The Best Local Restaurants in İstanbul

Neolokal in Istanbul presents modern takes on Turkish cooking while honoring the traditions and ingredients of the region. The team focuses on sustainability and keeping heritage recipes alive, offering a thoughtful connection between the land and each plate. Their inviting atmosphere lets guests experience a genuine blend of the old and new in Turkish cuisine.

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Luka Balac

Restaurateur-sommelier

A must visit place when in Istanbul! Very tasty modern fare from deep traditional roots, chef Maksut and his team will definitely spoil you! Start with a Negroni, and go for a chefs menu paired with Turkish wines. You’ll be in for a treat.

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Apartıman Yeniköy is a relaxed neighborhood spot in Istanbul, led by chef-owner Burçak Kazdal. Known for its creative use of local ingredients and friendly atmosphere, it’s open for lunch, dinner, and a special Sunday brunch. The laid-back vibe and thoughtful approach to food make it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

Recommended by

Maksut Askar

Chef

If it's a weekend breakfast for me, I go to Apartiman. The chef, Burçak Kazdal is super talented, and her ideas and ways to use products and traditional recipes are incredible. Apartiman is not a breakfast place, they do amazing breakfasts only on Sundays. You will not regret going here.

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Çiya Sofrası is a long-standing restaurant in Istanbul’s Kadıköy district, known for its traditional Anatolian-style cooking. The menu shifts day to day, offering a range of dishes inspired by regional recipes from around Turkey. Its relaxed setting invites you to feel right at home while sampling simple, comforting meals.

Recommended by

Maksut Askar

Chef

In this place in the Kadiköy district you can see the colours of different cooking and recipes from all around Anatolia and it has been there for a while. I remember the first time I went there with my mom when I was in school. I love these staple places that has been around forever. This is a place where they cook all these traditional home cooking dishes and serve them on a marble surface and you just choose what you want to eat. You can have a really good lahmacun and kebab but I mainly focus on the best stuffed intestines the serve, and many other dishes.

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Karaköy Lokantası is known in Istanbul for its warm atmosphere and dependable Turkish cooking, appreciated by both locals and visitors. By day, it serves ready-made meals in a casual lokanta style, then becomes a lively meyhane for evening gatherings. This change in pace makes it a place you can enjoy at any time.

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Nick Bril

Chef/ DJ

A fine place for fine Turkish food. Perfect terrace and extremely fresh cooked food. Must visit acknowledged by foodies, confirmed by me. The liver was delicious, aubergine and bechamel and the fresh cold starters from the counter.

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Lades Menemen has been a welcoming spot in Istanbul’s Taksim neighborhood for more than 60 years. They serve simple, down-to-earth meals from morning to evening, with a relaxed atmosphere that has kept locals coming back for decades. It’s a long-standing favorite for anyone looking to enjoy a comfortable and unhurried dining experience.

Recommended by

Maksut Askar

Chef

Breakfast is important for us in Istanbul and my favourite breakfast place is Lades Menemen. It’s been there since the 1950’s and I've been going there for more than 25 years. They do an all day breakfast and it's super casual and delicious food. I would order the typical Turkish breakfast, which is super simple. It's olives, cheese, honey and clotted cream with tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers. If we want an egg, which we call menemen, it would be a fried egg with tomatoes and peppers, similar to shakshuka, but a lighter version. They’re also a dairy custard shop and in Istanbul the custard makers also serve traditional chicken breast custards, which we call Tavuk Gögsü. So a sweet dessert with chicken breasts. So they use the chicken breasts for desserts and the eggs of the chickens are used next door for the menemen and the other parts of the chicken goes for lunch.

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Zübeyir Ocakbaşı/Taksim is a well-established spot in a lively part of Istanbul, known for its simple charm and welcoming atmosphere. Crowds come here for a taste of traditional Turkish cooking in a busy, authentic setting. Many visitors consider it a go-to whenever they’re in the neighborhood.

Recommended by

Robert Mendoza

Chef

Grilled meats This place is great because of its simplicity. Delicious meze and a variety of charcoal grilled meats. A must whenever visiting Istanbul.

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Adana Ocakbasi offers an inviting Turkish barbecue experience in a local neighborhood of Istanbul. The open grill is at the heart of the restaurant, creating a lively atmosphere that appeals to both locals and visitors. It’s a straightforward spot for enjoying time-honored cooking without the typical tourist crowds.

Recommended by

Maksut Askar

Chef

The specialty of this grill is cooking every part of the animal, so if you like offal you definitely need to go here. For me it's all about eating all cuts of the animal, and that’s why I like going to Adana Ocakbaşı. The restaurant is not touristic, it’s in a local neighborhood, but they always welcome foreigners. You would definitely love it.

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Mürver Restaurant sits by the Bosphorus in İstanbul, offering a relaxed setting with a scenic view. Led by Chef Mevlüt Özkaya, it draws on Turkish culinary traditions while adding his personal touch. The overall atmosphere is welcoming, making it a comfortable place to enjoy a meal with a local influence.

Recommended by

Maksut Askar

Chef

The young chef Mevlüt Özkaya is leading this restaurant. The restaurant has a beautiful view of the Bosporus. Mevlüt, the chef, is following the Turkish culinary traditions in his way.

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Pandeli Restaurant is one of Istanbul’s oldest spots, opened in 1901 inside the bustling Spice Market. Its historic atmosphere and welcoming feel have drawn visitors for generations, making it a charming place to experience local culinary traditions.

Recommended by

Maksut Askar

Chef

Pandeli is one of the oldest restaurants in town, located in the spice market. They serve Istanbul classics on their menu, like a really good eggplant salad, good mezes or a really good börek, a savoury pastry. Photo: Gülin Özalp

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Mikla is perched atop The Marmara Pera in Istanbul, offering sweeping views and a modern expression of Anatolian cooking. Led by chef-restaurateur Mehmet Gürs and a dedicated team, it respects local traditions while embracing new ideas. The rooftop setting and warm atmosphere make it an inviting spot to take in the city.

Recommended by

Maksut Askar

Chef

When in Istanbul you should definitely go to restaurant Mikla, run by chef-restaurateur Mehmet Gürs. Absolutely beautiful views from the roof terrace and amazing refined Anatolian cooking.

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Aheste is an Istanbul restaurant with a modern spin on traditional cuisine. It has a friendly vibe that makes it easy to share food and drinks with friends. The relaxed atmosphere and welcoming service create a comfortable spot for an evening out.

Recommended by

Mehmet Gurs

Chef

If you’re into a friendly and tasty evening with friends to share your food and drinks Aheste is spot on. Great food, service and vibe… If you’re into a friendly and tasty evening with friends to share your food and drinks Aheste is spot on.

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Şehzade Cağ Kebap sits on a street lined with similar spots in Istanbul but stands out thanks to its unique cooking approach. It’s a welcoming place offering a straightforward yet memorable dining experience. Despite the busy surroundings, it manages to maintain a friendly ambiance that invites you to linger and enjoy.

Recommended by

Saku Tuominen

CEO & Restaurateur

In the middle of a street full of kebab joints, this is something else, a culinary gem, serving a real speciality, a horisontally prepared kebabs. A treat!

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Nato Restaurant in Karaköy, Istanbul, has been serving home-style Turkish meals for over 50 years. Its simple, welcoming atmosphere and long history make it a comfortable place to enjoy a taste of local tradition.

Recommended by

Maksut Askar

Chef

In Nato Lokantasi, located in Karaköy, you can find delicious Turkish home cooked meals. They have been there for more than 50 years.

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Sokak Lezzeti Tarihi Balık Dürümcü Mehmet Usta in Istanbul often draws a crowd, with people saying the wait is worth it. The food is described as well-seasoned, light, and enjoyable any time of day, making it a popular spot for a quick bite.

Recommended by

Nick Bril

Chef/ DJ

We passed by, saw a massive queue decided to return in the night, and the 30 min wait was well worth. This balik dürum with fresh grilled mackerel was heavy seasoned, light and delicious. Perfect snack, breakfast , light lunch or late night craving

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Yeni Lokanta in Istanbul puts a modern spin on Turkish cuisine, combining familiar flavors with fresh ideas. The warm, low-key setting invites guests to relax while exploring a variety of menu options. It’s an appealing choice for anyone eager to try local tastes in a new way.

Recommended by

Maksut Askar

Chef

You need to go to Yeni Lokanta and definitely eat their mantı - the traditional Turkish dumplings.

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Gorele Sakir Usta Pide is a small neighborhood spot in Istanbul, run by an artisan who has honed his craft for more than 50 years. The staff only speaks Turkish, so you might need a translation app if you don’t know the language. It’s a humble and welcoming place with a long history of perfecting what they do best.

Recommended by

Raymond Cua

Writer&Travelling Foodie

One of the best pide you'll have from an artisan master who's been doing pide for over 50 years. Located in a local neighborhood in Istanbul so be prepared to use Google translate if you don't speak Turkish because none of the staff speaks English.

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Kıyı Restaurant has been a distinctive spot in Istanbul’s Tarabya district since 1966, known for showcasing local Turkish culinary traditions. It’s considered an Istanbul classic and is often recommended to visitors looking for an authentic dining experience in a relaxed setting.

Recommended by

Fatih Tutak

Chef & Owner of Turk Fatih Tutak

Recommended while in Istanbul - A must experience for local Turkish cuisine.

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Balıkçı Kahraman has been welcoming guests in Istanbul’s Sarıyer neighborhood since 1996, building on a family tradition in seafood. Founded by someone who grew up in the trade, it’s often recommended by both locals and visitors. The restaurant’s relaxed setting and Karadeniz roots give it a down-to-earth feel that many appreciate.

Recommended by

Fatih Tutak

Chef & Owner of Turk Fatih Tutak

Recommended while in Istanbul - A must experience for seafood in Turkey.

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Alaf Kuruçeşme Restaurant in İstanbul offers a modern take on Anatolian cuisine in a relaxed setting. Guests can enjoy sweeping Bosphorus views and a selection of Turkish wines. Its creative approach to traditional flavors makes it an inviting spot to explore something new.

Recommended by

Gennady Jozefavichus

Food Writer

Another restaurant of Anatolian cuisine, but this time less traditional and more experimental, with a twist in every dish: kebab served dipped in clear tomatoe broth, kokorec pretends it’s a Big Mac and for dolma crunchy dried Antip pepper chosen instead of fresh one, etc. on top are great Bosphorus views and good selection of Turkish wines.

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Bayramoğlu Döner has been serving freshly prepared food in Istanbul for over 30 years, focusing on carefully selected ingredients cooked to perfection over a wood fire. They also make warm, thin bread in their own oven, which adds to the overall taste and experience. Locals and visitors alike appreciate the friendly service and inviting atmosphere that have made it a long-time favorite.

Recommended by

Sachin Obaid

Founder

This is the best Döner Kebab is Istanbul! It is 💯 worth the trek into the Anatolian side of Istanbul. The all-lamb spit thinly sliced is essentially the only thing you can order here, with options of how many grams you want to devour. The best way to eat the döner is to make some mini wraps with the thin lavash and fill it with raw onions, sumac and heaps of döner meat. There is zero need for sauce, not even sure they will give it to you! :) Absolutely delicious and life changing. It’s going to be tough to eat any German Döner after this one!

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Nazende Cadde is a casual Turkish restaurant in Istanbul with a warm, welcoming feel. Guests often enjoy the chef’s choice menu, making it easy to explore different flavors without fuss. It’s a relaxed spot that stays true to local tastes.

Recommended by

Fatih Tutak

Chef & Owner of Turk Fatih Tutak

Best Casual Turkish in Istanbul, try the chef’s choice menu and say hi to Uluc Chef

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Karadeniz Pide Vefa is often mentioned as a must-visit in Istanbul for anyone looking to explore local tastes. Its casual setting and welcoming vibe draw visitors who appreciate genuine, down-to-earth dining experiences.

Recommended by

Fatih Tutak

Chef & Owner of Turk Fatih Tutak

Recommended while in Istanbul - A must experience for PIDE.

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Saray Muhallebicisi – Teşvikiye in Istanbul is a laid-back chain restaurant that regulars enjoy visiting, especially in the morning. It’s known for its comfortable setting and the convenience of all-day service. This spot offers a relaxed experience for those seeking a simple, satisfying meal.

Recommended by

Ali Kurshat Altinsoy

Brand Director

I love breakfast here. Great boreks - especially the sulu börek. All day cantina chain across town. I love breakfast here at the Nisantasi spot. Great boreks - especially the sulu börek.

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