Zuma is one of our favorite Japanese restaurants and a place we keep coming back to whenever we find one in a city we are visiting. The food is consistently excellent, the cocktails are creative and beautifully executed, and the service is always impeccable. While the menu is inspired by modern Japanese izakaya dining, every dish feels elevated without being overly complicated. Zuma has built a reputation around the world with locations in cities such as Bangkok, Rome, Madrid, or New York and the Istanbul location absolutely lives up to that standard.
Beef tataki with truffle ponzu sauce & pecan pie sundae with misomaple butterscotch
12. Turk Fatih Tutak ($$$$)
Turk Fatih Tutak is not only one of the best restaurants in Istanbul, but also the only restaurant in Turkey to hold two Michelin stars. Chef Fatih Tutak takes traditional Turkish ingredients and flavors and reimagines them through a modern fine dining lens, creating a tasting menu that is both innovative and deeply connected to the country’s culinary heritage. While a meal here is certainly a splurge, it is worth noting that the experience is significantly more affordable than most two Michelin star restaurants elsewhere in Europe.
13. Nusr-Et Steakhouse Etiler ($$$$)
Yes, there are Nusr-Et steakhouses all around the world, with locations all over the world. But if you are going to try one, we think doing it in Istanbul just feels right. After all, Salt Bae is from Istanbul, and the Etiler location is considered one of the brand’s flagship restaurants. The experience feels more authentic, the atmosphere is lively, and the quality of the meat is exactly what made Nusr-Et famous in the first place. Is it touristy? Absolutely. Is it expensive? Also yes. But if you have always been curious about the hype, there is probably no better place to try it than here in its hometown.
Nusr-Et Spaghetti & baklava
14. Inari Piku Etiler ($$$)
Located in the heart of Etiler, one of Istanbul’s most upscale dining neighborhoods, Inari Piku is a stylish Asian fusion restaurant that has become a favorite for both locals and visitors looking for a more elevated dining experience. The menu is extensive, offering everything from sushi and sashimi to creative fusion dishes, so there is plenty to choose from no matter what you are craving.
Be sure to sample some of the city’s street food, such as simit (sesame-covered bread) and roasted chestnuts.
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