Istanbul Restaurant Guide 2025: Best Turkish Cuisine

Istanbul's restaurant scene spans three millennia of culinary heritage. From smoky charcoal kebab houses in Karaköy to refined Bosphorus-view meyhanes serving raki and meze, every meal tells a story. This guide covers the finest Turkish cuisine across all budgets — from street-side simit to Michelin-recommended dining.

Must-Try Istanbul Dishes

Start with İskender kebab (doner over pide with tomato sauce and butter), lahmacun (Turkish flatbread pizza), and midye dolma (mussels stuffed with spiced rice). For sweets: künefe (shredded wheat with melted cheese) and baklava from Karaköy Güllüoğlu.

Best Neighbourhoods for Dining

• Karaköy — hip brunch spots and craft cocktail bars
• Beşiktaş — beloved local meyhanes and fish restaurants
• Kadıköy (Asian side) — the city's best food market and street food scene
• Sultanahmet — tourist-friendly but find quality spots off the main square