15 of the best restaurants in Istanbul

Brian Corvers

Brian has been part of the Le Petit Chef team since day 1. As Vice President Marketing, he always initiates new projects to further develop and enrich the show.

Last Update: February 26th, 2026

Last year, 20 million foreign visitors flocked to Turkey’s largest city. Istanbul boasts its own UNESCO World Heritage sites, is responsible for thirty percent of the country’s economy, and is known for having some of the world’s best street food. Simit, lahmacun, and döner kebab can be found on every corner, making the city a foodie paradise. We lead the way to the best and coolest places to eat in Istanbul.

Tip #1: Olden 1772

If there is a restaurant in Istanbul that guarantees a perfect first impression solely by walking into the special historic building, Olden 1772 won’t disappoint.

Housed in a structure dating back to 1772, you will find not only a stunning location but also an experience paired with great service and a fantastic choice of food.

The menu was designed around a modern interpretation of Anatolian and Istanbul cuisine, including dishes like beef cheeks, roasted monkfish, lamb shank, or the chef’s interpretation of a traditional yet contemporary duck.

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Tip #2: Bayramoğlu Döner

The reason Bayramoğlu is always crowded — although it’s a spacious restaurant — is easy to explain. Locals and tourists agree: Bayramoğlu has the best döner kebab in Istanbul.

The service is fast, and the prices are affordable. It’s worth the trip away from the tourist center. Lamb or beef is cooked vertically over a charcoal grill by some of the best Turkish döner chefs.

Baklava and Turkish tea are served to satisfy any sweet tooth after the meal. This is definitely one of the best restaurants in Istanbul.

Tip #3: Yeni Lokanta

A reservation is necessary when visiting Yeni Lokanta. Local produce, fresh vegetables, and Turkish wine — the flavors of Turkey are brought to life by Chef Civan Er.

This Michelin-guide restaurant is nestled in a side street off Istiklal Avenue and gives traditional dishes a modern twist.

Everything is prepared in a wood-fired oven and is available either à la carte or in the form of a chef’s tasting menu. The seasonal menu changes frequently.

Tip #4: Borsam Taşfırın

Lahmacun is the Turkish answer to Italian pizza. When you ask folks in Istanbul where to get the best lahmacun, they send you to their favorite spot: Borsam Taşfırın. There are three different locations across Istanbul.

This very casual counter-service restaurant is perfect for a quick bite. The thin, crispy crust comes straight out of the wood-fired oven and is loaded with savory meat and vegetables. It is best sprinkled with sumac and drizzled with fresh lemon.

Tip #5: Seraf Vadi

Not far from the Vadistanbul Shopping Mall, Seraf Vadi serves exquisite Anatolian dishes. Cooked in the most authentic way, the restaurant focuses on making meals from scratch using the same traditional methods as their grandparents did.

The meat is ground with an old-fashioned grinder, köfte is shaped by hand, and tea is brewed every 20 minutes so it doesn’t get stale. The owners travel all over Turkey to find the finest ingredients.

5 Reasons Why You Need to Visit Le Petit Chef

Continue reading to find out how Le Petit Chef will turn your next evening into an extraordinary experience you’ll be talking about for years to come.

Tip #6: Yanyalı Fehmi

The restaurant prides itself on serving Ottoman cuisine — the often forgotten Turkish cuisine. With 100 different varieties daily, high-quality ingredients, and Turkish music for your listening pleasure, that is the concept of Yanyalı.

Operated by the third generation of the family of founder Fehmi Sönmezler, the restaurant is famous for its Yanya Meatballs: specially cooked meatballs wrapped in thin slices of eggplant and baked with tomatoes.

Tip #7: Bi Nevi Deli

A creative plant-based kitchen with many raw and gluten-free options is what Bi Nevi Deli offers. Belkis Boyacigiller and Özge Şen are the founders of this whole-foods restaurant in the Etiler neighborhood.

The deli caters to breakfast, lunch, and dinner needs, sourcing local and organic ingredients. Cultured nut-based cheeses, yogurts, gluten-free crackers, and house-made cakes are on the menu. An open-buffet brunch is also available.

Tip #8: Petra Roasting Co.

In 2013, Petra Roasting Co. opened its doors in the Gayrettepe neighborhood. It became immediately beloved by locals and tourists alike for serving some of the best direct-trade coffee in Turkey.

Roasting their own beans is just part of it; Petra also imports the beans directly instead of buying them from other Turkish importers.

The coffee shop offers the beauty of perfectly brewed espresso from freshly roasted beans. Don’t forget the neat little food menu featuring stuffed croissants, delicious burgers, and sandwiches.

Tip #9: Üstün Palmie Pastanesi

If you ask for directions to Üstün Palmie Pastanesi, any local will know where to direct you. The pastry shop in the heart of Istanbul has been an institution since it first opened its doors in 1970.

Fine baked goods, traditional Turkish flavors, French pastries, and sweets from all over the world are showcased in the large display cases throughout the store. The bakery offers special pastries for every occasion, holiday, and season.

Tip #10: 360 Istanbul

An award-winning rooftop restaurant in the middle of Istanbul, 360 Istanbul offers a panoramic view of the city and a unforgettable culinary experience!

This is where food, ambiance, atmosphere, and entertainment converge. On weekends, the restaurant not only offers Turkish and international creations from the kitchen.

It also transforms into one of the trendiest clubs with DJs, dancers, and a lively atmosphere. To secure a perfect spot on the terrace, you should definitely reserve in advance!

Tip #11: Damla Dondurma Boza

The national newspaper Hürriyet declared Damla Dondurma as one of the top 10 ice cream shops in the country. Founders Ali and Fahri Tufan opened the doors of Damla Dondurma in 1989 in Merter and later relocated to Kurtuluş.

During the winter months, when ice cream is not as popular, the shop still draws a crowd. You can get boza (a fermented millet drink), salep (a hot milk drink with dried orchid powder), and tulumba (a small fried dough dessert) there.

Tip #12: Baylan Pastanesi

Baylan Pastanesi certainly cannot be forgotten on the list of the coolest and best places to eat in Istanbul.

This Istanbul gem is a nostalgic, French-style patisserie offering macarons, ice cream, desserts, cakes, and the popular paskalya çöreği (Turkish Easter bread).

The long-standing pastry shop opened in the early 1920s and features a beautiful outdoor seating area with a garden. It’s truly an institution in Istanbul.

Tip #13: 16 Roof

For stunning views accompanied by great vibes and delicious food and drinks, look no further than 16 Roof, located on top of the Swissôtel The Bosphorus.

The Ankara-born chef leading the restaurant has traveled through Europe and Asia to develop this contemporary Turkish menu with influences from his journeys.

Sharing seafood platters, dry-aged steaks, or the chef’s very own creation of Çökertme kebab are all worth savoring.

Tip #14: Susam Cafe

Every good food blog needs a tip for a cozy café, right? Susam Café is known for its diverse menu, fair prices, good service, and welcoming atmosphere.

Locals and tourists alike keep coming back here. The selection includes fresh salads, bowls, menemen, and simit, as well as vegetarian and vegan options. This way, everyone can find something that satisfies their breakfast cravings.

Tip #15: Neolokal

By combining traditional Turkish cuisine and modern techniques, Neolokal creates an absolutely stunning fine-dining concept.

Thanks to its innovative approach, it offers a unique culinary experience — from the amuse-bouche to the desserts. We especially recommend the baklava!

Neolokal has been awarded not only a Michelin star but also a Michelin Green star for sustainability.

Our selection of restaurants is based, among other things, on the editorial team’s individual preferences and on reviews on the internet. Please contact the respective provider directly for information on reservations and prices. The pictures come from the restaurants listed. All Information is provided without guarantee!