We will tell you where to eat delicious meals in Istanbul.
There are enough expensive respectable restaurants and street food outlets in Istanbul. Mid-range cafes are also available. All establishments will gladly please you with both European and national Turkish cuisine. A traditional Turkish lunch consists of an appetizer, a main course and a dessert.
Famous restaurants in Istanbul
You can indulge in both European and authentic Turkish cuisine, as the restaurants serve a variety of dishes from Mediterranean, Italian, Russian, South American, to Japanese cuisines.
Nusr-et
One popular restaurant worth mentioning is Nusr-et. This upscale restaurant chain is known for its exceptional meat dishes. To ensure a table at one of their establishments, it is recommended to make a reservation in advance. The flagship branch in Fatih, located in the Sultanahmet district, is particularly renowned.
Average cost of a burger - from 60 TRY, a steak - from 160 TRY, salads - from 30 TRY.
Address: Beyazıt Mahallesi Çarşıkapı Nur-u Osmaniye Caddesi Sandal Bedesteni Çarşısı, 34126 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey Website:
nusr-et.com.tr Phone:+90 212 512 01 36 Working hours: from 11:00 to 00:00.
Lucca
Located in fashionable neighborhoods, Lucca is a trendy restaurant that attracts a modern crowd, including celebrities, bloggers, and actors.
The advantage of this place is a separate menu for vegetarians, the average cost of a position in which is 50 TRY.
For meat lovers, the prices start from 60 TRY. Another plus point of the restaurant is its seasonal cocktails.
Address: Bebek, Cevdet Paşa Cd. 51/A, 34342 Sarıyer/İstanbul, Turkey Website: luccastyle.com Phone: +90 212 257 12 55 Working hours: from 10:00 to 02:00.
Phoenix Istanbul
This establishment is known for its focus on seafood dishes, making it a popular choice for seafood lovers. Additionally, they also excel in preparing spicy South American cuisine. What makes the restaurant versatile is its calm and cozy ambiance during the day, while at night, guests can enjoy dancing to lively music. The cost of a modest lunch for two starts from 130 TRY, while for a more indulgent dining experience, expect to spend around 230 TRY for two.
The cost of a modest dinner for two is from 130 TRY, in order to eat hearty and elaborate, you will have to pay together from 230 TRY.
Address: Pınartepe, Kirazlı Sk. No:20, 34500 Gürpınar /Büyükçekmece/Büyükçekmece/İstanbul, Turkey Phone: +90 212 880 61 05 Working hours : from 09:00 to 03:00.
Mangerie Bebek
This restaurant is housed in a separate two-story building. On the second floor there is a comfortable terrace, you can not only enjoy a delicious dinner but also witness breathtaking sunsets
Average cost of a meal - from 50 TRY, a glass of good wine - from 40 TRY.
Address: Bebek, Cevdet Paşa Cd. No:69, 34342 Beşiktaş/İstanbul, Turkey Website: mangeriebebek.com Phone: +90 212 263 51 99 Working hours: from 08:00 to 00:30.
Misk Floral
At this establishment, you can indulge in tasty and healthy food. The restaurant's specialty is organic and vegetarian cuisine, including a wide range of gluten-free and casein-free dishes.
Located within the same building is a flower shop, which is why the tables and walls of Misk Floral are always adorned with unique floral compositions.
Price for lunch is from 40 TRY, for a cup of coffee - from 10 TRY.
Address: Reşitpaşa, Emirgan Sk. No:22, 34467 Sarıyer/İstanbul, Turkey Website: miskistanbul.com Phone: +90 212 277 07 75 Working hours: from Tuesday to Sunday from 09:00 to 19:00.
Balıkçı Kenan
Among the unusual, and at the same time inexpensive restaurants in Istanbul, it is worth highlighting the fish restaurant BalIkçI Kenan.
You will be surprised not only by delicious fish and seafood dishes for 10-25 TRY, free tea and the complete absence of alcohol, but also by a unique exhibition.
The exhibition is called "Living Creatures of the Turkish Seas" and features mummified marine creatures. The owner of the restaurant caught all of the more than 15,000 exhibits himself, dedicating 30 years of his life to this endeavor.
Address: Adnan Kahveci, Buse Sk., 34528 Beylikdüzü/İstanbul, Turkey Website: balikcikenan.com.tr Phone: +90 212 880 95 02 Working hours: from 10:00 to 22:30.
Midpoint
Another restaurant chain to explore is Midpoint. Pleasant prices are accompanied by a diverse menu and modern interior.
The restaurant is famous for its wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails, excellent wine list (alco drink price - from 40 TRY, a cup of coffee - from 12 TRY).
A restaurant with a Eastern Europe touch, where those who miss familiar cuisine should try pelmeni, borscht, and of course, vodka.
Address:Gümüşsuyu, İnönü Cd. Ankara Palas Apt. D:59/A, 34437 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Turkey Website:ayaspasaruslokantasi.com Phone:+90 212 243 48 92 Working hours: from 12:00 to 23:30.
Breakfasts in a cafe in Istanbul
One of the common menu items in Turkish cafes is Turkish breakfast:
fried eggs;
sausage or sausages;
olives, cucumbers and tomatoes;
bread with butter and cheese;
honey and jam.
In total Turkish breakfast includes up to 20 dishes and a glass of tea. It is not customary to drink coffee in the morning. You can try such a breakfast at one of the following establishments.
Aşşk Kahve
This small cafe chain has two locations:
in an expensive fashionable area of Nisantasi with a stylish interior;
in a cozy quarter of Kurucheshme on the banks of the Bosphorus with a pleasant interior decoration.
One of the notable features of this establishment is the option to choose different variations for breakfast, such as omelettes instead of the classic scrambled eggs. They also offer a mini breakfast option (vegetable salad, cheese, olives) starting from 12 TRY.
Snacks start at 8 TRY, full meals start at 15 TRY.
Location in Kurucheshme:
Address: Kuruçeşme, Muallim Naci Cd. No:64 D:B, 34330 Beşiktaş/İstanbul, Turkey Website: asskkahve.com Phone: +90 212 265 47 34 Working hours: from 09:00 to 00:00.
Location in Nishantashi:
Address: Harbiye, Maçka Cd. No:53, 34365 Şişli/İstanbul, Turkey Website: asskkahve.com Phone: +90 212 231 91 72 Working hours: from 09:00 to 23:00.
Cesme Bazlama Kahvaltı
One of the trendiest establishments in Istanbul specializes in breakfast. Refined interior perfect for a selfie or stylish photo shoot.
The house's signature drink is orange fresh with mint (from 10 TRY for a bottle of 0.33 l).
Price kahvaltı (breakfast) for two - from 60 TRY.
Address: Teşvikiye, Ahmet Fetgari Sk. No:40 D:No:40, 34365 Şişli/İstanbul, Turkey Website: bazlamakahvalti.com Phone: +90 212 951 06 91 Working hours: from 09:00 to 17:00.
Kubbe-iAşk
A cozy establishment nestled in the historic quarters of Istanbul, located near several city landmarks such as the Galata Tower and the Galata Bridge.
The cost of a traditional breakfast is from 35 TRY, a cup of coffee - from 12 TRY. The latter is usually served on a pillow, in the best traditions of the rulers of Turkey.
Address:Süleymaniye, Fetva Ykş. No:3, 34080 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey Website:kubbeiask.com Phone:+90 212 511 22 75 Working hours: from 09:00 to 02:00.
Mum's
Located in the European part of Istanbul, this establishment transports every guest to the neighborhoods of Italy. The signature morning dish of the venue is a smoothie with banana, yogurt, and granola (starting from 22 TRY).
Price for breakfast is from 45 TRY, coffee is from 12 to 21 TRY.
Address: Kemankeş Karamustafa Paşa, Fransız Gç Sokağı 1/16 D:17, 34425 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Turkey Website: mums.com.tr Phone: +90 212 245 98 48 Working hours: Monday to Thursday from 09:00 to 23:00, Friday from 09:00 to 00:00, Saturday from 09:30 to 00:00, Sunday from 09:30 to 22:00.
Divan Brasserie Bebek
Located just steps away from the waterfront, this establishment has many advantages:
proximity to respectable quarters, where you can walk right after breakfast or lunch;
perfect service;
delicious hearty cuisine.
The simplest breakfast includes a vegetable salad with cheese and a bun with jam. A luxurious breakfast at the maximum price will definitely include fresh fruits and juice instead of tea.
Breakfast is from 30 to 60 TRY depending on its modification.
Address: Bebek Mh, Cevdet Paşa Cd. No:28/A, 34342 Beşiktaş/İstanbul, Turkey Website: divanpastaneleri.com.tr Phone: +90 212 257 72 70 Working hours: from 08:00 to 22:00.
Mado
A network of over 20 places with the best ice cream in Istanbul. Here you can try a sweet treat in wafers with chocolate, fruit, pistachio or vanilla filling to choose from (from 14 TRY).
The most popular cafe is located in the Beyoglu area.
Address: Şehit Muhtar, Mahallesi, İstiklal Cd. no 38, 34430 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Turkey Website: mado.com.tr Phone:+90 212 245 46 21 Working hours: from 07:00 to 02:00.
Original pastry shops in Istanbul
Ali Muhiddin Haci Bekir Lokumlari
It is believed that the founder of this confectionery several decades ago created Turkish delight (rahat-lukum) in the form we know today. Today, Turkish delight, marzipan, and baklava are sold by weight here (starting from 40 TRY per 1 kg). The establishment also has a few tables where you can enjoy your purchase with a cup of aromatic coffee (starting from 8 TRY).
This café chain specializes in original desserts. Some of them contain chicken and pork, but this only adds to their spicy flavor. The best branch of the chain is considered to be located in the Bakırköy district.
A cake costs from 9 TRY, a cup of coffee - from 8 TRY.
Address: Şenlikköy, Aqua Florya AVM, Yeşilköy Halkalı Cd. No: 93/4, 34153 Bakırköy, Turkey Website:sutis.com.tr Phone: +90 212 573 77 24 Working hours:from 07:00 to 00:00.
B. Block Bakery
One of the classic European bakeries in Istanbul is famous for its cheesecake and brownies.
The cost of dessert and coffee in this cafe is from 10 TRY.
Address:Vişnezade Mahallesi, Şair Nedim Cd. 35A D:1, 34353 Beşiktaş/İstanbul, Turkey Phone: +90 212 258 31 49 Working hours:from Monday to Saturday from 12:00 to 21:00.
Despite the fact that most hotels in the city offer all-inclusive meal plans, it is definitely worth visiting local establishments. In addition to the unique flavors of the national cuisine, they will leave a lasting impression with their unique ambiance.
