Discover Istanbul (Turkey) ‘s Hidden Treasures: 25 Must-Visit local and popular food restaurants
Welcome to Istanbul (Turkey) . Whether you’re a local or a visitor, we have a carefully curated list of 25 must-see local and popular food restaurants 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 local and popular food restaurants gems waiting to be discovered. And for those who crave excitement, we’ve compiled 25 thrilling local and popular food restaurants 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 Local and popular food restaurants in Istanbul
Discover the top local and popular food restaurants destinations in Istanbul (Turkey) with our hand-picked list, chosen with care by our expert team based on the feedback and ratings from previous visitors. Let us help you plan the perfect trip.
1- Garden 1897 Restaurant
Garden 1897 Restaurant – Garden 1897 Restaurant is the right destination for everyone who wants to enjoy the fresh air while eating and drinking, as it provides an outdoor garden decorated with trees and green plants, in addition to that it offers a variety of food with delicious flavors and high quality, as it is prepared by a skilled chef who uses fresh ingredients only when preparing food; Customers can choose from eggplant stuffed with rice, ylang-ylang, Turkish mezze, lentil soup, shrimp with butter, vegetable couscous, Adana kebab, shish kebab, grilled ribs, moussaka, steak with pepper and more. For dessert, there is kunafa, baklava, chocolate soufflé and cheesecake.
Place address: Küçük Ayasofya Mahallesi, Şht. Mehmet Paşa Sk. No:14, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey
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2- Şehr-i Küşleme
Şehr-i Küşleme – Shahry Kochlamiye Restaurant opened its doors to the residents of Istanbul in 2018 AD, and despite its modernity, it has become one of the most important and famous restaurants in the city. The restaurant specializes in serving the most delicious selected meat dishes, which suit the local and international taste, with authentic Turkish flavors and seasonings, and the meat is always fresh, with its absolute quality and cleanliness.
Place address: Osmangazi, 27060 Şehitkamil/Gaziantep, Turkey
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3- DOĞACIYIZ GOURMET
DOĞACIYIZ GOURMET – If you are looking for a traditional Turkish breakfast, where the richness of the dishes and the rich and unique taste, then the Dogagiz Gourmet Restaurant, which is located in the heart of Istanbul, is your ideal destination, as tourists constantly visit it to try the delicious burek and koimak pancakes that reflect the Black Sea, handmade jams, eggs and various cheeses. What distinguishes the breakfasts here most is the brewed Turkish tea with a distinctive taste.
Place address: Kılıçali Paşa, Mahallesi, Kasatura Sk. 16/A, 34433 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Turkey
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4- Sofram Kebap Döner
Sofram Kebap Döner – Sofram Kebab Doner Restaurant specializes in the world of grills, meat, and authentic Turkish dishes. It is located in Istanbul and is one of the most famous local restaurants in it. The restaurant offers a main menu that includes stuffed meatballs, kebabs, kofta, tagines and stews of all kinds, in addition to a selection of pies, pastries and delicious baked goods.
Place address: Şehit Muhtar, Tarlabaşı Blv No:84, 34435 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Turkey
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5- Sunset Grill
Sunset Grill – Sunset Grill Restaurant was opened in 1994 on top of a hill in Ulus Park on the European side of Istanbul, and it is one of the leading fine restaurants in the city, and it enjoys a wonderful view of the Bosphorus Strait and the Bosphorus Bridge, and it has become very famous for its excellent service and delicious and varied cuisine. Between Turkish, Mediterranean, Asian dishes, sushi and various international cuisines.
Place address: Kuruçeşme Mahallesi Ulus Park, Kuruçeşme, Yol Sokağı No:2, 34345 Beşiktaş/İstanbul, Turkey
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6- Aura Balat
Aura Balat – Aura Balat Restaurant is one of the luxurious and distinguished restaurants in Istanbul, which features a contemporary interior design with medieval style and colors, and overlooks a stunning view of the Bosphorus Strait and the surrounding natural areas. The restaurant offers a varied, rich and delicious menu, in which you can find grills of all kinds, traditional Turkish dishes, salads and distinctive desserts.
Place address: Yavuz Sultan Selim, Abdülezelpaşa Cd. No: 39, 34083 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey
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7- 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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8- Florya Sosyal Tesisleri
Florya Sosyal Tesisleri – This restaurant belongs to a chain of restaurants supervised by the Istanbul municipality. Like other branches, it serves traditional Turkish food such as kofta with milk, Turkish shawarma rolls, rice dishes with vegetables, meat, meat pies and tomato sauce, in addition to a menu dedicated to breakfast that includes cheese pancakes, toast with butter and honey, and an omelet with Sausages, in addition to many hot and cold drinks, with some fresh dessert options such as baklava with ice cream and chocolate cake.
Place address: Yeşilköy, Dhmi Sosyal Tesisleri, Florya Tesisleri Otopark, 34149 Bakırköy/İstanbul, Turkey
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9- FURKAN FAMILY TEA GARDEN CAFE
FURKAN FAMILY TEA GARDEN CAFE – Forkan Café is located in the Fatih district of Istanbul near the road leading to the famous Suleymaniye Mosque. It is one of the most beautiful and popular cafés in the city with visitors, as it has simple and distinctive dishes that include kofta, broccoli, pans and some types of pies. Perhaps what distinguishes the café most is Arabic hookah with many flavors. Order your shisha now with a cup of brewed Turkish tea and enjoy the most beautiful views of Istanbul.
Place address: Mollahüsrev, Vefa Cd. No:50, 34134 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey
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10- BigChefs Suadiye
BigChefs Suadiye – Big Chefs Restaurant, Saudia Street Branch, provides dozens of delicious options on the menu, and these options have been carefully selected to ensure that the tastes of all visitors to the place are satisfied. Among the dishes it serves there are delicious kofta, Armenian plate, Alexander kebab, korba soup and many others. The decorations in this branch contrast with the dishes served, as the decorations in the place are purely modern, but the dishes are traditional and prepared following the local methods to the fullest, and this contradiction creates a unique environment in which visitors to the restaurant will be able to spend a beautiful and comfortable time with their friends and families.
Place address: Bağdat Caddesi Çatalçeşme Mahallesi No: 497/A Kadıköy, Suadiye, 34740 Kadıköy/İstanbul, Turkey
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11- Sur Balık Restaurant
Sur Balık Restaurant – Sur Balik Restaurant is located in the Golden Horn region of Turkey, and it is one of the branches of the Turkish Sur Balik Restaurant Chain. It has a bold menu consisting of various seafood dishes and is praised by seafood lovers. The three-storey restaurant building can accommodate 220 people in the closed area. While the terrace overlooking the sea has room for 80 guests and the terrace is capable of serving 20 guests. The dishes served here are characterized by their high quality and discreet tastes with an authentic Turkish character.
Place address: No:, Cibali, Kadir Has Cd. No:3, 34083 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey
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12- Beyler Cafe & Restaurant
Beyler Cafe & Restaurant – Enjoy delicious Turkish food at Beller Restaurant and Café, as it serves a variety of dishes and foods such as kebabs, meat with dough and grills of various kinds, in addition to appetizers and delicious salads. The restaurant is characterized by its comfortable sessions and wonderful and friendly staff, so you can visit it with your family or friends to enjoy a good meal.
Place address: Küçük Çamlıca, Üçpınarlar Cd. No:15, 34696 Üsküdar/İstanbul, Turkey
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13- Sabanci Police House
Sabanci Police House – Sabancı Police House began serving in 1993, and it was established on a total area of 3.049 square meters and a closed area of 1.645 square meters. It was built according to the architectural style of the Bosphorus Strait and to meet the recreational, social, educational and cultural needs of the security guards. Today it contains entertainment halls, games and a kitchen. And a restaurant, administrative offices and terraces suitable for summer use, and the ground floor of it is used as a café, allowing customers the opportunity to dine in a quiet atmosphere and with a unique view of the Bosphorus.
Place address: Beylerbeyi, Beylerbeyi İskele Caddesi & İdmancı Sok. No:2, 34676 Üsküdar/İstanbul, Turkey
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14- Mahide Ocakbasi
Mahide Ocakbasi – Mahid Okakbashi Restaurant is located in a beautiful historical mansion consisting of three floors, and it includes a picturesque outdoor garden full of lush trees and stunning landscapes, and it has a charming view of the Bosphorus Strait and its surrounding landmarks, and it enjoys the true atmosphere of southeastern Anatolia, and it serves a wide range of delicious Turkish food And delicious grill dishes.
Place address: Beylerbeyi, Beylerbeyi İskele Cd. No:11, 34676 Üsküdar/İstanbul, Turkey
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15- Cibali Balıkçısı Restaurant
Cibali Balıkçısı Restaurant – Jabali Balıkçeşi Restaurant is a bridge between the ancient and modern restaurant culture in Istanbul’s Balat district. It is located inside a historical building and features wooden floors, tables and chairs. It offers a beautiful panoramic view extending from Haskoy to the historic Galata Tower and Topkapi Palace. It also serves a variety of cuisines. Fresh seafood and traditional Turkish and Mediterranean dishes with a modern twist.
Place address: Yavuz Sultan Selim, Abdülezelpaşa Cd. No:61, 34083 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey
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16- 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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17- Sile Saklıgol restaurant
Sile Saklıgol restaurant – On the banks of Lake Sakligol, this distinctive restaurant is located, which contains indoor halls equipped with simple wooden decorations, and outside it includes a terrace yard that offers charming views of the lake and the green mountains in the background. The restaurant specializes in a unique menu that offers the most delicious traditional Turkish breakfast dishes, including omelettes, beans and jam And olives with labneh, and fresh cheese, accompanied by hot drinks of tea or coffee.
Place address: Karamandere, 34980 Şile/İstanbul, Turkey
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18- Saat Tower Cafeteria
Saat Tower Cafeteria – The Clock Tower Cafeteria is located within the Dolmabahçe Palace in Istanbul, but it can be accessed without an entry ticket to the museum, and it includes a group of tables arranged on the edge of the Bosphorus Strait, and there are also seating places in a suite with windows overlooking directly on the water, where you can enjoy a meal A light cup of tea or delicious Turkish coffee while enjoying the most beautiful views.
Place address: Vişnezade, Dolmabahçe Cd., 34357 Beşiktaş/İstanbul, Turkey
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19- Saliha Kebap
Saliha Kebap – Saliha Kebab Restaurant is located on the second floor of one of the old buildings of the famous historical district of Balat, and provides a distinctive view of the surrounding tourist attractions of Istanbul. It also offers a range of delicious traditional Turkish specialties that include grilled meats, home-cooked dishes, oriental appetizers, pies, fresh pastries and homemade desserts In addition to hot and cold drinks.
Place address: Yavuz Sultan Selim, Abdülezelpaşa Cd. No:121, 34083 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey
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20- ZIYA SARK SOFRASI BEYLIKDUZU SUBESI
ZIYA SARK SOFRASI BEYLIKDUZU SUBESI – Diya Restaurant, Beylikduzu branch, is the best restaurant to take your children with you to, as there is a designated area for children to play in a safe place, and this area is directly in front of you and open, so you can see your children from your table. Like other branches, the restaurant serves grilled meals of all kinds, such as kofta , shish tawook, adana kebab, and grilled steak, and the grilled meal is served alongside grilled vegetables and fresh bread in the same dish with the traditional ayran milk drink.
Place address: Barbaros Hayrettinpaşa Mahallesi, ZİYA ŞARK SOFRASI BEYLİKDÜZÜ ŞUBESİ, 1993. Sk. No:20/D, 34515 Esenyurt/İstanbul, Turkey
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21- Kahve Dunyasi Eminonu
Kahve Dunyasi Eminonu – Kahve Donisi is considered the first coffee in Turkey, and its branches are spread all over the country. The “Dunya Al Qahwa” branches offer the best types of Turkish coffee, espresso, cappuccino and delicious hot chocolate. It also offers many types of cake such as chocolate cake, cake covered with white cream, croissants, and donuts And others, you can also have the best breakfast, as it offers delicious items for a delicious breakfast, all at reasonable prices, and the place allows you to enjoy a cup of coffee in a quiet and comfortable atmosphere.
Place address: Rüstem Paşa, Kahve Dünyası – Eminönü, Asmaaltı Cad. No:18/1 Eminönü, Kızılhan Sk., 34080 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey
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22- Bambi Cafe Taksim
Bambi Cafe Taksim – Bambi Café Taksim is one of the most popular Turkish restaurants in Istanbul, as it offers fast food and distinctive oriental, Arabic and Turkish dishes, including shawarma sandwiches, burgers, cheese, grill dishes, oven-baked potatoes and many other delicious options. The restaurant is characterized by a family and comfortable atmosphere and excellent and fast service And affordable prices for everyone.
Place address: Gümüşsuyu, Sıraselviler Cd. No:2J, 34437 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Turkey
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23- Kuleli Yakamoz Restaurant
Kuleli Yakamoz Restaurant – Koleli Yakamuz Restaurant features a direct view of the river shore, with glass facades and an outdoor balcony, in addition to simple decorations that create a calm and comfortable atmosphere for customers, especially at sunset and sunrise. The restaurant serves delicious meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner, as its menu includes eggs and pastrami. , and local pastries, in addition to soups and cheeses. As for the main meals, there are fish, chicken and meat prepared with various local and international recipes.
Place address: Çengelköy Mh, Kuleli Cd. No:69, 34684 Üsküdar/İstanbul, Turkey
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24- Mado Sultan Ahmet Park
Mado Sultan Ahmet Park – The famous Mado Restaurant is one of the restaurants that serves traditional Turkish ice cream with many flavors, and it is one of the most famous restaurants in Turkey, as its branches are spread all over the country. This restaurant has gained wide fame and an excellent reputation because the service is fast and the dishes are delicious and prepared from the best types of ingredients. Among the other dishes it offers there are Turkish sweets of all kinds, such as Turkish baklava and Kunafa, as well as delicious traditional Turkish breakfast dishes.
Place address: Binbirdirek, Mado, Sultan Ahmet Parkı, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey
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25- Kofteci Ramiz Gaziosmanpasa
Kofteci Ramiz Gaziosmanpasa – The best restaurant for a luxurious grilled meal in Istanbul, as the restaurant is famous for serving kofta meals of all kinds, such as kofta with milk and kofta with cheese, in addition to some other dishes such as grilled chicken breast with hot sauce and meat pies. There is also a section on the menu for soups and appetizers such as fried potatoes and vegetables. Grilled dishes, rice dishes, in addition to a buffet of salads to choose the vegetables you like. Ramez Kazyuman Pasha Kaftji is very clean and tidy, and its service is excellent and fast.
Place address: Köfteci Ramiz, Ticaret Merkezi Küçükköy, Abdi İpekçi Cd. 18/3 D:c, 34000 Gaziosmanpaşa, 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!