Istanbul is a city of contrasts – it’s a modern metropolis with an ancient feel. After spending hours admiring the splendid architecture and colourful bazaars, you’ll probably want something tasty to eat. Our locals have put together a list of 10 authentic restaurants that will most definitely appease your appetite.
1. Savour a juicy kebab at Güler Ocakbaşı Harbiye
This cosy grill restaurant has been run by the same family since it opened in 1981. Most of the meat comes directly from their family farm, and locals say that absolutely everything on the menu tastes amazing. Special tip: They’re famous for their fıstıklı kebap (kebab with pistachios).
Photo credit: Senem Tongar
2. Get a taste of local history at Asitane Restaurant
Asitane serves delicious Ottoman cuisine. They use original recipes and cooking methods so guests can taste truly authentic dishes that locals were enjoying 500 years ago. Understandably, a few of the recipes have been slightly altered as some ingredients are no longer available. According to our Istanbul local Senem, you’ll learn a lot about Ottoman culture and feel as if you’ve stepped back in time.
Photo credit: np&djjewell
3. Enjoy a long Turkish breakfast at Kale Cafe
Kale Cafe is an especially good choice for a long and delicious Sunday morning meal. Overlooking the Bosphorus, it offers amazing views and lovely Turkish breakfasts. Locals never leave this place with an empty stomach or a grumpy face.
Photo credit: Kale cafe
4. Try traditional Turkish dumplings at Mantıcı
Mantıcı specialises in mantı, one of Turkey’s most famous dishes. They’re basically meat dumplings served with butter, tomato paste and garlic yogurt. This restaurant is relatively small (there are only 10 tables), but you’ll get your food fast as the dumplings take just three minutes to cook.
5. Discover old Ottoman cuisine at Cibalikapı Balıkçısı
Cibalikapı Balıkçısı is a fish restaurant serving old Ottoman dishes with a modern twist. Although it’s one of the pricier options, the food here is simply amazing and definitely worth the extra euros. Note that it’s not a very big place so you might have trouble getting a table without a reservation. If you plan on coming here on a Friday or Saturday night, remember to book a table in advance.
Photo credit: John Picken Photography
6. If you’re at the railway station, stop by Haydarpaşa Gar Lokantası
This famous railway station restaurant has been operating for, wait for it, 110 years! They serve Greek and Turkish dishes as well as raki (anise-flavoured liqueur). Our Istanbul local Hakan suggests you take a ferry to this restaurant in the evening and, instead of ordering a main course, order four or five different mezes together with some raki.
Photo credit: Mythos
7. Unleash your inner gourmand at Varka Antakya Lezzetleri
If you fancy trying a range of different Turkish dishes, Varka is the place for you. Here you can enjoy delicious food from the Antakya province in southern Turkey. It’s perfectly located at the end of a dead-end street away from the noise and crowds of Istiklal Avenue. The waitstaff are very friendly and always smiling, and their English is good so you can leave your Turkish dictionary at home.
Photo credit: Varka Antakya Lezzetleri
8. Sample Circassian cuisine at Fıccın
The menu at Fıccın includes typical Turkish dishes as well as Circassian specialties. Locals love this place because they offer a Circassian version of mantı (Turkish dumplings), which are stuffed with meat or potatoes.
Photo credit: tannaz
9. Skip the kebab and try something new at Hayvore
If you’ve had your fill of kebabs and would like to try something different, head directly to Hayvore. They offer very typical and delicious dishes commonly found in the Black Sea region such as karalahana corbasi (kale soup), hamsi pilavi (rice with anchovies), cayeli fasulyesi (a bean dish from the Çayeli region), misir ekmegi (cornbread) and karadeniz pidesi (stuffed pita). The prices are very reasonable.
Photo credit: Senem Tongar
10. Enjoy vegetarian specialities at Zencefil
Zencefil is one of the oldest and healthiest vegetarian restaurants in Istanbul. They use their own recipes, mixing together the best parts of eastern and western cuisines. They also bake their own bread and use seasonal herbs and vegetables.
Photo credit: Senem Tongar
Opening photo credit: neverbutterfly