The Best Restaurants in Istanbul

With a modern take on Turkish ingredients, Yeni Lokanta offers a unique dining experience. One of their must-try dishes is the traditional Turkish dumplings, otherwise known as mantı. This low-key restaurant is appreciated for its good vibes and tasty menu, which includes a 7-course sharing option.

Recommended by

Maksut Askar

Chef – Istanbul, Turkey

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

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This local neighborhood grill, Adana Ocakbasi, is renowned for its speciality in cooking every part of the animal, making it an ideal spot for offal lovers. It provides a non-touristic experience, welcoming all guests, including foreigners. If you are a fan of trying out all cuts of an animal, this restaurant is worth a visit.

Recommended by

Maksut Askar

Chef – Istanbul, Turkey

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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Foxy Nişantaşı is known for its focus on local wines made from endemic Turkish grapes, carefully selected by a knowledgeable team. The menu is designed to complement the wines, with small bites and plates like hummus with hazelnuts, whipped tarama with simit chips, and light, fried aubergine with pomegranate molasses. If you're still hungry, the spaghetti with bottarga and Turkish chili is a popular choice.

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Gennady Jozefavichus

Food Writer – Ulcinj , Montenegro

As natural as the wine This watering hole belongs to Maksut Askar, chef of Neolokal, one of the best Istanbul’s restaurants. Great simple (but not that simple — it’s Maksut!) food like padrónes or beef tartare on the bed of Russian salad or delicious pasta and great selection of natural wines, Turkish first of all.

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Offering a unique experience since 1966, Kıyı Restaurant is a classic spot for local Turkish cuisine. It's highly recommended for those seeking an authentic culinary journey. Open from 12:00 to 24:00, it provides a comfortable atmosphere for lunch and dinner.

Recommended by

Fatih Tutak

Chef & Owner of Turk Fatih Tutak – Istanbul , Turkey

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

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Mikla, run by chef-restaurateur Mehmet Gürs, is known for its refined Anatolian cooking and stunning roof terrace views. The menu is a diverse offering of meat and fish dishes such as grilled and dried beef, braised lamb, and various seafood, all presented in an array of unique styles. Balancing respect for traditional Turkish cuisine with a flair for contemporary style, the restaurant offers a forward-thinking menu that has earned it a place in The World’s 50 Best Restaurant’s List, 51-100.

Recommended by

Maksut Askar

Chef – Istanbul, Turkey

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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Known for its fresh Turkish cuisine, Karaköy Lokantası is a versatile dining spot that transitions from a lokanta, serving ready-made food during the day, to a meyhane, a tavern-like atmosphere in the evenings. The restaurant is highly recommended for both lunch and dinner due to its cool atmosphere and fantastic food, including delicacies like delicious liver, aubergine with bechamel, and fresh cold starters from the counter. Its terrace is another highlight, providing a perfect setting to enjoy the extremely fresh cooked food.

Recommended by

Nick Bril

Chef/ DJ – Antwerp, Belgium

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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This spot, Zübeyir Ocakbaşı/Taksim, is known for its simplicity and delicious food. It specializes in a variety of charcoal grilled meats and tasty meze. With a lively and bustling atmosphere, it's a popular spot for those who enjoy Turkish grilled meats.

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Robert Mendoza

Chef – Paris, France

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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Renowned for its innovative take on traditional recipes, Apartıman Yeniköy is a lively, no-fuss neobistro that offers a unique dining experience. The restaurant is particularly noted for its Sunday brunch, which includes an array of dishes such as fragrant spicy muhamarra with walnuts, sujuk with beans, and slow-cooked egg with yogurt. Dishes are crafted with local ingredients, often sourced from the owners' farm, and are presented with a creative twist, such as tarama with finger lime drops and pistachio/sheep’s milk cheese with rose petal paste.

Recommended by

Maksut Askar

Chef – Istanbul, Turkey

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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Famed for its modern take on traditional Turkish cuisine, Neolokal offers a unique dining experience. Chef Maksut Askar and his team are dedicated to sustainable practices, using fresh ingredients and modern techniques to reinterpret age-old recipes. With a focus on preserving culinary heritage, the restaurant serves dishes that are not only inspired by the earth and traditions but also aim to carry these traditions forward for future generations.

Recommended by

Luka Balac

Restaurateur-sommelier – Helsinki-Belgrade, Finland

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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