Where and What to Eat in İstanbul? Best 23 Dishes!

A real paradise for foodies, Istanbul has taken a place in the list of one of the favorite cities in the world. It sits at the forefront largely because of its rich and varied gastronomic offer. Turkish cuisine and culinary specialties are sure to make you hungry! Impossible to spend a few days in the city without constantly eating in Istanbul but it is definitely worth it, because tasting the typical dishes and the essential dishes of Istanbul leaves no one indifferent! We have compiled these delicious flavors and the places that best prepare and serve them for you. So, where and what to eat in Istanbul?

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Sultanahmet Köftesi (Sultanahmet Meatballs)

Sultanahmet meatball, which is among the traditional flavors of Turkish cuisine, is served with piyaz, and those who eat it can’t get enough of it. This flavor, enjoyed by people of all age groups, is named after Sultanahmet, one of the regions of the Historic Peninsula. The place that is famous for this delicacy is the Historical Sultanahmet Köftecisi, which has survived for four generations.

Tarihi Sultanahmet Köftecisi Address: Alemdar Mahallesi, Divan Yolu Caddesi, No:12 Istanbul, Turkey

Fish and Bread

If we are talking about Istanbul, it cannot be without mentioning Eminönü, which is one of the places for both shopping and sightseeing, both for local and foreign tourists. Talking about Eminönü, one cannot pass without mentioning the peddlers selling fish and bread and boats. As soon as you set foot here, the smell of fish welcomes you. A trip to Istanbul is not complete without eating fish with plenty of onions and greens, accompanied by the Bosphorus view. Of course, it is not possible to limit fish farming only to Eminönü. You have the chance to eat fish and bread all over Istanbul. However, if you are someone who likes shabby places, you should definitely visit Takabik Fish in Sarıyer. Eminonu hotels are among the best options to stay in Istanbul.

Takanik Balık Address: Köybaşı Caddesi, No: 155, Yeniköy Sarıyer, Istanbul

Islak Hamburger (Wet Burger)

The place of the hamburger is different from the place of the ıslak hamburger (hamburger with sauce). This food, which is smaller than normal hamburger buns and contains plenty of onions and garlic in its meatballs, is a flavor that has emerged in Istanbul and has become synonymous. One of the most popular instant snacks in Istanbul, ıslak hamburger is considered among the delicious tastes that people usually consume more than once. Although it has started to be made in many kiosks over time, the first place that comes to mind when talking about ıslak hamburger is Kızılkayalar in Taksim.

Kizilkayalar Taksim Address: Katip Mustafa Çelebi, Sıraselviler Caddesi. No:2/C, 34433 Beyoglu, Istanbul

Sarıyer Boregi at Famous Sariyer Borekcisi

During your Istanbul trip, you may want to taste Sarıyer Böreği, which is considered a historical flavor, on site. For this, of course, there is no better meal than breakfast. The regulars of the place cannot finish praising the abundance of the ingredients in the pastries and the crispiness of the phyllo dough.

Sariyer Borekcisi Address: Merkez Mahallesi Yeni Mahalle Caddesi No:28 Sarıyer, Istanbul

Su Boregi at Çengelköy Borekcisi

A different alternative to the pleasure of pastry for breakfast is from Çengelköy. This place makes it necessary from time to time to wait in long lines to get pastries; It is loved by Istanbulites. You can enjoy your pleasure in the tea garden located right next to the pastry shop.

Çengelköy Borekcisi Address: Çengelköy Mahallesi, Çengelköy Caddesi, Çınarlı Cami Sokak No:26, Üsküdar, İstanbul

Kanlıca Yogurt at Kanlıca İsmailaga Cafe

Kanlıca district located in Beykoz district of Istanbul; For many years, as everyone knows, it is famous for its yoghurt. Here, yogurt is served with powdered sugar, giving energy to those who eat it. There are many historical places in the district that serve yoghurt. Among them, İsmailağa Cafe, right across the Kanlıca Pier, can be preferred.

Kanlıca İsmailaga Address: Kanlıca Mahallesi Halide Edip Adıvar Street Kanlıca İskele Meydani No:2 34810 Beykoz, Istanbul

Kumpir

Kumpir; It is obtained by combining boiled roasted potatoes, butter and cheddar cheese. Stuffed potato aka kumpir, which takes its place among the street delicacies of Istanbul, is sprinkled with great difficulty by the masters; American salad, pickles, corn, boiled side dish, purple cabbage and many more will satisfy both the eyes and the stomach. To taste this delicious street flavor, do not pass by Beşiktaş without stopping by. To get your fill of the baked goods, you can choose Ortaköy kumpir restaurants, which form a chain in Beşiktaş. Those who want to eat kumpir and take a short walk in Moda can also visit Allpato Kumpir in Kadıköy.

Allpato Kumpir Address: Caferağa, Muvakkithane Caddesi, 15/B, 34710 Kadıköy, Istanbul

Çay & Simit (Tea & Bagels)

Çay and simit mean a lot to those living in Istanbul. You see, it is the inseparable duo of the morning breakfast, and it can be preferred to suppress hunger during the day. Tea and bagels often accompany the passengers on the ferry trips between the two sides. Even seagulls get their share of bagels. But the taste of the crispy bagel eaten with tea against the throat leaves a different taste on the palate. Çengelköy Historical Çınaraltı, which has also hosted various TV series, is among the first places that come to mind when it comes to tea and bagels. This place welcomes hundreds of people with hot tea and fresh bagels during the day.

Çengelköy Historical Çınaraltı Address: Çengelköy Mah. Çengelköy Cad, Çınarlı Cami Sk. No:4, 34680 Uskudar/Istanbul

Midye Dolma (Stuffed Mussels)

Stuffed mussels, one of Istanbul’s most popular street delicacies, are sold by peddlers in many parts of the city. It is possible to see the stuffed stomach vendors at any time of the day. Although it is known as a street food, some places are also famous for their delicious stuffed mussels. Çiçek Pasajı and Mercan Kokoreç are among the frequent destinations of stuffed mussel lovers. Istanbul is one of the right addresses for those who want to experience the delicious harmony of stuffed and lemon.

Çiçek Pasajı Address: Hüseyinağa Mh., İstiklal Caddesi Saitpaşa Pass 176/6, 34435 Beyoğlu, Istanbul

Mercan Kokorec Address: Caferağa, Muvakkithane Cd. 15/A, 34710 Kadikoy Istanbul

Döner Kebab

One of the dishes unique to Turkish cuisine is doner, or doner kebab. It consists of the combination of pieces of meat blended with internal fat and spices. Doner kebab, which has two types as meat or chicken, is as popular as its taste. In many places in Istanbul, doner kebabs are meticulously prepared by skilled chefs. Bayramoğlu Döner in Kavacık and Tatar Salim Döner Restaurant in Ataşehir are among the places where you can catch this delicious taste.

Bayramoglu Doner Address: Rüzgarlıbahçe, Cumhuriyet Cd. No:2, 34805 Beykoz, Istanbul

Tatar Salim Doner Restaurant Address: Atilla İlhan Cd. Efe Sk. No:2/1 Kucukbakkalkoy, Atasehir, Istanbul

İçli Köfte (Stuffed Meatballs)

İçli köfte, the taste of which dates back to the 1700s; It is among the flavors that we cannot get enough of with its appearance and the feeling it leaves on the palate. Meatballs, which are formed by combining bulgur, minced meat and various spices, become even more delicious when the stuffing is added. Some prefer to eat it by frying, while others prefer to boil it. In addition, you can choose Sabırtaşı Restaurant in Istanbul Beyoğlu and Haskral Hatay Sofrası in Fatih to taste the stuffed meatballs, where you can catch a wonderful aroma when you add a little cinnamon to the stuffing.

Sabirtasi Restaurant Address: Asmalı Mescit, Istiklal Caddesi No: 112, 34430 Beyoğlu, Istanbul

Haskral Hatay Address: Iskenderpasa, Iskender Pasa Mahallesi Sofular Caddesi &, Ragip Bey Sokak. 25-27/A, 34091 Fatih, Istanbul

Baklava

King of the dessert Baklava, which is among Gaziantep’s famous desserts with syrup, is also among the first tastes that come to mind in Turkish cuisine. Baklava, which is prepared with many different flavors from hazelnut to walnut, from almond to pistachio, is a delicious taste dating back to the Ottoman Period. This dessert, which continues its popularity today, is also sold by many dessert shops almost all over Istanbul. Karaköy Güllüoğlu, which is among the most famous places for baklava in Istanbul, is also among the most preferred dessert shops of the city.

Karakoy Gulluoglu Address: Rıhtım Cad. Katlı Otopark Altı No:3-4 34425 Karakoy- Istanbul

Adana Kebab

As the name suggests, Adana kebab, which is among the most well-known tastes of Adana, is also among the indispensable tastes of Turkish cuisine. This kebab, which is made with only male mutton, is prepared with pieces of meat minced with armor. During its preparation, chili pepper and lard are definitely used. Adana kebab is accompanied by onion salad with sumac. In Istanbul, the best Adana kebab is eaten at Hasan Usta Kebap and Kebapçı Çetin Usta.

Hasan Usta Kebab Address: Koşuyolu Mahallesi, Dr. Eyup Aksoy Street, No:29 Kadikoy, Istanbul

Kebapci Cetin Usta Address: Merkez Güngören Caddesi, Ikbal Sk. No:14/A, 34164 Gungoren, Istanbul

Lahmacun

Undoubtedly, Lahmacun, one of the national tastes of Turkish cuisine, is enjoyed by the majority. When you have ayran with it, then a great feast of taste is formed. Enchanting the palate with plenty of minced meat, various spices, salad and lemon sauce, lahmacun is mostly cooked on wood fire in kebab restaurants. Those who say “never without lahmacun” can prefer Borsam Taşfırın in Kadıköy, Öz Kilis Lahmacun and Kebab Saloon in Fatih, and Satırdan Lahmacun in Ümraniye.

Borsam Tasfirin Bahariye Address: Osmanağa, Serasker Caddesi No:78, 34714 Kadıköy, Istanbul

Oz Kilis Kebab ve Lahmacun Salonu Address: Akşemseddin Mah, Bedrettin Simavi Sokak 5/A, 34080 Fatih, Istanbul

Satırdan Lahmacun Address: Tepeüstü, Poyraz Cd. No:6, 34771 Dudullu OSB/Umraniye, Istanbul

Pide (Pita)

Especially in the Black Sea cuisine, pita, which has a wide variety of varieties, turns into another flavor with the combination of stuffing and spices. Fascinating eyes and stomachs with its presentation and taste, the pita is made with vegetables and vegan varieties as the healthy eating trend has increased recently. If you like a pita, you should definitely choose Ekmek Teknesi in Kuzguncuk. Ekmek Teknesi; It is popular with its meat, cheddar and cubed options, as well as roasted eggplant and roasted pita.

Ekmek Teknesi Address: Kuzguncuk, İcadiye Cd. No:17, 34674 Uskudar, Istanbul

Mantı (Ravioli)

One of the delicacies that you can’t get enough of even if you eat plated is mantı with ground meat, which is famous for the city of Kayseri; It is a favorite dish of Turkish cuisine with its yoghurt with or without garlic, tomato or hot sauce. If you want to experience a great ravioli in Istanbul, you can choose Aşkana Mantı or Yeni Lokanta.

Yeni Lokanta Address: Tomtom, Kumbaracı Yokusu No:66, 34433 Beyoğlu, Istanbul

Aşkana Mantı Address: Ahmet Adnan Saygun Caddesi, Metehan Sokak, Turkel Apt. No:1/1 2nd Ulus, Etiler, Istanbul

Profiterole

Profiterole, which is prepared by filling the small round dough with special cream and covering it with chocolate sauce, is among the tastes that people from all age groups enjoy. It is known that İnci Patisserie was the first place to bring this delicious dessert to Turkey. Therefore, you should try the profiteroles at İnci Pastanesi, located in Beyoğlu district of Istanbul. The profiteroles of İnci Profiterole are so famous that there are travelers who come to Istanbul from nearby cities for a day, just for those who want to try this delicacy and discover Beyoğlu while they are there. If you want to taste this unique flavor on the spot and you are close to the city, you should definitely visit here.

İnci Patisserie Address: Mis Sokak No: 18 Beyoğlu, Istanbul

Hunkarbegendi

Hünkarbegendi, one of the leading flavors of Ottoman cuisine, is prepared by mashing smoked eggplant. It is also served by mixing eggplant puree with milk, butter and roasted flour and adding lamb meat to it. Along with Hünkarbegendi, rice pilaf or bulgur pilaf is also served. In Istanbul, Hünkar Lokantası is among the doyens of this flavor.

Hunkar Restaurant Address: Harbiye, Mim Kemal Öke Caddesi, No:21, 34271 Sisli, Istanbul

Serpme Kahvaltı (Breakfast)

Perhaps one of the best activities that can be done as a family is to cheer up the breakfast table. For those who have to skip breakfast from working on weekdays, Sunday breakfast becomes even more meaningful. It can be a good option to choose Kızkulesi (Maiden’s Tower). You have the opportunity to have a nice breakfast against the view at the Maiden’s Tower, where you will pass by small boats from the seaside. You can also go to the Natural Shop in Beykoz, where you will feel the touches of the Black Sea cuisine.

Maiden’s Tower Address: Salacak sahili, Üsküdar, Istanbul

Salep

One of the memorable drinks of winter days, like Boza, is Salep… Salep, in which milk is used in its production, creates a different atmosphere with its aromatic smell and fascinates with its taste in winter evenings. It gets the beauty of its fragrance from the powder used in its production and obtained from the orchid tuber. You can experience the salep that will enchant you with its smell and warm you up in winter evenings at Yeniköy Kahvesi in Sarıyer, Istanbul.

Yenikoy Kahvesi Address: Yeniköy, Kürkçü Faik Sk. No:4, 34464 Sariyer/Istanbul

İzmir Kumru 

You did not know that the kumru of Izmir Cesme has come to your feet in Istanbul Üsküdar! Kumru, which ranks first among the most beautiful street flavors of Turkish cuisine, will give your palate a festive atmosphere with its abundant ingredients and melted cheddar cheese. According to preference, sausage and salami can be added to the kumru.

Kumrucu Zeki Usta Address: Nuhkuyusu Caddesi, across from Academic Hospital, no: 207 Üsküdar Bağlarbaşı, Istanbul

Fish Soup 

Sariyer, which is among the stops of Gourmet Fest, which has just started to make its name among Istanbul festivals, also has beautiful seafood. The fish soup you will drink at Sandal Fish can be followed by specialties such as fish bagel or fish kokoreç.

Sandal Balik Address: Yeniköy Mahallesi Köybaşı Caddesi No:178 Sarıyer, Istanbul

Calamari 

Palukçu, which enchants those who love shabby places, resembles a fishing boat with its interior decoration; It is a place that gets full marks from everyone with its seafood. You can find fish such as haddock, anchovy and horse mackerel in the best form here, depending on the season. Crispy served calamari; It is one of the most exciting flavors for visitors.

Palukçu Balık Lokantasi Address: Şehremini Mahallesi, Büyük Saray Meydan Caddesi, No:13, Fatih, Istanbul