Food is the soul of travel. We believe one of the best ways to truly explore a culture is to indulge in what its culinary experience has to offer. Boasting a tapestry rich with history, culture, and heritage, Istanbul is a culinary paradise where the East meets the West. Each year, millions of tourists all embark towards this gem of a destination to indulge in its unique destinations, historic landmarks, and its unmatched culinary experience. ? if you are interested to visit turkey then iLinkTurkey is the best choice for you!
With a history dating back to centuries and seeing the ebb and flow of countless civilizations, it’s no wonder Istanbul is now the gastronomical giant it is today. After tourists have explored the city to their heart’s content, the very next stop they head towards (being led by their rumbling stomachs) is the new and old must try food places in Istanbul. As you dig into the crispy goodness of the Baklava and the savory rich explosion of the Doner Kebabs, only then you get to truly try the best of what the city has to offer.
From the decade old hole-in-the-walls spots in Grand Bazaar to the luxury waterfront restaurants along the Bosphorus, we’ve compiled some of the best must try food places in Istanbul to make sure you have a truly delectable travel experience in the Gem of Turkey.
A Delectable Culinary Experience: 10 Must Try Food Places in Istanbul
Istanbul’s rich history as a crossroads of many cultures contributes to its diverse food scene. As a melting pot of cultures, blending the old with the new and the East with the West, most food spots in the city reimagines food as we know it and offers nothing but flavorsome goodness to both the heart and the taste buds.
From historic soul food spots serving traditional cuisines to the the modern eateries offering a glimpse into the contemporary city, here are the top 10 must try food places in Istanbul:
1. Tarihi Ali Baba Balık Lokantası
Established in 1920, Tarihi Ali Baba Balık Lokantası is a beloved historic seafood restaurant sitting on the cusp of the Bosphorus. Started as a simple barbershop, this restaurant is now the main symbol of the city’s seafood cuisine and one of the must try food places in Istanbul.
- Address: Kireçburnu, Haydar Aliyev Cd. No: 7 D:1, 34457 Sarıyer/İstanbul, Türkiye
2. Yeni Lokanta
If you’ve been to Istanbul and haven’t tried meze, have you really been there? Meze is a platter of traditional Istanbulian side dishes and there’s no place that does it better than Yeni Lokanta. This place reimagines traditional flavors with their locally sourced ingredients and offers a great opportunity for first time visitors to indulge in the city’s signature flavors.
- Address: Tomtom, Kumbaracı Ykş. No:66/B, 34433 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye
3. Adana Ocakbasi
Istanbul is known for its succulent kebabs, and what would this list of must try food places in Istanbul be without mentioning one of the classic kebab spots in the city—Adana Ocakbasi. Famous for their house special, the savoy adana kebab, this is a well-loved food spot among tourists and locals alike.
- Address: Ergenekon caddesi, Telefoncular Sokağı Karşısı, Baysungur Sk No:2, 34375 Şişli/İstanbul, Türkiye
4. Mikla
Situated on the top of the Marmara Pera Hotel, Mikla is the place to take in the scenic views of the city while enjoying delicious dishes. This restaurant specializes in the modern flavors of Istanbul, offering a fusion of Nordic flavors with great views along.
- Address: Asmalı Mescit, The Marmara Pera, Meşrutiyet Cd. No:15, 34430 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye
5. Karaköy Lokantası
Serving iconic Turkish flavors in a charming setting, Karaköy Lokantası is located in the vibrant part of Karaköy. This place has a delicious menu featuring stuffed mussels and hearty stews and is one of the must try food places in Istanbul.
- Address: Kemankeş Mahallesi, Kemankeş Cd. No:57, 34425 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye
6. Kıyı Restaurant
If you want to marvel at the stunning water views of the Bosphorus while enjoying the freshest of seafood, you should definitely check out Kıyı Restaurant. As you savor the house special grilled octopus, signature meze platter and fresh mussels, you can mark one of the best travel experiences in your list, complete.
- Address: Tarabya, Haydar Aliyev Cd. No:186 D:A, 34457 Sarıyer/İstanbul, Türkiye
7. Üstün Palmie Pastanesi
If you’re on a food tour across Istanbul, you can’t miss one of its main highlights—sweets and deserts. Among one of the must try food places in Istanbul, Üstün Palmie Pastanesi is a century old historic patisserie that’s been satisfying the sweet tooths of both locals and tourists alike with their signature baklava.
- Address: Feriköy, Baruthane Cd. 63/A, 34375 Şişli/İstanbul, Türkiye
8. Yanyalı Fehmi Lokantası
One of the best places to satisfy your craving for grilled meats and kebabs, Yanyalı Fehmi Lokantası should be your go-to spot. Their menu features their signature Iskender kebab, which consists of grilled meat layered with tomato sauce and crispy buttered bread.
- Address: Osmanağa, Güneşli Bahçe Sok No:1, 34714 Kadıköy/İstanbul, Türkiye
9. Lades Menemen
If you wish to try Turkey’s traditional breakfast dish made with fresh eggs, tomatoes and savory peppers, Lades Menemen is the place to go. Famous for their menemen, this restaurant is located in the Katip Mustafa Çelebi area and is one of the best must try food places in Istanbul.
- Address: Katip Mustafa Çelebi, Mahallesi, Sadri Alışık Sk. 11/12 11/12 11 D:12, 34435 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye
10. Borsam Taşfırın Bahariye
Want to try pizza but with a traditional Turkish touch when you’re in Istanbul? Why not try the pide (traditional Turkish pizza) at Borsam Taşfırın Bahariye. Topped with minced meat and savory tomato sauce, their pide will satisfy your pizza craving during your Istanbul exploration.
- Address: Osmanağa, Serasker Cd. No:78, 34714 Kadıköy/İstanbul, Türkiye
Satisfy Your Travel Tastebuds in Istanbul, Turkey
Whether you are a seasoned food lover looking to dive deep into the fusion food of Istanbul or just someone who wants to dip their feet in the city’s vibrant food culture, Istanbul won’t leave your palette dissatisfied.
Do you want to fully explore Istanbul’s culinary landscape with guided tours? I Link Turkey offers diverse and affordable Istanbul tour packages. With guided tours, pre-booked premium accommodations, luxury transportation and customized travel services, indulge in the flavors of Istanbul with comfort and peace of mind.