Istanbul
A constant cluster of customers in front of this hole-in-the-wall joint near the Grand Bazaar signals the fact that its offerings are both fresh and tasty…
Must-see restaurants in Istanbul
Beyoğlu
Local celebrity chef Arda Türkmen is a master of mezes, so that's what you should order at this upmarket meyhane on the top floor of the Haze Hotel. There…
Meşhur Dönercı Hacı Osman'ın Yeri
Istanbul
This döner stand, occupying an elegant Ottoman sebil (fountain) outside the Ali Paşa Camii on the corner of Mercan Caddesi, is hugely popular with local…
Beyoğlu
Despite their long and much-vaunted tradition in the city, it is becoming increasingly difficult to find meyhanes (taverns) serving good food. Standards…
Beyoğlu
Occupying a converted garage in a lane opposite the Galatasaray Lycée, this cafe is named after legendary photographer Ara Güler, whose photographs of old…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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 …
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…
Sultanahmet
This branch of the popular local chain is a great place to enjoy the Sutış signature dish – bal kamak (honey and clotted cream), which is wonderful…
Istanbul
The usta (grill master) at this simple place presides over a charcoal grill where choice cuts of meats are cooked to perfection. You can claim a stool, or…
Istanbul
After a morning spent trading repartee with the touts in the Grand Bazaar, you'll be in need of a respite. And where better than this Western-style cafe…
Beyoğlu
The name means 'my soul, my liver', and this small place behind the Ali Hoca Türbesi specialises in grilled liver served with herbs, ezme (spicy tomato…
Sultanahmet
Offering a taste of the sumptuous dishes once served in the great Ottoman palaces, Deraliye offers diners the chance to order delights such as the goose…
Sultanahmet
One of a growing number of İstanbul restaurants specialising in so-called Ottoman palace cuisine, Matbah offers dishes that were devised centuries ago in…
Sultanahmet
Located between Sultanahmet and the Grand Bazaar, this clean and popular place offers hazır yemek (ready-made dishes) at reasonable prices. You can order…
Beyoğlu
Serdar-ı Ekrem Caddesi is one of the most attractive streets in Galata, full of ornate 19th-century apartment blocks and avant-garde boutiques. Mavra was…
Beyoğlu
A Beyoğlu institution, İnci was forced out of its historic İstiklal Caddesi premises in 2012, but reopened on a side street and continues to delight…
Beyoğlu
As well as being one of the best delicatessens in the city, Namlı offers a tempting sit-down or takeaway selection of breakfast dishes, sandwiches, salad…
Beyoğlu
This laid-back lounge cafe located in the expat enclave of Cihangir offers a menu of Mediterranean comfort foods including sandwiches, soups and pastas…
Sultanahmet
Cooked on a horizontal spit, the Erzurum-style lamb kebap that this joint is known for is tender, very slightly charred and very tasty. Served on lavaş…
Beyoğlu
We're not surprised this vegetarian cafe has a loyal following. Its interior is comfortable and stylish, with a glassed courtyard and bright colour scheme…
Beyoğlu
In the fashionable Soho House complex, this branch of the international chain has a romantic courtyard that is a particularly lovely dining spot on summer…
Beyoğlu
Its name and menu reflect the fact that this garden cafe in the interior courtyard of the French consulate is as Gallic as İstanbul gets. Start the day…
Kadıköy
Tucked in behind one of the market’s best fish stalls and sharing the same owners, this much-loved restaurant is a good place to enjoy the daily catch…
Beyoğlu
İstanbul has many businesses that have attained iconic status and Savoy is undoubtedly one of them. Down the hill from Taksim Meydanı, it was established…
Kadıköy
The front window and interior of this Kadıköy cake shop, which opened in 1961, have stood the test of time and so too has its popularity. Regulars tend to…
Sultanahmet
Specialities from Konya in Central Anatolia are the draw at this bustling place just off the much-loved Hocapașa Sokak food strip. Regulars come for the…
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…
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…
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…
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…
