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09-01-2024 -
Food & Drink
The 10 Best Authentic Restaurants in Istanbul
Istanbul, where East meets West and history unfolds on every plate, is a treasure trove for food lovers. From Ottoman delicacies to vibrant seafood mezes, the city tantalizes taste buds with an explosion of flavors. Let's embark on a culinary journey through 10 of Istanbul's most authentic restaurants, each offering a unique glimpse into the rich tapestry of Turkish cuisine. As you explore the culinary wonders of Istanbul, complement your experience with the convenience and savings offered by the Istanbul Tourist Pass®.
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10 Best Authentic Restaurants
Here are 10 of the most popular authentic restaurants in Istanbul. We have handpicked these restaurants to give you a diverse selection of delicious food with different concepts. All of these restaurants are in the close range of the Old Town so you can enjoy them easily.
Las Tapas Restaurant
Nestled in the heart of Sultanahmet, Las Tapas transcends the "Turkish & Meditterannean fare" label with its focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients and innovative twists on classic dishes. Don't miss their signature grilled octopus with smoked paprika or the melt-in-your-mouth lamb shank tagine. Las Tapas offers you a truly unique and authentic experience with Ottoman, Turkish, and Mediterranean cuisine.
Address: Alemdar, Çatalçeşme Sk. No:5, 34110 Sultanahmet
Köşk 1981 Cafe & Restaurant
Immerse yourself in Ottoman elegance at Köşk 1981, housed in a charming historical mansion in the heart of the old town. Savor the delicate flavors of hünkar beğendi (braised lamb shank on creamy eggplant puree) or indulge in the rich aroma of kuzu tandır (slow-roasted lamb shoulder). Savor traditional authentic Turkish dishes like hünkârbegendi (braised lamb shank) in a setting reminiscent of a bygone era or a fresh fish from the waters of the Marmara Sea.
Address: Cankurtaran Mh. Akbıyık Cd. Adliye Sk. No:9/A, Fatih
Hacı Abdullah Lokantası
For a taste of Istanbul's culinary heritage, step into the bustling atmosphere of Hacı Abdullah Lokantası. This family-run authentic gem has been serving up traditional home-cooked dishes for generations. Try their signature hünkâr begendi or the comforting lentil soup with crispy onions. The philosophy of Hacı Abdullah is the "Ahi Organization", which is about to be forgotten today. It means serving guests as they are the most important guests of the restaurant.
Address: Atıf Yılmaz Caddesi No:9/A Beyoğlu
Garden 1897 Restaurant
Escape the city's clamor at Garden 1897, a hidden oasis in the Garden House Hotel Sultanahmet. They not only offer you Turkish & Ottoman cuisine but also a peaceful atmosphere formed by our welcoming employees and the historical texture of Sultan Ahmet in the garden of the mansions renovated with 19th-century architecture.
Address: Küçük Ayasofya Mahallesi, Garden House Hotel, Şht. Mehmet Paşa Sk. No5, Sultanahmet
Asitane Restaurant
Rediscovering Ottoman flavors is their motto. Embark on a historical culinary journey at Asitane, where ancient Ottoman recipes are meticulously recreated using the finest local ingredients. Indulge in the melt-in-your-mouth yaprak sarma (stuffed vine leaves) or the regal sultan's delight, a rich lamb and prune dish.
Address: Kariye Camii Sokak No:6 Edirnekapı
Hanzade Terrace Restaurant
Experience panoramic views of the Bosphorus alongside exquisite Turkish cuisine at Hanzade Terrace. Their grilled sea bass with lemon and garlic is a testament to the restaurant's dedication to fresh seafood, while the aromatic authentic kebabs with tomato sauce are a classic done right.
Address: Emin Sinan District, Piyer Loti St. No:35/Ai Fatih
Tatbak Restaurant
Dive into the heart of Istanbul's vibrant fine-dine scene at Tatbak. This historical and authentic eatery offers authentic lahmacun baked to perfection over charcoal. Pair it with their smoky eggplant puree and a refreshing ayran yogurt drink for a truly local experience. By 2024, Tatbak is selected as a recommended restaurant by the Michelin Guide.
Address: Teşvikiye, Akkavak Sk. 38 B,Nişantaşı
Fasuli Tophane
Savor the flavors of the Black Sea at Fasuli Tophane, where famous Çayeli dried beans take center stage. Their tender grilled meatballs with delicious buttered rice are a crowd-pleaser, while the delicately fried pepper is a taste of the region.
Address: Kemankeş Mah. Kılıç Ali paşa cad. No:6 Tophane, Beyoğlu
Yeni Lokanta - Bar
This modern Istanbul eatery reinvents traditional Turkish cuisine with a playful twist. Don't miss their deconstructed lahmacun (minced meat pizza) served on crispy pide bread or the creative interpretations of classic mezes like grilled halloumi with honey and walnuts. This authentic fine-dining restaurant is also another gem in the Michelin Guide so don’t wait, make a reservation right away.
Address: Kumbaracı yokuşu No: 66 Beyoğlu
Van Kahvalti Evi
Awaken your senses with a traditional Turkish breakfast at Van Kahvalti Evi. This charming restaurant offers a feast of regional specialties like kaymak (clotted cream), honey, tulum cheese, and gözleme (savory flatbreads). There is a saying in Turkish: “breakfast is all about happiness.” so go there and experience it for yourself!
Address: Kilic Ali Pasa Mahallesi,Defterdar Yokusu, No: 52 A Cihangir
This list is just a starting point for your culinary adventure in Istanbul. With its endless variety of flavors and vibrant atmosphere, the city promises a feast for the senses for every kind of gourmand. So, grab your appetite and get ready to explore the magic of Istanbul, one delicious bite at a time!
2024 Michelin-Starred Restaurants in Istanbul
In our list above about authentic restaurants, you may see some Michelin Guide recommended ones. Here is a short list for you to see starred and gourmand restaurants in the Guide additionally.
Two Michelin Stars in Istanbul
TURK FATIH TUTAK: Cumhuriyet Hacıahmet Silahşör Cad, Yeniyol Sk. No:2. Exquisite tasting menus showcasing Anatolian flavors with modern techniques.
One Michelin Star in Istanbul
Araka: Nisbetiye Caddesi No:83. Mediterranean and Aegean seafood-focused tasting menus highlighting local ingredients.
Nicole: Tomtom Kaptan Sk. No:18. Contemporary fine dining with French and Turkish influences and stunning Bosphorus views.
Mikla: The Marmara Pera, Meşrutiyet Cd. No:15. Innovative tasting menus inspired by Turkish and Nordic cuisine, served on a rooftop terrace.
Neolokal: Yeni Mahalle Yeni Çarşı Sokak No:26. Seasonal tasting menus celebrating Anatolian ingredients and terroir.
Michelin Green Stars (Sustainable Gastronomy)
Circle by Vertical: Mecidiye Mahallesi Çukurcuma Caddesi No:62. Modern vegetarian and vegan cuisine with a rooftop garden and focus on sustainability.
Neolokal: Recognized for its dedication to sourcing local and seasonal ingredients.
Remember:
- Reservations are highly recommended for Michelin-starred restaurants.
- Prices tend to be high at Michelin-starred establishments.
- Michelin inspectors update their guide annually, so new additions and changes may occur after 2024.
- Enjoy your culinary adventure in Istanbul!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where do Turkish people eat in Istanbul?
What food is Istanbul famous for?
Istanbul boasts a diverse culinary scene, but some signature dishes include: Döner kebap: Marinated lamb or beef cooked on a rotating spit and served in bread with salad and sauces. Mezes: Small, flavorful appetizers like dolmas (stuffed vine leaves), cacık (yogurt with cucumber and dill), and mücver (fried zucchini fritters). Simit: A sesame-covered bagel typically enjoyed for breakfast with tea or cheese. Baklava: Rich flaky pastry layered with nuts and drenched in syrup, a popular dessert.
What time do people eat dinner in Istanbul?
Dinner in Istanbul is typically eaten later than in Western cultures, often around 7.30 pm or even later. Many restaurants don't get bustling until after 8 pm.
What is the most popular street food in Turkey?
Döner kebap reigns supreme, alongside simit, Turkish pide (flatbread), gözleme (savory pancakes), and kumpir (baked potato filled with various toppings).
What is the Turkish famous meal?
While there's no single "national dish," hearty stews like hünkâr begendi (braised lamb on eggplant puree) and dolma are well-loved national staples.
Does Turkey have a Michelin star restaurant?
Yes, Istanbul has multiple Michelin-starred restaurants, with TURK FATIH TUTAK holding two stars and several others holding one star.
What is the average price of dinner in Istanbul?
Prices vary greatly depending on the restaurant and location. While street food and local eateries are affordable, upscale restaurants can be quite expensive. Expect to pay anywhere from $20 to $200 or more for dinner.
What time is dinner Istanbul?
There's no single "dinner time" in Istanbul. Restaurants start filling up around 8 pm, and many people eat out late, continuing past midnight
What is the most popular dish in Istanbul?
Döner kebap is undoubtedly the most popular street food and widely available across the city. However, restaurants offer a vast array of delicious dishes, making it hard to crown a single winner for what's "most popular."
Turkish people in Istanbul dine at a variety of places, depending on the occasion and budget. Local eateries, börekçiler (pastry shops), and street food stalls cater to everyday meals. For special occasions, upscale restaurants and seafood eateries along the Bosphorus are popular.