13 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.

20 million foreign visitors flooded the largest Turkish city last year. Istanbul has its own UNESCO World Heritage Site, is responsible for thirty percent of the country’s economy, and is known for the best Street Food. Simit, Lahmacun and Döner Kebab can be found on every corner, making Istanbul a foodie paradise. We lead the way to the 13 best and coolest places to eat.

Tip #1: Bayramoğlu Döner

Why Bayramoğlu is always crowded, although it’s a spacious restaurant, is easy to explain. Locals and tourists think alike, Bayramoğlu has the best Döner Kebab in Istanbul. The service is fast, and the prices are inexpensive. It’s worth the trip out from the touristic center.

Lamb or beef is cooked vertically over a charcoal grill by the best Turkish Döner chefs. Baklava and Turkish tea are served for the sweet tooth after the Döner meal. Definitely one of the best restaurants in Istanbul.

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Tip #2: Olden 1772

If there is a restaurant in Istanbul that guarantees the best first impression solely by walking into this special historic building, Olden 1772 won’t disappoint. Housed in this 1772 historical building you will find not only a stunning location, but all of it 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’s shank or Chef’s interpretation of a traditional yet contemporary duck.

Tip #3: Yeni Lokanta

A reservation is necessary when visiting Yeni Lokanta. Local produce, vegetables and Turkish wine – the flavors of Turkey brought on the plate by chef Civan Er. The Michelin guide restaurant is nestled in a side street off Istikal Avenue and gives traditional dishes a modern twist.

Everything is prepared in a wood-fired oven and 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 Lahmacun, they send you to their favorite Lahmacun restaurant: Borsam Taşfırın. There are three different locations across Istanbul.

The very casual counter restaurant is perfect for a quick bite. The thin, crispy crust comes straight out of the wood fired oven and is loaded with all kinds of meat and vegetables. Best sprinkled with sumac and drizzled with some fresh lemon.

Tip #5: Seraf Vadi

Not far from the Vadistanbul Shopping Mall, Seraf Vadi, serves beautiful Anatolian dishes. Cooked the most authentic way, the restaurant focuses on making meals from scratch, in traditional ways, like their grandparents did.

The meat is ground with an old-fashioned meat 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 best ingredients.

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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 is proud of serving Ottoman cuisine, the forgotten Turkish cuisine. 100 different varieties daily, highest quality ingredients and Turkish music for pleasure – that is the concept of Yanyali.

Operated by the third generation of founder Deceased Fehmei Sonmezler, the restaurant is famous for their Yanya Meatballs, specially cooked meatballs, wrapped in thin slices of eggplant and baked with tomatoes.

Tip #7: Bi Nevi Deli

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

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

Tip #8: Petra Roasting Co.

2013 Petra Roasting Co. opened the doors in the Gayrettepe neighborhood. Immediately beloved by locals and tourists alike, serving one of the best direct trade coffees in Turkey. Roasting their own beans is just part of it, Petra also imports the beans, instead of buying it from other Turkish Importers.

The coffee shop offers the beauty of perfectly brewed espresso from freshly roasted beans. Not to forget the neat little food menu with stuffed croissants, delicious burgers and sandwiches.

Tip #9: Üstün Palmie Pastanesi

Asking how to get to Üstün Palmie Pastanesi, locals know where to direct you. The pastry shop in the heart of Istanbul, has been an institution since 1970, when it first opened its doors.

Fine baked goods, traditional Turkish flavors, French pastries and sweets from all over the world, are showcased in the big window cases, all over the store. For every occasion, holiday and season, the bakery offers special pastries.

Tip #10: Mabou

Cem Ekşi is the German chef in the kitchen of Mabou. He learned his skills in the Black Forest in Germany, brought it to Istanbul. He mixes it with French cuisine, Turkish flavors and sometimes even let some Italian and Thai influence visit the kitchen.

Handmade pasta, desserts without glucose, freshly baked bread and seasonal products are always part of the menu at Mabou. There is an every two to three months changing Tasting Menu available, vegan as well.

Tip #11: Damla Dondurma Boza

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

During the winter months, when ice cream is not as popular, the shop sells tea. You can get ‘Boza’, a fermented millet drink, ‘Salep’, a hot milk drink with dried orchid powder and ‘Tulumba’, a little fried dough dessert there.

Tip #12: Baylan Pastanesi

Most certainly, Baylan Pastanesi can’t be forgotten on the list of the coolest and best places to eat in Istanbul. The Istanbul gem is a nostalgic French style patisserie, offering Macaroons, ice cream, desserts, cakes and the popular Paskalya çöreği, the Turkish Easter Bread.

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

Tip #13: 16 Roof

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

The Ankara born chef leading the restaurant has travelled through Europe and Asia to develop this contemporary Turkish menu with influences from his journeys. Sharing seafood platters, dry aged steaks, or Chef’s very own creation of Çökertme kebab are all worth savoring.

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!