Istanbul boasts an incredible range of dining options. Here are our favorites.
Karakoy restaurant recalls its tradesmen roots with hearty Turkish homestyle cuisine. Order at the counter, then find a seat among one of their shared tables for dining.
This restaurant provides an intimate yet welcoming dining experience and features seasonal fare such as aubergine with sour cherry wine-poached figs and an amusing setting. A tasting menu can also be requested.
Alancha
Alancha Restaurant on Macka’s seaside offers an exquisite dining experience in an opulent environment. Serving mouthwatering mezes and succulent kebabs, Alancha has become a highly-sought venue among both locals and foreigners. Their creative menu and high quality service has earned them many fans who seek out modern Turkish cuisine.
Kemal Demirasal, a former professional windsurfer turned celebrated chef, is now one of Turkey’s best-loved chefs. His new restaurant pays homage to both Turkey and its natural wonders along the Aegean Sea; its striking design makes it impossible to miss.
Restaurant at Aegean Sea shoreline boasting breathtaking view. Menu offerings include fresh fish and seafood dishes as well as traditional Turkish favorites prepared with innovative cooking techniques adapted from region’s culinary history.
This restaurant takes pride in creating unforgettable dining experiences, from inventive dishes like stuffed mussels and Urfa trout caviar to tasty cocktails and boutique Turkish wines.
Karakoy Lokantasi
Karakoy, located on the historic waterfront district, boasts this exquisite restaurant. Decorated in turquoise tiles and featuring an ornate wrought iron staircase connecting its two floors, it is known for its innovative take on Turkish meze cuisine and has an inviting, modern atmosphere – ideal for lunch with friends and family alike! You will be impressed by their extensive menu which has something for everyone – try their signature slow-cooked beef dish served over creamy pureed eggplant (hunkar begendi).
At Bosphorus Restaurant you will experience exquisite dining with breathtaking views. Serving delicious traditional and modern Turkish cuisine at very reasonable prices with superior service, this is an experience not to be missed when visiting Istanbul. A must try restaurant!
Karakoy Lokantasi restaurant is widely recognized as one of the finest dining spots in Turkey, and makes an excellent choice for any meal. Popular among lunchgoers, its friendly and helpful staff provide fresh food with rich flavors while elegant decor completes an ideal dining experience. Plus it is conveniently close to bars for night time drinks! Try their famous hummus with pastrami for an amazing taste experience. Also nearby is Berlin Line; another fantastic newer establishment serving traditional and contemporary fare alike including mezes, seafood dishes and desserts alike; enjoy modern interior contrast with traditional fare served here!
Metanet Lokantasi
Turkey is an ideal travel destination for foodies, with an incredible culinary scene rebounding since 2015’s devastating bombings and returning as an international player in global culinary culture. Visitors to Turkey can sample delicious street foods including borek (savory flaky pastries filled with cheese, spinach or potato), kumpir (spit-roasted potatoes piled high with toppings) and tave kosi (fried stuffed vine leaves).
Turkey boasts some of the finest baklava in the world. This sweet confection is composed of layers of nuts (pistachio, walnut or hazelnut) covered with sugar syrup or honey and then wrapped up in crisp phyllo pastry for maximum delight. Gaziantep city in particular is well-known for cultivating these nuts to produce some of Turkey’s most delectable varieties of this decadent dessert.
Gaziantep’s meatless culture means no part of a pig is wasted – from soup-making broth made with its head to delicious baked lamb shank kavurma at Sakip Usta, and chefs showing off their skills with lozenge-shaped icli kebabs (spiked chargrilled meatballs). Chitterlings are also often filled with delicious fillings while its seafood menu boasts everything from window counter fried mussels to the mouthwatering selection at MERCAN KOKOREC & MIDYE; not forgetting to wash everything down with some delicious ayran (yoghurt based drink!).
Aheste
Istanbul’s dining scene is an exquisite blend of tradition, innovation and cultural diversity. From the cutting-edge creations of Turk Fatih Tutak to classic dishes at Karakoy Lokantasi, dining in Istanbul can be an extraordinary culinary adventure. Soak in its bustling streets, pungent aroma of spices in the air, and friendly smiles as you sample its wide array of Turkish delights.
Aheste Restaurant is an oasis in Asmalimescit and one of Istanbul’s premier dining destinations. The name itself, translated from German as “Eat Slowly,” sums up its philosophy, offering traditional Turkish fare with an imaginative contemporary flare – each dish an original piece that tells its own unique tale through flavor and presentation. With an inviting ambience capturing Istanbul’s lively spirit, Aheste makes for an excellent culinary experience!
Service was flawless and food outstanding, featuring an impressive array of cocktails and wines to complement a delicious tasting menu that included delicious liver as well as unique desserts such as tahini ice cream – definitely recommend visiting! We will definitely be returning.
