Hello everyone! In this article, we’ve explored the must‑try dishes you should taste during your visit to Istanbul.
Istanbul is both a traditional city and a cosmopolitan metropolis, so it’s no surprise that Istanbul’s gourmet scene is just as diverse. Affordable street food sits side by side with upscale restaurants serving creative cocktails. You can easily find eateries offering time‑honored Turkish cuisine that hasn’t changed for generations, as well as contemporary spots fusing familiar ingredients with global flavors.
If you’re coming to Istanbul for a short stay, one of the biggest challenges will be deciding where to eat among all these amazing options. Here are some of my favorite foods to eat in Istanbul!
If you are interested in this content, we recommend that you take a look at our Places to Visit in Istanbul content.
What to Eat in Istanbul?
Mantı
Tiny hand‑made dumplings served with garlicky yogurt, melted butter, and sometimes sumac or dried mint. The size really matters! Legend says that to impress with your mantı, they should be small enough to fit forty dumplings on a single spoon. (The lady who told me this never specified spoon size—use your imagination!)
Kebab
One of Turkish cuisine’s best‑known exports! Having only tried the late‑night versions in the U.K., I never thought I was a kebab fan—until I tasted the real deal in Turkey: flavorful and satisfying. Kebab is essentially fire‑roasted meat, and there are many varieties such as döner, cağ kebab, iskender, and şiş kebab.
Balık Ekmek
Grilled fish sandwiches—fresh, simple, affordable, and incredibly tasty. One of Istanbul’s best street foods!
Turkish Breakfast
My top travel tip for Istanbul: skip the hotel buffet and enjoy a local café’s Turkish breakfast. Tables loaded with cheeses, olives, jams, eggs, sauces, and more await you—and just when you think you’re full, more dishes arrive! An absolute feast you must experience.
Simit
Sesame‑covered circular breads. They look like bagels but taste more like a crispy roll. Available everywhere from street carts to breakfast spreads.
Lokum
I never knew Turkish delight could be this good until I tried it in Turkey. The hazelnut‑filled, mildly sweet varieties are especially worth tasting!
Baklava
A heavenly Ottoman pastry made of layers of filo dough, usually with pistachios, sweetened with honey or syrup. Happiness in every bite.
Turkish Tea
Turkey consumes the most tea per person in the world, a fact that’s clear as you walk Istanbul’s streets. It’s served piping hot in small tulip‑shaped glasses, usually with a spoonful of sugar.
Don’t leave Istanbul without trying these unforgettable flavors! 😊
KEBABS
The city boasts countless places where you can find great kebabs. Here are my top picks:
Şehzade Cağ Kebap
A modest kebab shop on a market corner with very limited indoor seating, so most customers sit at tables spilling into the bustling street. The menu is simple: you can get two cağ kebabs, three salads, and a yogurt sauce. Super affordable and incredibly delicious. Thin slices of marinated lamb are grilled horizontally and served on wooden‑handled metal skewers with flatbread. As simple—and as amazing—as it gets. If you can try only one kebab in Istanbul, choose this place! GET DIRECTIONS
Osman Kebap
Known for its juicy wood‑fired döner kebabs. I adored the döner, while my husband seriously rated their mixed grill. Clearly a local favorite, it’s often crowded, but don’t worry—they quickly add extra tables outside when it’s full.
Hamdi
Probably the best of the bunch. Located on the sixth floor overlooking Eminönü Square and the Golden Horn. Reserve ahead for a balcony table with a view. Don’t miss the pistachio kebab; unique and incredibly tasty. GET DIRECTIONS
Kebab lovers shouldn’t miss these spots in Istanbul! 😊
BREAKFAST
We’ve listed some of the iconic spots for breakfast in Istanbul. Each offers a unique atmosphere and flavors you simply must try!
Privato Cafe
Located in Galata and featured on nearly every Istanbul food list, this café definitely deserves its fame. The jams, eggs, cheeses, and other breakfast delights are truly spectacular! Our tip: order just one breakfast plate for two people. Don’t take this lightly—the portions are huge. Just when you think you’ve finished, a second tray of goodies appears. The café’s ambience is an enchanting blend of hipster style and authentic retro touches. In summer, grab an outdoor table! GET DIRECTIONS
The House Cafe Ortaköy
One of several branches across Istanbul, but the Ortaköy location is the best in my opinion. Reserve ahead for a terrace seat with Bosphorus and Ortaköy Mosque views. Expect a lavish Turkish breakfast in a modern, stylish setting.
Şirin Bakery
If you’re craving something simpler after indulging in Istanbul’s rich restaurants for a few days, this bakery is perfect. Don’t leave without trying the cheese börek! Prices are very reasonable, and everything is homemade. Just steps from Galata Tower. If you have a sweet tooth, treat yourself to their pastries served all day. GET DIRECTIONS
Galata Simitçisi
A classic that has been baking fresh simit in the same spot for over 30 years. Very simple yet so tasty—perfect for a plain but filling breakfast in Istanbul.
If you want to fully experience Istanbul’s breakfast culture, be sure to visit these cafés! 😊
TRADITIONAL DISHES
Istanbul will take you on a culinary journey with its traditional flavors. Here are the city’s standout spots for classic dishes:
Sayla Mantı
A small, humble buffet‑style place on the Asian side serving truly tiny, delicious dumplings. They’re so small I wondered if mice rolled them! The menu is straightforward: two kinds of mantı—meat or cheese. They also have flat pastries. If you want an authentic mantı experience in a friendly setting, stop here. GET DIRECTIONS
Akın Balık
A charming fish and seafood restaurant that has grown in popularity, located right by the water offering a shady lunch spot. At night, fairy lights create a romantic vibe. Many visitors choose seafood restaurants on the Galata Bridge, but here you can enjoy great quality for a better price. Highly recommended for tasty seafood. GET DIRECTIONS
Galata Bridge Fish Stalls
One of the first places that comes to mind for balık ekmek. Look for the stalls with long queues for the freshest grilled fish. An iconic spot to experience street food in Istanbul.
Çiya Sofrası
Located in Kadıköy’s market area and popular for years. The menu changes daily, but excellent flavors are always guaranteed. The sister restaurants across the street serve some of the best kebabs on the Asian side. If you’re after a different and unique taste experience in Istanbul, Çiya Sofrası is perfect. GET DIRECTIONS
Be sure to visit these spots to discover Istanbul’s traditional flavors! 😊
CONTEMPORARY DISHES
Betro Burger
Moist, hearty burgers served between thin, warm pitas. Every burger order comes with a chocolate‑filled calzone for dessert. If you’re after a different burger experience, definitely try it. GET DIRECTIONS
Aheste
A great option for a special occasion or romantic dinner. The £30 meze tasting menu is excellent value given the quality, and the “build your own menu” portions are generous. The creative calamari was my husband’s favorite, while I loved the sea bass ceviche with yuzu. Outstanding food and service. GET DIRECTIONS
SWEET TREATS
Hafız Mustafa
This historic patisserie, serving since 1864, is a must‑visit for sweet lovers in Istanbul. After your morning tour, try a mixed plate of Turkish delight with a glass of tea. For baklava, I’d go elsewhere—it’s not bad here, but the city has better. With branches all over Istanbul, it’s also a great place to pick up souvenirs for loved ones. GET DIRECTIONS
Karaköy Güllüoğlu
Anthony Bourdain called this the “best baklava in Istanbul“, and it doesn’t disappoint. There’s a huge variety, even gluten‑free options. Ideal for enjoying sweets with tea while watching the city buzz. They even offer same‑day delivery in Istanbul, so you don’t have to miss out when you’re too tired to go out. GET DIRECTIONS
DRINKS
Tea is indispensable in Turkish cuisine, but Turkish coffee is one of Turkey’s most famous drinks. You’ll see people sipping this dark, slightly bitter coffee from small cups everywhere in Istanbul.
Rakı is Turkey’s best‑known local alcoholic drink. This anise‑flavored spirit turns milky when water is added and is quite strong at around 45% alcohol. You’ll find it often on Istanbul’s bar scene.
Leb‑i Derya
This rooftop bar, up a steep street in Beyoğlu, is famed for its stunning Bosphorus views. The menu is wine‑focused and on the pricier side. GET DIRECTIONS
Limonlu Bahçe
A shaded courtyard surrounded by lemon trees, famous for its cocktails. Very popular with young Istanbulites in the evenings. GET DIRECTIONS
Kurukahveci Mehmet Efendi Mahdumları
This historic roastery is packed with people eager to buy some of Istanbul’s most beloved Turkish coffee. It’s not a café, but you can take home your own blend from here. GET DIRECTIONS
Fazıl Bey’s Turkish Coffee
A small, charming spot known for its warm atmosphere and friendly service. GET DIRECTIONS
Coffee Sapiens
Located in Galata, this spot roasts carefully selected beans from around the world using various brewing methods. A paradise for coffee lovers! GET DIRECTIONS
I hope this guide has whetted your appetite and convinced you to visit this amazing city. A comprehensive guide with many more unique spots in Istanbul is coming soon! 😊
