Sultanahmet
Part of a small local chain, this is a convenient place to grab a pide or kebap en route between the Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar. The open kitchen and…
Must-see restaurants in Istanbul
Beyoğlu
This neighbourhood meyhane (tavern) has a friendly feel and simple but stylish decor. It serves stock-standard, good-quality mezes and grills…
Istanbul
In the midst of the Eminönü action, this branch of a popular local sweets chain has a small upstairs cafe where you can enjoy baklava or cakes with a tea…
The Bosphorus Suburbs
The menu of Turkish standards in the restaurant at art nouveau villa Hıdiv Kasrı is enlivened by a few Ottoman Palace–inspired dishes. You'll dine in the…
The Bosphorus Suburbs
In the grounds of Dolmabahçe Palace but accessible without a museum entry ticket, the Clock Tower Cafe has plenty of tables arranged on the edge of the…
Istanbul
This popular hole-in-the-wall bakery is known for its lahmacun (thin Arabic-style pizza). The standard version is topped with tomato, herbs and minced…
Sultanahmet
In the residential neighbourhood of Küçük Ayasofya, this eatery – named in honour of the Ottoman fountain next to its streetside terrace – serves well…
Beyoğlu
An expat haven in Cihangir, Kahve Altı (Coffee 6) has a pretty interior salon and a sunny rear courtyard. The menu is simple, but deserves kudos for its…
Princes’ Islands
This unassuming bakery has a small streetside terrace that catches the morning sun and is a popular local meeting spot. Settle in with a glass of çay and…
Princes’ Islands
Opposite the İDO ferry dock, this busy place offers its customers a generous array of vegetable, yoghurt and seafood mezes, and a range of seafood mains…
Istanbul
Devotees of offal flock here for the seasoned lamb intestines stuffed with sweetbreads or other offal, seasoned with red pepper and oregano, wrapped…
Nişantaşi, Bomonti & Harbiye
Always busy, this branch of one of the city's most popular cafe chains serves burgers, pastas and other global cafe standards. Sit on the streetside…
Sultanahmet
The food here is relatively cheap, the glasses of wine are generous, and the Efes is cold – all can be accompanied by some people-watching at the pavement…
Sultanahmet
A branch of a well-known local chain, this şekerlemeleri sells lokum (Turkish Delight), baklava, milk puddings and börek (filled pastry).
Kadıköy
To sample one of the market’s greatest treats, stop at this honey shop and ask for a serve of yoghurt with a generous swirl of honey from the comb on top.
Istanbul
Stop at this neighbourhood bakery cafe for a quick lunch of meat or cheese börek (filled pastry), followed by a cake or Turkish dessert.
Beyoğlu
One of the two branches of this much-loved dondurma (Turkish ice cream) chain that are on İstiklal Caddesi.
The Bosphorus Suburbs
Originating in the southeastern region of Maraş, dondurma (Turkish ice cream) has a distinctive chewy texture, thanks to its unusual ingredients of salep …
Istanbul
Fight your way through the crowds of shoppers that jam Hasırcılar Caddesi and you'll eventually come to this tiny pideci on the corner of Limoncu Sokak,…
