Restaurants in Istanbul
With Europe on one side and Asia on the other, it’s no wonder the cuisine in Istanbul is an eclectic mix of flavours from both continents and expats who relocate here will love this combination and the fusion food that has evolved from the city’s location.The tourist area of Sultanahmet features the largest selection of restaurants while traditional Turkish fare, with flavours such as cinnamon and saffron, can be found in the restaurants around Edirnekapi and Ortaköy. A tip of between 10 and 15% is customary in most restaurants, while some restaurants may include the service charge in the bill, so expats should make sure to check their bill thoroughly.
There is no shortage of restaurants and cafes in Istanbul, serving all types of food. It would be impossible to list a comprehensive selection here, however some of the famous ones are:
There is no shortage of restaurants and cafes in Istanbul, serving all types of food. It would be impossible to list a comprehensive selection here, however some of the famous ones are:
Cezayir
Traditonal Turkish fare with an international influence served in a relaxed and colourful atmosphere.
Tel: (212) 245 9980
360 Istanbul
Situated on a rooftop terrace, this aptly named restaurant serves delicious fusion food with Turkish, Mediterranean and Oriental flavours prevailing.
Tel: (212) 251 1042
Taksimoda Café
A New York-style café with breathtaking view over the Taksim Square serving a great variety of cuisine.
Tel:(212) 334 8500
Asitane
Set in a 19th century mansion and serving mouth-watering authentic Ottoman cuisine, Asitane look out over the Golden Horn.
Tel: (212) 534 8414
The House Café (Ortaköy)
Trendy seaside eatery serving a delicious selection of café food.
Tel: (212) 227 2699
Çintemani Restaurant
Located in the Ritz Carlton hotel, this laid back eatery serves delicious international cuisine with particular attention to Mediterranean and Asian flavours.
Tel: (212) 334 4444
Feriye Lokantasi
Multi-purpose restaurant serving seasonal cuisine which is great on summer evenings on the outdoor terrace.
Tel: (212) 227 2216
Mikla
Offering breathtaking views of the old town, Mikla serves gourmet Mediterranean cuisine from the top two floors of the Marmara Pera Hotel.
Tel: (212) 293 5656
Traditonal Turkish fare with an international influence served in a relaxed and colourful atmosphere.
Tel: (212) 245 9980
360 Istanbul
Situated on a rooftop terrace, this aptly named restaurant serves delicious fusion food with Turkish, Mediterranean and Oriental flavours prevailing.
Tel: (212) 251 1042
Taksimoda Café
A New York-style café with breathtaking view over the Taksim Square serving a great variety of cuisine.
Tel:(212) 334 8500
Asitane
Set in a 19th century mansion and serving mouth-watering authentic Ottoman cuisine, Asitane look out over the Golden Horn.
Tel: (212) 534 8414
The House Café (Ortaköy)
Trendy seaside eatery serving a delicious selection of café food.
Tel: (212) 227 2699
Çintemani Restaurant
Located in the Ritz Carlton hotel, this laid back eatery serves delicious international cuisine with particular attention to Mediterranean and Asian flavours.
Tel: (212) 334 4444
Feriye Lokantasi
Multi-purpose restaurant serving seasonal cuisine which is great on summer evenings on the outdoor terrace.
Tel: (212) 227 2216
Mikla
Offering breathtaking views of the old town, Mikla serves gourmet Mediterranean cuisine from the top two floors of the Marmara Pera Hotel.
Tel: (212) 293 5656
Saf
Perfect for a light meal, Saf serves organic food in a relaxed atmosphere at the Hayal Kahvesi in Club Sporium Akatlar.
Some other tips from our expat Expert:
- Sunset – fabulous location over the Bosphorous. Serves Western, Turkish and Oriental food
- Ulus 29 – close to Sunset, similar views and similar food.
- Beyti – fairly far out, beyond the airport, but a must visit for Turkish food. This restaurant serves some of the best grilled meat in Istanbul
- Changa – this is located in the Sabanci Museum on the Bosphorous and rounds off a visit to the museum prerfectly. The museum, incidentally was originally a house belonging to an industrial family of Turkey. They have donated it to the State and it houses an excellent collection of calligraphy as well as travelling exhibitions.
- Several options are available in the malls - a good Japanese Noodle House is Wagamama, found in Kanyon Mall, and Istinye Park Mall has a good Italian Restaurant called Mezzaluna, and a Mongolian Barbeque Restaurant called Gomongo. Akmerkez Mall has an excellent Italian Restaurant called Paper Moon but this is on the pricey side. Le Pain Quotidien is a French style café in several malls.
There are a number of Starbucks, Gloria Jean’s and other international coffee houses all over Istanbul. A must visit Starbucks is the one in Bebek. It is right on the Bosphorous and one can sit there for ages drinking in the beautiful view, all for the price of a cup of Starbucks coffee!
One more unique spot in Istanbul is Ortakoy Square. The beautiful Ortakoy Mosque is in this square as are stalls selling knick knacks, and a whole gamut of restaurants from mid priced cafes to street stalls selling typical Turkish fare (try Kumpir – a baked potato with your choice of toppings). Ortakoy square is right on the Bosphorous and is a fun and lively place to visit.
Most restaurants do not add a service charge to their bill, so a tip of 10-15% is appreciated.
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