Kuru Fasülyeci Erzincanlı Ali Baba
Istanbul
Join the crowds of hungry locals at this long-time fasülyeci (restaurant specialising in beans) opposite the Süleymaniye Mosque. It's been dishing up its…
Must-see restaurants in Turkey
Beyoğlu
Head up the red-carpeted stairs of this restaurant next to the Galatasaray Garaj to find İstanbul's best Iranian eatery, which boasts a noisy dining salon…
Erzurum
The tantalising display of treats glitters like a jewellery store in this slick pastry shop and ice-cream parlour. Head upstairs and you'll find an…
Thrace & Marmara
Established in 1860, and still run by descendants of the original owners, this cafe in the Greek hilltop village of Zeytinli is a brilliant spot for a…
Sultanahmet
Strategically located on the main drag between Aya Sofya Meydanı and the Grand Bazaar, Çiğdem has been tempting locals since 1961 with its mouth-watering…
Kalkan
Stylish marina-facing restaurant that's a magnet for its location alone. House specialities include slow-roasted wild boar and the succulent dish that…
Kalkan
With tables on the lane and exposed stone walls inside, this white building with blue trim calls itself a meyhane (tavern), but the atmosphere is romantic…
Ankara
If we're in the mood for urfa kebap (a mild version of the Adana kebap served with onion and black pepper) or İskender kebap (or Bursa kebap; döner kebap…
Cappadocia
Typical Turkish dishes served up with plenty of smiles. Good salads and standard vegetable dishes such as taze fasulye (green bean stew) and stuffed…
Konya
Run by the belediye (town council), this restaurant offers up the regional tastes of Konya. It's a great place to sample patlıcan közleme kebabı (roasted…
İzmir & the North Aegean
Its location in a pretty square near the Alaybey Mosque is only one of the attractions of this friendly cafe and bakery, which was established in 1959…
Southeastern Anatolia
In business since 1942, Hacı Baba is Malatya's most famous restaurant and has a wall chock-a-block with photos of Turkish celebrities and politicians…
Western Anatolia
This local chain is famous for its plump and juicy köfte (meatballs); it even has its own brand of ayran (yoghurt drink) and an on-site butcher. Accompany…
Çeşme
Winning the prize for the biggest and best döner in town (order an İskender), this long-established and friendly lokanta is hugely popular with locals,…
Trabzon
Spilling out into an ivy-walled 'secret' garden, this relaxed cafe-restaurant adjoins the merchandising shop and museum of Trabzonspor, the idolised local…
İzmir
The blue-and-white checked tablecloths give this popular lokanta in the courtyard of the Mirkelam Han near the Hisar Mosque a Greek-island vibe, but the…
Selçuk
Next to the aqueduct, this outdoor restaurant on a pedestrianised walkway has lots of choices including the generous tavuk şiş (roast skewered chicken)…
Alanya
The 'Mini Kitchen' is a rare and refreshing thing in central Alanya: a traditional Turkish lokanta (eatery serving ready-made food) with unfussy, home…
The Bosphorus Suburbs
Aşk means 'love' in Turkish; the extra ş creates something similar to 'loove' in English. Semantics aside, Aşşk serves İstanbullus their beloved leisurely…
Şanlıurfa
This old han (caravanserai) is the place to come to try Şanlıurfa's local specialities of borani (soup of lamb, chickpeas, beetroot and yoghurt) and çiğ…
Thrace & Marmara
A good time is assured at this atmospheric village restaurant overlooking vineyards and the 1780 Ayios Yioryios church. The menu includes goat stew,…
Ürgüp
In business since 1975, this pastane (patisserie) churns out baked goods and tempting sticky baklava. You're here for the dondurma (ice cream) though. On…
Edirne
Recommended by locals for its tasty tava ciğer (thinly sliced calf's liver deep fried and eaten with crispy fried red chillies) and köfte (meatballs),…
Istanbul
The assembly line of staff assisting the usta (grill master) at this place attests to the excellence and popularity of its Adana or Urfa dürüm kebap …
Beyoğlu
Hidden upstairs in the shabby Hıdivyal Palas building, Eleos transports its diners from Beyoğlu to the Greek islands. Stylish blue-and-white decor and a…
İzmir & the North Aegean
Having a second breakfast for lunch is a perfectly valid dining choice, especially when it's the array of small plates on offer at this specialist…
Thrace & Marmara
Framed by grape arbours, our favourite cafe in Merkez is concealed in an old stone house a short walk from the main square. Colourful tables fill Balbadem…
Ankara
Named after a cult Turkish comic strip – and decorated accordingly – this is the pre-party pick for a substantial feed before hitting the bars. The menu…
The Bosphorus Suburbs
Smaller and more restrained than the average Beşiktaş meyhane (tavern), Kadife specialises in seafood – try the levrek marin (sea bass marinated with…
Edirne
The piliç (chicken) roasting in the window signals the house speciality at this extremely popular esnaf lokanta (eatery serving ready-made food). Order a…
Amasya
This riverside restaurant with a deck is a couple of levels up on class than others and offers a menu of meze (with plenty for vegetarians to make a full…
Central Anatolia
Head to this timber-framed house, just off Cumhuriyet Caddesi, to dine on low tables in one of the traditionally decorated salons. The menu is all about…
Angels and the Searchers Restaurant
Ürgüp
For Ürgüp's most opulent and unique dining experience head to the restaurant of Sacred House hotel to eat amid the over-the-top baroque and medieval decor…
Eastern Mediterranean
Stylish Petek has been serving very fine künefe (layers of kadayıf cemented together with sweet cheese, doused in syrup and served hot with a sprinkling…
Pamukkale
If you've been missing your hot spices and ginger, head here where host and chef Noriko serves up authentic Japanese and Korean dishes. Dak galbi (Korean…
Edirne
Concealed behind a narrow doorway, Patio's spacious inner courtyard is one of Edirne's most relaxing places to eat and drink. Beer, wine and cocktails…
Alaçatı
Combining a retail store and a garden restaurant, Arven is an excellent spot to explore the best of Turkey's wine scene. There are more than 200 wines…
Sultanahmet
One of Sultanahmet's last remaining lokantas (eateries serving ready-made food), Erol is recommended for both its food and its warm welcome. The meat and…
Ankara
This Ottoman house, smack in the middle of the citadel neighbourhood, serves up a range of typical Turkish dishes from gözleme (stuffed flatbreads) to…
Black Sea Coast
Unwind inexpensively at the waterside nibbling a freshly grilled fish sandwich (₺10) or various other snacks on this open-sided cafe, raised just above…
