At Turkey’s top restaurants, diners can indulge in delectable dishes and desserts like seafood kokorec (Deniz mahsullu kokorec) or stuffed levrek.
Borek are delicious pastries crafted with thin and flaky phyllo or yufka dough that are filled with cheese, meats, vegetables and spices – they pair especially well when enjoyed alongside an aniseed spirit known as raki from their native country of Turkey.
Orfoz
Orfoz Restaurant, conveniently situated by the beach, is one of Turkey’s top seafood eateries. Renowned for their a la carte menu featuring fresh fish, soups and other dishes along with their wide range of cocktails and wines available, Orfoz stands out among its competition as an outstanding seafood establishment.
Restaurant with an attractive interior designed for romantic dinners. Offerings such as tuna sashimi, oysters with parmesan foam and grilled calamari as well as an excellent wine selection at reasonable prices are on the menu here.
Neolokal serves up modern Turkish with a twist. Focused on sustainability and culinary heritage, Neolokal should not be missed by food enthusiasts.
Turkey boasts an incredible variety of cuisine, from sesame-sprinkled street bread rings sold on city streets to Ottoman palace cuisine and seafood restaurants to Argentine grills. No matter your palate or foodie preferences, Turkey is an amazing culinary experience and paradise for foodies of all types – its diversity in culinary landscape offers a kaleidoscope of flavors and textures which the best restaurants showcase beautifully. Be it enjoying traditional Turkish breakfast in Istanbul or classic casserole dishes from historic hamlets in Turkey; dining experience always leaves an unforgettable memory!
Mikla
Mikla Rooftop Restaurant, founded by Mehmet Gurs and featured on The World’s 50 Best Restaurant list since 2015, represents his innovative take on fine dining that honors Turkish ingredients and culinary traditions with fine cuisine.
Lamb dishes hold an esteemed place in Turkish culinary traditions, yet Gurs has elevated lamb to take center stage on his menu despite the high labor and ingredient costs involved in its preparation. He pairs it with local greens and various traditional sauces such as cibes, mulberry sour or apple molasses for maximum enjoyment.
Avoid missing the chance to sample some of the city’s signature delicacies, like hamsi fried anchovies served with crisp Cappadocia white and smoked lamb loin with charred endive and apple molasses. Complete your meal with black mulberry cheesecake or an exotic ball featuring mango salsa, pineapple salsa, vanilla mousse and crunchy chocolate rice before washing everything down with an authentic Turkish coffee (turk kahvesi) beverage…
Seraf
Seraf Restaurant stands as one of the leading Turkish dining experiences, serving classic Turkish fare with a contemporary flare. Led by chef Sinem Ozler who has created an extraordinary culinary journey that celebrates Istanbul culture. Additionally, Seraf boasts spacious seating arrangements.
This restaurant focuses on regional products and dishes to reflect Anatolia’s warm culture and traditional handicrafts, while architect Yesim Kozanli designed it with contemporary elements for maximum impact.
Customers will be able to indulge in an assortment of dishes such as lahmacun, tave kosi and zeama at this restaurant, along with delectable desserts and drinks. Plus, its staff is both helpful and welcoming!
Restaurant is known for its innovative dishes and excellent service. They have won several awards including “The Best Restaurant of Turkey.” A great place for dinner with friends or family; prices here are very affordable with the average cost per person being $90 without alcohol being added in.
Lades Menemen
Excellent service, atmosphere and food combine to make this restaurant one of the premier dining spots in Istanbul. A favorite among both locals and visitors alike, its extensive menu offers everything from flatbreads to grilled lamb; while don’t miss trying their mouthwatering garlic yogurt!
Menemen is an authentic Turkish breakfast or lunch dish similar to soupy scrambled eggs that typically comes served with freshly-baked bread. Also try out Kazandibi for something creamy with an incredible pistachio flavor!
This restaurant, situated on a small street near Istiklal Street, has a no-muss, no-fuss attitude that makes it perfect for visitors seeking an untouristy experience in Istanbul. The staff is warmly welcoming, while service and prices are competitive compared to similar establishments in Turkey. Open Monday-Sunday with plenty of seats available inside (if there’s still space) try their kunefe dessert, made of phyllo pastry filled with cheese sweetened by syrup or honey or pair your meal with coffee or tea after you finish dining here!
Ulus 29
29 Restaurant in Istanbul’s Ulus neighborhood stands out as one of Turkey’s finest dining experiences, boasting breathtaking Bosphorus views from its prime hilltop location. Renowned for its modern design and eclectic menu featuring both Turkish dishes as well as modern international food trends, this venue also provides two private dining spaces designed exclusively for guest use.
Metin Fadillioglu, an award-winning restaurateur from Istanbul who has created several other popular venues across the city, conceptualized this restaurant. Offering great service in a chic atmosphere makes this location stand out among others in the city.
The restaurant offers an attractive mix of Turkish and Japanese cuisine on their mouthwatering menu, such as stone baked beetroot, warm celery with butter, popcorn shrimp in bitter and sweet aioli sauce and Lakerda (Mushroom Tacos with Cheese) served cold or hot; plus Lakerda, Salmon Tataki and Beef Tenderloin Tartar appetizers as cold/hot starters; also offering an extensive wine and cocktail selection; on Friday and Saturday nights leading DJs entertain guests!
