From Turkish and Arabic to Italian and Indian, most world cuisines can be found in Istanbul. The most famous Turkish snack is “simit”. It’s a bagel-shaped bread covered in sesame seeds typically eaten with a salted yoghurt drink ca…Open the full description
From Turkish and Arabic to Italian and Indian, most world cuisines can be found in Istanbul.
The most famous Turkish snack is “simit”. It’s a bagel-shaped bread covered in sesame seeds typically eaten with a salted yoghurt drink called “ayran”. The most widely known Turkish foods are “döner” (meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie), “lahmacun” (Turkish pizza) and “kebap” (grilled meat).
Pierre Loti Hill
Restaurants
34
7

Besides the café, Pierre Loti Hill has several restaurants, a cemetery and many historical buildings. You can either walk up the hill or take a cable car.
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Virginia Angus
Budget Meals
13
2
It's a tiny place and has a few tables. You should make reservation before you go.
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Local Experience
Turkish Paper Marbling (Ebru) Class in Istanbul
Prices from
72
EUR
Duration
2.5 h
Languages
English, Spanish, Italian, Russian, French, Japanese
Kanlıca Yoğurdu
Eating
22
6

Kanlıca yoghurt contains no additives and is good for the digestive system. The milk used to make it comes from cows and sheep that feed on natural fodder. You should definitely try it if you’re in the neighbourhood!
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KronotRop
Budget Meals
10
1

The variety of beans on offer is completely different to what you’ll find at Istanbul’s other coffee shops, and they’re all delicious. I suggest you buy a bag to take home and grab a takeaway cup while you’re there.
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Hafız Mustafa 1864 Sultanahmet
Budget Meals
13
3
Original taste with oldest Turkish family recipes. Fresh food with the best quality and nice prices. The staff is very helpful. Turkish coffee is terrific. Inside everything is made in a classic Turkish style.
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Vefa Bozacısı
Eating
33
10

This historical boza shop was established way back in 1876. The boza served here is thicker and tarter than traditional versions, and is now made by the great-great-grandchildren of the original owners.
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Local Experience
Turkish Paper Marbling (Ebru) Class in Istanbul
Prices from
72
EUR
Duration
2.5 h
Languages
English, Spanish, Italian, Russian, French, Japanese
Kuzguncuk
Budget Meals
12
1

For centuries, this quaint neighborhood was home to a mix of Jews, Greeks, Armenians and Turks, evidenced by the synagogues, churches and mosques that rise side by side in the traditional and beautiful Kuzguncuk
Kuzguncuk is located in the Üsküdar district at the base of the Bosporus Bridge.
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Kadıköy
Budget Meals
29
7

Visitors taste the best traditional Turkish food in every corner of Kadıköy. Also they can enjoy numerous bars, bookshops, cafes.
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Asri Turşucu
Budget Meals
13
2

This shop was originally established in the Fatih district of Istanbul in 1913. It moved to its current location in Beyoğlu’s Cihangir neighbourhood in 1938. It offers a wide variety of pickles including cabbage, cucumber, tomato, beetroot, bean, okra, carrot, pear and more.
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İnci Pastanesi
Eating
26
3

It’s a classic Beyoğlu stopover. Many people head to the area simply to stuff themselves with İnci Pastanesi’s famous profiteroles. Besides profiteroles, you’ll find a tempting selection of cakes, chocolates, cookies and sweet pastes, as well as homemade lemonade.
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Boğazkesen Simit Fırını
Budget Meals
8
0

Simit has become more popular in recent years with many café chains now offering it on their menus, but still many locals prefer to eat traditional versions cooked in a stone oven, like the ones available at Boğazkesen Simit Fırını.
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Kale Cafe
Budget Meals
9
2

These guys sure do know their stuff – they’ve been serving great breakfasts to Istanbulites since 1982. Stop by on a Sunday to fill your tummy with Turkish specialties and enjoy the pretty Bosphorus views.
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Kybele Café
Budget Meals
8
1

This place has a particularly cosy and nostalgic atmosphere. With walls covered in old etchings and prints, floors covered in vibrant Ottoman rugs, and countless coloured glass lamps hanging from the ceiling, you’ll feel less like a customer and more like a guest sitting in a Turkish family’s living room!
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Prinkipo Dondurma & Cafe
Budget Meals
7
2

Located just a few steps from Büyükada ferry terminal, Prinkipo welcomes you with its delicious homemade ice cream and fresh waffles topped with every possible fruit you can think of. The presentation is great.
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Melekler Dürüm Evi
Budget Meals
7
2

If you’re dying to dine in a restaurant where local people eat, Melekler Dürüm Evi is the right address. Have a chat with the sociable owner before diving into delectable kebap and “turşu” (pickled vegetables). Order a traditional Turkish drink such as “ayran” (cold salted yoghurt) or “şalgam” (fermented carrot juice) to go with your meal.
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