Please share your positive or negative experiences about these (or other) places with us, so we can update this list for our future guests.
Some Recommendations from Istanbul Cooking School
MEZE RESTAURANTS
What is better than spending a long evening with your friends or family, enjoying many fish or vegetable mezes and drinking a glass of Turkish Rakı (or maybe two?)…
- Latife Hanım Meyhanesi
On a side street on Istiklal Street, very near to Taksim Square. A very stylish, old school “Meyhane”.
Istiklal Street, Bekar Sokak 22/A Beyoğlu
0212 293 00 68
- Sofyalı
A very recommended old school meze restaurant on Galata side of the Istiklal Street.
Asmalımescit Cad. Sofyalı Sok. No:9 34430
Beyoğlu / İSTANBUL
0 533 258 16 52
www.sofyali.com.tr/?lang=tr
- Giritli
This “Kretan” restaurant in the old city is a true gem for all the Mediterranean Cuisine lovers.
Keresteci Hakkı Sokak (Armada Otel Yanı) Cankurtaran / Ahırkapı / İSTANBUL
0 212 458 22 70 – 71
http://www.giritlirestoran.com/
- Aheste Pera
A popular restaurant with modern interpretations of classic Turkish dishes. This one is one of our top recommendations. A real culinary experience.
Asmalı Mescit Mahallesi, Meşrutiyet Cd. 107/F, 34430 Beyoğlu/İstanbul
http://www.ahesterestaurant.com/
Other Tips:
- Madam Despina Meyhanesi
- Tarihi Cumhuriyet Meyhanesi
- Agora Meyhanesi 1890
- Kör Agop Meyhanesi
KEBAP RESTAURANTS
Try those delicious spicy south eastern dishes and some Kebaps. Dont forget to try a Künefe afterwards.
- Zübeyir Ocakbaşı
You will sit in front of the coal herd, and your kebaps will be grilled in front of you. Highly recommended.
Şehit Muhtar Mh., 34435 Beyoğlu/İstanbul
0212 244 16 52
https://zubeyirocakbasi.com.tr/
- Develi Kebap
A kebap restaurant chain with 6-7 places around the city.
Hasırcılar cd. No:89 Eminönü – İstanbul
0212 512 12 61
CLASSIC OTTOMAN CUISINE
The best places to try the Ottoman classics.
- Hacı Abdullah
Established in 1888, probably the best atmosphere to try those Istanbul classics.
Hüseyinağa Mh., 34435 Beyoğlu/İstanbul
0212 293 85 61
- Konyalı
Established in 1897, a very traditional and popular restaurant.
Ankara Cad. Konyalı Han Sirkeci
0212 513 96 10
- Deraliye Ottoman Cuisine
Right next to the Haghia Sophia, they recreate the dishes which were supposed to be tasted by the sultans only. A true culinary time travel.
Divanyolu Cad, Alemdar Mah Ticarethane Sk, No:10 Sultanahmet
0212 520 77 78
- Asitane Restaurant
A great historic restaurant, using the original recipes of the Ottoman cooking, some of them older than 500 years.
Kariye Camii Sokak No.6 34240 Edirnekapı
0212 635 7997
Other Tips.
- Tarihi Bankalar Lokantası in Karaköy
- Pandeli Restoran near Spice Market
- Kanaat Lokantası 1933 in Üsküdar
HIGH END RESTAURANTS
A little pricey, but great view and great dishes. Certainly worth for treating yourself every once in a while. You dont need a suit and a tie, but nicer dressing is recommended.
- MIKLA
Rewarded as one of the best 50 restaurants in the World many times, Mikla is a great interpretation of classic Turkish cuisine.
The Marmara Pera, Meşrutiyet Caddesi 15, 34430, Beyoğlu,
0212 293 56 56
https://www.miklarestaurant.com
- SUNSET
A classic in Istanbul’s nightlife. The 25 year old restaurant has great coctails, great food and beautiful bosphorus view. Especially recommended for sommer evenings.
Kuruçesme Mh., Yol Sk. Ulus Park No:2, 34345 Ulus
0212 287 03 57
FISH RESTAURANTS ON BOSPHORUS
What is beter than sitting next to the Bosphorus, watching the ships passing by while you enjoy a great fish meal with a glass of Turkish white wine or maybe a Rakı. The restaurants on Bosphorus are more pricey than other fish restaurants.
- Mira Fish
Located on Arnavutköy, a beautiful fish restaurants with fresh and delicious meze all the time. The shrimps cooked with butter and calamari is highly recommended.
Bebek Arnavutköy caddesi, No: 70/1 Arnavutköy – Beşiktaş
0212 265 31 31
http://www.mirarestaurant.com.tr/
- Marina Balık
Located in Kuruçeşme, right next to the sea with a great view, this restaurant is one of the best and famous fish restaurants in Istanbul.
Kuruçeşme Mahallesi, Kuruçeşme Caddesi, KuruçeşmeParkı İçi, Beşiktaş, İstanbul
0212 287 26 53
- Çınaraltı Ortaköy
Located on the beautiful Ortaköy Square, surely one of the best Bosphorus destinations to go, this restaurant is a popular local destination of the fish lovers. UPDATE: Been there recently and food wasn’t so good. Still a great location, but now lower on the list.
İskele Meydanı No:28 Ortaköy / İstanbul
0212 227 33 81
Other Tips:
- Turk Fatih Tutak
VEGETARIAN RESTAURANTS
Some of the good vegetarian/vegan restaurants in town. For more options you can google, there are much more vegetarian options than you can imagine.
- Bi Nevi Deli
Established in 2014, they offer only plant based meals. The meaning of the name is “some kind of crazy”
Dilhayat Sokak 10/1, Etiler, Istanbul, Turkey, 34337
0212 358 60 32
For different vegetarian or vegan alternatives, take a look at the list below.
www.happycow.net/best-vegan-restaurants/istanbul-turkey
Some other stuff:
Turkish coffee: Mandabatmaz
Baklava: Güllüoğlu (Karaköy)
Breakfast: Van Kahvaltı Evi, Cesme Bazlama Kahvaltı (Nisantasi)
https://www.bazlamakahvalti.com/
Asian side: Ciya (ciya sofrasi – www.ciya.com.tr) in Kadıköy.
Great view: Leb i Derya, 360, Galata Tower Restaurant
Live Music: Babylon (Bomonti Ada), Celtic Irish Pub, Kumsaati Blues Bar
Jazz Music: Nardis Jazz Bar
Glass products: Paşabahçe shops
Boza: Tarihi Vefa Bozacısı in Vefa