Kadıköy
Generally acknowledged as one of the city's best fish restaurants, Cibalikapı has two branches: one on the Golden Horn and the other here in Moda. Super…
Must-see restaurants in Istanbul
Istanbul
Turks take family, football and food seriously. And when it comes to food, few dishes are sampled and assessed as widely as the humble döner kebap. Ask…
Beyoğlu
Popular cookbook writer and TV chef Sahrap Soysal oversees the menu here, and the result is a tasty and well-priced introduction to modern Turkish cuisine…
The Bosphorus Suburbs
Milanese-born chef Gian Carlo Talerico and his Turkish wife Beldan Erkkul converted this former residence of the Aya Strati Taksiarhi Greek Orthodox…
The Bosphorus Suburbs
This branch of a chic chain has a million-lira location right on the water's edge, and is hugely popular with locals for a weekend brunch. There's a wide…
Kadıköy
Weekend and summer-night saunters down Moda Caddesi wouldn't be the same without a cone of the dondurma (ice cream) produced by the five brothers who…
Beyoğlu
Chef Gençay Üçok is known for his mezes, which are the main act at this intimate restaurant opposite the Pera Palace Hotel. Consider opting for the eight…
Istanbul
Finding this worker's pideçisi (Turkish pizza parlour) is an adventure in itself, as it's hidden in the steep narrow lanes behind the Büyük Valide Han…
Beyoğlu
Located in Karaköy's Fransız Geçidi (French Gate), a small arcade linking busy Mumhane Caddesi with the port, this cafe pays close attention to the…
Sultanahmet
In spring, the perfume from hyacinths blooming in Gülhane Park wafts over the outdoor tables of this garden cafe, which is built into the park's historic…
Beyoğlu
An exemplar of the casually stylish restaurant model that has been trending in İstanbul for a few years now, Gümrük has a menu that changes each day…
Beyoğlu
The swish new Beyoğlu branch of this much-loved Eminönü restaurant has a terrace with a panoramic view of the Golden Horn. It serves a delectable range of…
The Bosphorus Suburbs
Located on the breezy Bebek edge of Arnavutköy, this cute cafe is known for its Italian-style gelato, which is served in cones or cups and comes in…
Beyoğlu
A perfect example of the sort of design-driven eatery that has been trending in İstanbul over the past few years, Aheste is known for its attractive, mood…
Sultanahmet
This much-loved place has been serving piping-hot pides straight from its oven since 1964. Accompanied by pickles, they can be eaten at one of the outdoor…
The Bosphorus Suburbs
Seats on the outdoor terrace are hotly contested on sunny weekends at this İstanbul institution, where the all-day breakfasts are both cheap and tasty.
The Bosphorus Suburbs
A popular spot for a quick bite in central Beşiktaş, this no-frills eatery specialises in mantı, Turkish-style dumplings in yoghurt sauce, including…
Beyoğlu
Students, expats and İstanbullus with a literary bent are regular fixtures at this cafe on the 1st floor of the Turkish-German Bookshop on İstiklal…
Sultanahmet
Making locals happy since 1864, this şekerlemeleri (sweets shop) sells lokum (Turkish Delight), milk puddings and spinach or cheese börek (filled pastry)…
Princes’ Islands
Overlooking Büyükada's longest beach, Teras is a popular spot for breakfast, lunch and dinner (if coming for dinner arrive before sunset to take advantage…
Beyoğlu
One of only two Turkish restaurants to feature on San Pellegrino's 'World's Best Restaurants' list, Mikla is fronted by local celebrity chef Mehmet Gürs…
Princes’ Islands
This simple place has benches and chairs on a terrace overlooking the sea and İstanbul. Dishes are simple but good – the köfte (meatballs) and böreğı …
The Bosphorus Suburbs
Occupying the conservatory and garden terrace of art nouveau villa Hıdiv Kasrı, this cafe is an excellent choice on a sunny day. A toasted sandwich and/or…
Istanbul
Unsigned and unassuming, this famous köftecisi first opened in 1947. It is known for its köfte (meatballs) and its işkembe çorbaşı (tripe soup). Look for…
Istanbul
A barnlike place near the iskele, Kanaat has been serving up competent hazar yemek (ready-made food) since 1933. It is known for its wide range of…
Beyoğlu
Once a no-frills lokanta (eatery serving ready-made food), Güney has been spruced up and morphed into a bistro in recent years but has retained its loyal…
Beyoğlu
Armenian specialities such as topik (a cold meze made with chickpeas, pistachios, onion, flour, currants, cumin and salt) make an appearance on the menu…
Beyoğlu
A hipster vibe, mellow jazz soundtrack and vaguely Italian-style pizzas are the drawcards at this neighbourhood favourite. We're fans of the ambience and…
Istanbul
Dating from 1901, this restaurant has three salons that are encrusted with stunning turquoise-coloured İznik tiles and also feature painted ceilings and…
Beyoğlu
Decorated in art deco style (as befits its location in a building that originally housed the swish Bristol Hotel), this ground-floor cafe in the Pera…
Istanbul
This perennially busy place is located just inside the Grand Bazaar's Kılıççılar Gate, near where the currency dealers ply their bustling trade. Patrons…
Sultanahmet
Popular with tourists from the Gulf States, many of whom stay at the nearby Sura Hotel, this ocakbaşı (grill house) specialises in mezes and classic…
Beyoğlu
The quality of the food served here is adequate rather than inspired, but this tends to be forgiven by those who manage to snaffle a table on the summer…
Beyoğlu
Established in 1888, this local institution serves a good, albeit pricey, range of hazır yemek (ready-made food). There's no alcohol, but the range of…
Istanbul
After a morning spent in the Grand Bazaar, many visitors choose to park their shopping bags at this well-known lokanta. A lovely space with a vaulted…
Sultanahmet
Palatium is built atop part of the Great Palace of Byzantium, which you can see through its glass floor, between the rugs, beanbag seats at low tables and…
Princes’ Islands
Set one street back from the waterfront promenade, this simple place serves the daily seafood catch, with yesterday's leftovers used in the tasty fish…
Istanbul
There's inevitably an afternoon queue in front of this tiny dondurma (Turkish ice cream) shop in the courtyard of the Atik Ali Paşa Camii. Though the…
The Bosphorus Suburbs
Enjoying brunch in Rumeli Hisarı is a popular local pastime, so this place has no problems filling its 300-odd seats on weekends. The huge terrace …
Princes’ Islands
Operated by local character Fıstık Ahmet, this long-standing meyhane near the port is known for its lavish pourings of alcohol (it's not the type of place…
