25 Can’t-Miss restaurants and cafes in Istanbul (Turkey) : Your Ultimate Guide
Welcome to Istanbul (Turkey) . Whether you’re a local or a visitor, we have a carefully curated list of 25 must-see restaurants and cafes that will inspire your sense of adventure. If you’re looking to experience Istanbul (Turkey) like a local, we’ve got you covered with 25 hidden restaurants and cafes gems waiting to be discovered. And for those who crave excitement, we’ve compiled 25 thrilling restaurants and cafes that will get your heart racing.
Information about Istanbul (Turkey)
Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey and the second largest city in the world in terms of population, and an economic, tourist and cultural capital located in the Marmara region in the northwest of the country. Historically known as Byzantium, Constantinople, Astana and Islambul. And Istanbul occupied the capital of a number of countries and empires throughout its long history, by virtue of its distinguished central geographical location, as it was the capital of the Roman Empire, the Byzantine Empire, the Latin Empire and the Ottoman Empire, and therefore during your wandering in it you will find many wonderful historical monuments left by those civilizations. This city is frequented by tourists from various Arab and international countries for its magnificence, as you will find everything you need to spend a beautiful time, there are resorts, there are amazing natural areas, there are shopping centers, many wonderful archaeological areas, and many amazing beaches.
A list of the best Restaurants and cafes in Istanbul
Get ready to explore the ultimate restaurants and cafes destinations in Istanbul (Turkey) with our carefully crafted list of top-rated spots. We’ve done the research for you, scouring the reviews of countless visitors to bring you the most unforgettable experiences. Let us be your guide.
1- Old Balat Cafe Kitchen
Old Balat Cafe Kitchen – The old Balat neighborhood kitchen and café has become the center of interest for local and foreign tourists. It is located in the famous historic Balat neighborhood, full of colorful and impressive houses, mosques, churches and temples. It features elegant interiors and an outdoor terrace dedicated to hookahs. Its menu includes a selection of delicious Turkish, Italian and Mexican cuisine. , including kebabs, pasta of all kinds, Mexican rolls, grilled fish and many more.
Place address: Balat, Vodina Cd. no 56, 34000 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey
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2- Zeugma Terrace restaurant
Zeugma Terrace restaurant – Zeugma Terrace Restaurant has many ingredients that encourage customers to visit it frequently, as it provides an outdoor terrace with a stunning view of the Blue Mosque, and enjoys an intimate and comfortable atmosphere, excellent service and competitive prices, in addition to that it offers a variety of European and oriental food and grilled dishes that comply with Halal standards. It is represented by kebabs, grilled fish, some types of pasta, steaks grilled to perfection, shish tawook and others.
Place address: Cankurtaran, zeugma terrace, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey
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3- Etis Balat
Etis Balat – What attracts local and foreign customers most to Etish Balat Restaurant are the delicious grill dishes prepared according to traditional Turkish recipes and using fresh and high-quality local products, including kebabs, kofta, grilled lamb skewers, charcoal grilled chicken, shawarma and many others, in addition to the variety of dishes. Oriental salads and appetizers that cater to all tastes.
Place address: Ayvansaray, Mahkeme Altı Cd. No:11/C, 34087 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey
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4- MyTERRACE CAFE & RESTAURANT
MyTERRACE CAFE & RESTAURANT – The most important feature of My Terrace Restaurant and Café is its outdoor balcony with a wonderful view and its decorations of an Arab character and oriental motifs with beautiful colors. It has a large team of skilled chefs and professional waiters who are keen to satisfy all customers, in addition to that it offers a menu that includes shish tawook and kebabs. Lilangi, grilled vegetables, Turkish puddings and other halal options served with side dishes and refreshing drinks for cheap prices.
Place address: No:9،Küçük Ayasofya Mh, Şht. Mehmet Paşa Sk., 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey
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5- Kasapoğlu Gurme
Kasapoğlu Gurme – Kasapoglu Gourmet Restaurant is the appropriate place for meat lovers of all kinds and types. It is not only a restaurant, but a butchery in which meat is prepared and cut in perfect ways, with excellent quality. The meat dishes here are halal and alcohol-free, and include many items such as sausages, chicken cutlets, lamb cutlets, meat balls and potatoes, as well as many appetizers and distinctive desserts.
Place address: Ağva Merkez, 34990 Şile/İstanbul, Turkey
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6- Cafe Amedros
Cafe Amedros – Located in the heart of Istanbul’s Sultanahmet district, Amedros Café is a place rich in culture and traditional atmosphere. The restaurant offers an extensive menu of food that includes a range of traditional Turkish, Anatolian and international dishes, all of which are locally sourced from the finest fresh ingredients. One of the most famous features of the restaurant here is the rich breakfasts, where pancakes, cheese and authentic Turkish tea.
Place address: Alemdar, Hoca Rüstem Sk. No:3, 34110 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey
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Looking for more : The best Vegetarian restaurants in Istanbul
7- Cafe Naftalin K
Cafe Naftalin K – Located in the ancient Greek district of Fener-Blat, the antique-style Naftalin K Café offers its customers the opportunity to have a great time sipping various types of aromatic Turkish coffee, freshly made homemade cakes and creative local dishes accompanied by the tunes of classical music emanating from an old turntable. A great place to have a delicious breakfast consisting of cheese, olives, jams, eggs, fresh pastries, etc. served with authentic Turkish tea.
Place address: Balat, Yıldırım Cd. No:27/A, 34087 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey
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8- Deraliye
Deraliye – The distinctive Dirali restaurant in Istanbul offers modern Turkish dishes that have been modified by adding modern ingredients from different international kitchens. Among the dishes it serves, there are meatballs and steak with famous local spices, shrimp and many others. The chef in the restaurant prepares dishes from the best types of ingredients with high professionalism. This restaurant is also distinguished by its elegant environment, which combines Ottoman and European styles.
Place address: Alemdar Ticarethane Sokak &, Alemdar, Divan Yolu Cd. No:10, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey
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9- Hafiz Mustafa Gumussuyu Mah
Hafiz Mustafa Gumussuyu Mah – pastry shop and café with a long history dating back to 1864 AD. It was opened by Ismail Hakçizadeh as a pastry shop, and it was his son Hafez who brought real glory to the place when he invented the famous pogace cake. This café is also world famous for its Turkish sweets, where you will taste the best desserts in town, such as irresistible baklava, tantalizing halva, and much more.
Place address: Gümüşsuyu, Hafiz Mustafa, Sıraselviler Cd. No:7/B, 34437 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Turkey
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10- Kofteci Yusuf Guzelyurt
Kofteci Yusuf Guzelyurt – Yusef Kaftaji Restaurant is one of the most famous and best restaurants in Istanbul that serves the most delicious traditional local dishes. Or pieces of shish tawook or whole pieces of grilled chicken, in addition to various types of sausages and hot dogs that are served grilled or fried. All these dishes are served alongside crispy potatoes and delicious salads with cold drinks. The restaurant also offers delicious dessert dishes after every meal.
Place address: Güzelyurt, Köfteci Yusuf, Kurtuluş Cd. No:1, 34515 Beylikdüzü/İstanbul, Turkey
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11- Angel Blue
Angel Blue – Angel Blue Restaurant is one of the most famous seafood restaurants in Istanbul. It offers a wide range of seafood and fresh fish prepared in any way you like. These include crabs, lobsters, prawns, calamari, octopus, sea bass, salmon, tuna, etc. It also offers a stunning view of the Bosphorus Strait. Attractive interior and exterior designs.
Place address: Emirgan Mah, Baltalimanı, Sakıp Sabancı Cd. 5 / 1, 34467 Sarıyer/İstanbul, Turkey
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12- Arada Cafe
Arada Cafe – Arada Café is a unique beautiful café with its details, decorations, and even its plants that hang from its balcony, and the flowers planted in its surroundings, making it a charming oasis that serves the best dishes and drinks in the morning and evening periods. Customers can get a traditional Turkish breakfast, of various items, at reasonable prices. It includes falafel, samosas, pastries, salads, and more, in addition to a range of fresh and refreshing juices.
Place address: Hacımimi, Lüleci Hendek Cd. 23a, 34425 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Turkey
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13- Tarihi Çınaraltı
Tarihi Çınaraltı – The historical Shineralti restaurant is distinguished by its sessions overlooking the Bosphorus Strait, which gives a wonderful touch to the place. You can go to it to sip a cup of Turkish tea or coffee and enjoy the picturesque landscapes and the movement of commercial and local ships in the strait. It also serves many delicious Turkish dishes and foods, so do not miss his visit accompanied by your family.
Place address: Çengelköy, Çınarlı Cami Sk. No: 4 A, 34680 Üsküdar/İstanbul, Turkey
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14- Papa John’s Pizza Nazmi Akbaci Is Merkezi
Papa John’s Pizza Nazmi Akbaci Is Merkezi – Jones Pizza is considered the best pizza in Istanbul, and its branches are spread throughout the city, due to its great reputation that no frozen meat or industrial ingredients and alternatives are used during the preparation of pizza. Moreover, low-fat mozzarella cheese and fresh fructose-free tomato sauce are used. Among the must-try options in the restaurant are chicken pizza, pepperoni pizza, and vegetable pizza. It is worth noting that fresh vegetables are sent to all branches of the chain more than once during one week.
Place address: Maslak, Papa John’s Pizza, Nazmi Akbacı İş Merkezi, Ahi Evran Cd. No:106 D:No:106, 34398 Şişli/İstanbul, Turkey
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15- Kahve Dunyasi Nuruosmaniye
Kahve Dunyasi Nuruosmaniye – The coffee world Norosomania is considered one of the places with a warm and calm atmosphere, as it is not usually very crowded, and the café serves the most delicious types of delicious coffee made from the finest coffee beans, and among the available options are cappuccino, latte, and espresso, in addition to a luxurious selection of Turkish sweets And western ones such as croissants, donuts, soufflés, puddings, and baklava, and you can also have a light breakfast in the place, such as an omelet, cheese pies, and some types of cold sandwiches.
Place address: Mollafenari, Kahve Dünyası – Nuruosmaniye, Ç. Nuruosmaniye Cd. No:79, 34120 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey
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16- Fish Point
Fish Point – Located just a 1-minute walk from Istanbul’s Galata Tower, Fish Point Restaurant features an elegant outdoor terrace overlooking the Bosphorus and its surrounding attractions. It serves a variety of fresh seafood and Turkish delicacies, including sea bass, lobster and prawns. octopus and many other delicious options.
Place address: Galata Köprüsü Altı D:EB1, 34420 Eminönü/İstanbul, Turkey
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17- Huseyinin Yeri
Huseyinin Yeri – Hussein Yeri Restaurant is one of the oldest restaurants in the Balat district of Istanbul. It features antique decorations in the style of traditional Turkish restaurants. It serves a variety of local dishes that include kebabs, kofta, sausage, Albanian liver and many other distinctive options. The restaurant also enjoys reasonable prices and excellent and fast service Friendly and professional staff.
Place address: Balat, Vodina Cd. No:121, 34087 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey
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18- Midpoint Fatih Sultan Mehmet
Midpoint Fatih Sultan Mehmet – When you visit Istanbul, Turkey, it is a must to visit Midpoint Fatih Sultan Mehmet Restaurant, which is part of a chain of famous Turkish restaurants in Turkey that serves delicious dishes and foods inspired by international, Mediterranean and European cuisines such as pizza and pasta in its various forms and sauces, burgers and meat and chicken dishes, In addition to refreshing hot and cold drinks.
Place address: Fatih Sultan Mehmet, Balkan Cd. No: 56, 34770 Ümraniye/İstanbul, Turkey
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19- Dudika Cafe Restaurant
Dudika Cafe Restaurant – Dodica Restaurant and Café has antique and elegant décor consisting of colorful and comfortable sofas, antiques and old drawings, in which you can enjoy a variety of delicious Turkish food, such as kebabs, shish tawook, shawarma, burgers and many more, in addition to a wide selection of cold and hot drinks and hookahs with various flavors.
Place address: Balat, Çiçekli Bostan Sk. 6 E, 34087 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey
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20- Kahve Dunyasi Ulus
Kahve Dunyasi Ulus – The best place to eat a delicious piece of dessert with a cup of Turkish coffee, in addition to many distinctive items as well, such as coffee with hazelnuts, latte with caramel, and as for sweets, you will find a wide variety in front of you that will be lost in front of them, including baklava in its various forms and types, cake with chocolate, strawberries, or cake It is covered with cream, in addition to a luxurious set of Turkish delights with various fillings and flavors. The place also offers you many Turkish breakfast items such as cheese pies and some other types of baked goods.
Place address: Ulus, Kahve Dünyası – Ulus, Ahmet Adnan Saygun Cd. Pelin Apt D:No: 19, 34340 Beşiktaş/İstanbul, Turkey
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21- Midpoint Ataköy
Midpoint Ataköy – Midpoint Atakoy Restaurant offers many good dishes and foods inspired by international, Mediterranean and European cuisines. In addition to its classic and elegant interior design at the same time, do not miss visiting it with your family and friends to enjoy delicious food and an unparalleled atmosphere.
Place address: Ataköy 1. Kısım, Ataköy 1., Fişekhane Cd. No: 7, 34158 Bakırköy/İstanbul, Turkey
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22- Starbucks Sisli
Starbucks Sisli – Do not miss the opportunity to get the most delicious drink from Starbucks while you are in Istanbul, especially if you are in the Sisli area, where one of the best branches of the famous chain is located. The Sisli branch is characterized by its calm atmosphere and excellent service. As for the food menu, the café offers hot and cold beverage options from Starbucks, including iced caramel macchiato, iced Americano, and latte. As for desserts, the café offers many options such as carrot cake, chocolate cake, apple pie, and others.
Place address: Harbiye, Starbucks, Dag Apt, Cumhuriyet Cd. No:34, 34367 Şişli/İstanbul, Turkey
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23- BigChefs Mall Of İstanbul
BigChefs Mall Of İstanbul – Your senses will be overwhelmed with the rich unique flavors of Big Chefs Restaurant, Mall of Istanbul branch, as the restaurant provides dozens of distinctive options from traditional Turkish cuisine, and presents them in a very beautiful modern way. Among the options it provides on the menu, there is a tomato frying pan, a delicious minty dish, egg pastry, Iskender kebab, grilled chicken, dolma, and many other delicious options.
Place address: Süleyman Demirel Bulvarı No:7/402 Kat:2, 34490 İkitelli Osb/Başakşehir/İstanbul, Turkey
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24- Emirgan Sutis Cengelkoy
Emirgan Sutis Cengelkoy – Emirjan Sutish Cengelkoy Restaurant welcomes its customers in a historical building that is more than 200 years old in Istanbul with a unique view of the Bosphorus Strait. It offers a distinguished group of natural and delicious food items with its menu that includes daily products from its own farm. And high level service.
Place address: Çengelköy Mah, Albay Hüsamettin Ertürk Sk. No: 12/1 D:aire: 1, 34680 Üsküdar/İstanbul, Turkey
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25- Kahve Dunyasi Akaretler
Kahve Dunyasi Akaretler – Kahva Donisi “Coffee World” Akatilar branch is your ideal choice for a light breakfast, as the place provides you with wonderful and shaded sessions so that you can sit at any time. Among the available breakfast options: cheese pancakes, cold sandwiches, and an egg omelet with fresh vegetables, or you can just eat a piece of delicious dessert with a cup of Turkish coffee, as the place offers a luxurious selection of desserts such as chocolate cakes, muffin cakes, cookies, and cream soufflé. Croissants with various fillings.
Place address: Vişnezade, Kahve Dünyası – Akaretler, Şair Nedim Cd. 13-15, 34357 Beşiktaş/İstanbul, Turkey
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Conclusion
As your journey through Istanbul (Turkey) comes to an end, we hope you take with you unforgettable memories and experiences that will last a lifetime. This amazing region is home to diverse landscapes, ancient cultures, and welcoming communities that have something special to offer every traveler. Our guide has provided you with the top destinations and hidden gems that make Istanbul (Turkey) such a unique and special place. But, we encourage you to continue to explore this region on your own and uncover new adventures and treasures along the way. As you journey back home, don’t forget to reflect on the moments that made your trip so special and share your experiences with others. Remember to keep the spirit of adventure and curiosity alive in your everyday life and continue to seek out new experiences. We hope our guide has been a valuable resource in planning your trip, and we look forward to hearing about your travels. Safe travels and until next time!