A Real Traveler’s Guide to Dining in the City of Two Continents

If you’re planning a trip to Istanbul, you’re probably already dreaming of sizzling kebabs, sweet bites of baklava, and the rich aroma of Turkish coffee. This city, where East meets West, is a culinary playground packed with flavor, history, and tourist traps. Whether you are craving a Michelin-star meal with a Bosphorus view or a döner wrap from a street-side stall, Istanbul’s dining scene offers it all—though not everything is worth your lira. In this guide, we walk you through some of the best restaurants to try in Istanbul—and a few to skip.

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Gurme Burger Kasap

📍 Adress: ÖzdilekPark Istanbul Shopping Mall, Esentepe, Büyükdere Cd. No: 181, 34394 Şişli/İstanbul

We wanted to try something in a shopping mall to try the fast food here and ended up at Gurme Burger Kasap, a fast food-style restaurant with a surprisingly authentic vibe. The food turned out to be tasty, and the location was convenient, but communication was tricky since the waiters didn’t speak much English, making it a little challenging to order and even pay. That said, it kind of added to the local charm and authenticity of the experience. We ordered a meat dish with fries, rice, and—unexpectedly—a salad, even though we had ordered an extra one on the side, not realizing it was already included. The portions were huge—so much so that we couldn’t even finish our meals despite how good everything tasted. But overall we would recommend it as a good meal with a healthy portion you get at Gurme Burger Kasap. 

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Kızılkayalar Taksim

📍 Adress: Katip Mustafa Çelebi, Sıraselviler Cd. No:2/C, 34433 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye

While exploring the vibrant energy of Taksim Square, we decided to dive into some local street food and ended up at the iconic Kızılkayalar. Known for its legendary Islak Burger—a Turkish twist on the classic hamburger—this spot is a must-visit for anyone craving something delicious and comforting. The Islak Burger, or “wet burger,” is a small beef patty tucked inside a soft white bun, soaked in a garlicky, spicy tomato sauce, then steamed to juicy perfection. It’s savory, slightly tangy, and irresistibly messy—in the best way possible. It turned out to be one of the tastiest comfort foods we’ve ever had. If you’re in Taksim Square, don’t miss a late-night stop at Kızılkayalar—you won’t regret it.

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Hafız Mustafa 1864 İstiklal

📍 Adress: Katip Mustafa Çelebi, İstiklal Cd. No:37, 34433 Beyoğlu/İstanbul

If you’re near Taksim Square and craving something sweet, Hafız Mustafa 1864 on İstiklal Street is a must-visit. This historic dessert shop offers some of the best traditional Turkish sweets in Istanbul, from freshly made, flaky baklava to a colorful array of authentic Turkish delights. The moment you step inside, you’re greeted by the rich aroma of syrupy pastries and the warm, inviting atmosphere that reflects over a century of dessert-making tradition. This is the place to be if you’re looking for a truly authentic taste of Turkish desserts. We tried a few baklavas, and they were each delicious. The only shame is they are so sweet because we would have eaten more.

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Meşhur Sultanahmet Köftecisi

📍 Adress: Alemdar, Divan Yolu Cd. No:4, 34110 Fatih/İstanbul

​Meşhur Sultanahmet Köftecisi is a historic restaurant about 145 meters from the iconic Hagia Sophia in Istanbul’s Sultanahmet district. Established in 1920, it is renowned for its traditional Sultanahmet meatballs, made from carefully selected meats and grilled over an open flame to enhance the natural flavors.  Since we stepped in, we could tell this would be an authentic experience. They greeted us in a friendly manner while also being efficient. We ordered several things from the menu but focused on the traditional köfte meatballs. The menu features dishes like shish kebab, chicken shish, pilaf, soup, piyaz (bean salad), seasonal salads, and traditional Turkish desserts such as irmik helvası (semolina dessert) and Kemalpaşa tatlısı. The prices are reasonable, considering the quality and location. Given its proximity to Hagia Sophia, Meşhur Sultanahmet Köftecisi is an excellent choice for those seeking authentic Turkish cuisine in a historic setting. We highly recommend it to get an authentic experience and best köfte in town.

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Dedee Ocakbaşı

📍 Adress: Arnavutköy, Bebek Arnavutköy Cd No:56A, 34345 Beşiktaş/İstanbul

Dedee Ocakbaşı wasn’t just the best meal we had; it was a revelation! Before our visit, Turkish cuisine was a pleasant curiosity, but after experiencing the vibrant flavors and hospitality here, it has become our favorite. Fortunately, we had a local guide with us, so ordering was easy. We ended up with an assortment of dishes, a journey for our palates.  

The highlight, without a doubt, was the perfectly grilled meat – each piece was tender, succulent, and infused with smoky, savory notes that spoke of expert preparation and high-quality ingredients. Beyond the incredible food, the restaurant buzzed with an inviting energy, and the service was attentive and warm. While the location might be a bit out of the way, we wholeheartedly recommend Dedee Ocakbaşı for dinner. It’s an experience that will not only introduce you to the wonders of Turkish food but might just make it your new favorite one as well! The prices are a little higher but also worth it. 

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HD iSkender

📍 Adress: Esentepe, Büyükdere Cd. No:181, 34394 Şişli/İstanbul

We ended up in the ÖzdilekPark Shopping Mall again and used the opportunity to try iskender. Yet, another meat dish (which by now you probably realized Turkey is not really for vegetarians). And as usual, Turkish cuisine did not disappoint. We were delighted by the rich flavors. We got the traditional lentil soup, commonly found in many restaurants. The taste is amazing, but the highlight was the Iskender dish: tender slices of meat topped with freshly melted butter, creating a mouthwatering experience. Again, the generous serving left us thoroughly satisfied. Located on the third floor of a shopping mall, the restaurant’s setting was convenient, and the service was attentive. Given the quality of the food and reasonable prices, we highly recommend trying their signature iskender. 

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Develi

📍 Adress: Etiler, Tepecik Yolu No:22 D:22, 34337 Beşiktaş/İstanbul

You can find Develi in the heart of Beşiktaş. The restaurant offers a selection of Turkish dishes with an emphasis on meat, but you can also get here a few vegetable options. We had the chance to try a few meat dishes and veggie plates, and while the food was decent, we definitely had better dining experiences elsewhere in Istanbul. The flavors were solid, but nothing stood out as particularly extraordinary. The service, though attentive, seemed to fall short of expectations – it was clear they were trying, but it lacked the finesse seen at other top restaurants in the area. As for the atmosphere, it was nothing special, falling somewhere in the average range, without much to make it memorable. Overall, Develi is a fine choice for a meal, but if you’re looking for an exceptional experience, other places in Istanbul offer more. But we can recommend their dessert selection; everything was delicious. 

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Karafırın Özdilek

📍 Adress: Esentepe Mahallesi Büyükdere Cad Bahar Sokak, Dede Korkut Sk. No:15, 34394 Şişli

Karafırın Özdilek offers a fantastic dining experience that blends modern aesthetics with a welcoming atmosphere. The vibrant and stylish ambiance makes it an ideal spot for casual and special occasions. The food is exceptional, featuring a contemporary twist on classic dishes with a menu that showcases fresh ingredients and creative flavors. Each dish feels thoughtfully crafted, striking the perfect balance between tradition and innovation. One of the highlights is the dessert selection, which you can enjoy on-site or purchase to take home. From pastries to rich cakes, the desserts are the perfect sweet ending to a memorable meal. Whether you’re there for a full meal or just a treat, Karafırın Özdilek delivers on both quality and experience.

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Mardin Et Ve Kebap Salonu

📍 Adress: Molla Fenari, İskender Boğazı Sk. No:45, 34120 Fatih/İstanbul

Mardin Et Ve Kebap Salonu offers an unforgettable dining experience in the heart of Istanbul’s bustling Grand Bazaar. Stepping inside feels like entering a slice of local tradition, with its warm ambiance and authentic vibe that transports you to the heart of Turkish culture. The food is exceptional – the kebabs are grilled to perfection, and each dish bursts with rich, flavorful spices. It’s the perfect spot to recharge after a busy shopping spree in the Grand Bazaar, with its delicious meals providing both energy and a peaceful escape from the market’s excitement. If you’re looking for an authentic, local dining experience in Istanbul, this place is a must-visit. The food, atmosphere, and overall experience are simply unbeatable, along with the price.

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Some other recommendations we didn’t try but did research on them, and will try them next time we are in Istanbul.

• • • Deraliye
    • Fahri Konsolos
    • Çeşme Bazlama Kahvaltı Nişantaşı 2 (breakfast)
    • Lades Menemen (breakfast)
    • Seven Hills Restaurant
    • Nova Santiye Cafe
    • Taht Istanbul Cafe
    • Hidden Garden
    • The Ottomans Kitchen Cafe Restaurant
    • Istanbul Anatolian Cuisine
    • Hanzade Terrace Restaurant
    • Pera Antakya
    • Tomtom Kebap
    • Çakmak Kahvaltı Salonu (breakfast)
    • Kral Kokoreç Sirkeci
    • Balıkçı Lokantası (seafood) 
    • Salacak Kokorec

Exploring Istanbul’s restaurant scene is an adventure, a vibrant tapestry woven with countless flavors and ambiance. From hidden local gems serving time-honored recipes to modern eateries pushing culinary boundaries, each dining experience offers a unique glimpse into the heart and soul of this captivating city. you’re savoring the rich aromas of a traditional ocakbaşı or indulging in innovative fusion cuisine, Istanbul’s diverse culinary landscape promises a delicious discovery around every corner, leaving you with unforgettable tastes and a deeper connection to this incredible place.

Pack your bag, get your taste buds ready, and waddle on!

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