Best Places to Eat in Istanbul: Local Foodie Guide
Discover where locals really eat in Istanbul — from hidden gems to iconic bites you can’t miss.
What happens when a meat loving Istanbul local and a mostly veggie budget backpacker who both LOVE food come together to curate a list of all the unmissable foodie spots in Istanbul?
One hell of a list of places to eat in Istanbul!
Recognizing that Istanbul has become increasingly more expensive, and that more and more visitors are making their way to Asian side of the city, we created this diverse list to fit every budget, taste and location.
We have also traveled enough to know that sometimes, you want a trendy spot and other times you want a down-home local spot, sometimes you want an elevated experience and other times you want a moody hole-in-the-wall, so you will find a bit of each here.
You may notice a lack of “famous” or Tiktok recommended spots here, or anything in Sultanahmet and other heavy tourist areas… and there is a reason for that. For the best, authentic, affordable food in Istanbul, you need to get local.
Check out the Interactive map at the bottom of this page to help navigate your foodie journey through Istanbul.
Key Terms When Deciding Where to Eat in Turkiye
There are three main types of food “service” in Turkiye. These are important to know when choosing where to eat, and how to order.
Ev Yemekleri
"Home-cooked meals" in Turkish, referring to simple, healthy, and often vegetable-based dishes prepared with traditional ingredients, much like food made at home. These meals are a staple in Turkish cuisine, providing a healthier alternative to restaurant options and showcasing dishes beyond kebabs, such as vegetable stews, rice, and eggplant-based meals.
Great for both meat and veggie lovers with such a variety of options, flavors, and preparations.
Meze
Turkish mezze are small, shareable dishes—akin to Spanish tapas—that can include a variety of dips, vegetable dishes, cheeses, olives, and sometimes grilled meats, seafood, or fried pastries. Served both hot and cold, mezze are a cultural tradition of communal dining, encouraging slow eating, conversation, and hospitality before the main course or as a full meal.
Think: Turkish breakfast, long, slow meals meant to be shared.
Meyhane
Turkish Meyhane (meaning "wine house") is a traditional restaurant and tavern that serves alcoholic beverages, most notably Rakı, alongside a wide variety of traditional cold and hot small dishes called meze, and often main courses like fish or kebabs.
Usually no menu, you just go to the fridge and point to what you want and they serve it to you, most of them also have meat and and/or fish options.
As the tourist, I love that I can visually see my options and just point. This makes ordering much easier and often leads to lots of samples.
⭐Best paired with a bottle of Raki.
For your Complete Guide to Istanbul: Neighborhoods, Top Attractions & Things to Do, click here!
Best Restaurants in Istanbul - Asian Side
Whether you are staying on the Asian side of Istanbul, or take the ferry over to eat, drink, and explore, these are top Istanbul restaurants are sure to please any traveler visiting the city.
Asian Side
Brekkie Breakfast Club
💶 Osmanağa, Yoğurtçu Parkı Cd No:24/1, 34714 Kadıköy/İstanbul, Türkiye
🕰️Daily 9a-6p
💶€€–€€€
🥬Vegetarian & Vegan Friendly
If you’re looking for a great (non-boozy) brunch, Brekkie is a top option. This boho brunch spot in Kadikoy leans on the trendy side, and there can be a wait for a table. While the food is overall good, it really is the atmosphere that makes this place with the visit: it’s a great space and a great vibe.
Perfect for a cutie date day (with a partner or yourself) or meeting up with friends.
Deniz Nadide DURU BREAKFAST Moda
🗺️Caferağa, Gürbüz Türk Sk. No:29/B, 34710 Kadıköy/İstanbul, Türkiye
🕰️Tues-Sun 10a-5pm, Monday - closed
💶€€
🥬Vegetarian Friendly
The opposite of “trendy” this local spot oozes with charm! It is just the cutest spot, with amazing homestyle food and a top-notch breakfast. The service is warm and friendly and really makes you feel at home.
Kipos Balık - Ayvalık Cunda Mutfağı
🗺️Koşuyolu, Cenap Şahabettin Sokağı No:128, 34718 Kadıköy/İstanbul, Türkiye
🕰️Daily 12p-12a
💶€€€
🥬Vegetarian Friendly
I L-O-V-E this place! I first went when my friend’s local cousin took us to dinner and we had an amazing meal, fantastic service and endless pours of raki.
There is a huge seafood selection, in addition to the endless and delicious Meyhane selection.
The space is beautiful and gives an elevated feel without being stuffy. This top Istanbul restaurant is a bit of a budget buster but is absolutely worth it!
Reservations highly recommended.
Müdavim Lokantası
🗺️Rasimpaşa, Uzun Hafız Sk. 104 A, 34716 Kadıköy/İstanbul, Türkiye
🕰️Mon-Fri 11a-8p, Sat-Sun Closed
💶€€
🥬Vegetarian and vegan friendly
This super cute, cozy spot is the perfect place to enjoy fresh and delicious ev yemekleri. The atmosphere is cozy and allows you to really sink in and enjoy.
Rulo Ezberbozan Lezzetler (Vegetarian)
🗺️Caferağa, Nail Bey Sk. No:15, 34710 Kadıköy/İstanbul, Türkiye
🕰️Mon-Sat 11:30a-9:30p, Sun 12:30p-9:30p
💶€–€€
🥬Vegan & Vegetarian options
When my friend suggested we grab a quick lunch here, she described it as “like a Turkish burrito bar”… which didn’t compute until we walked in, and I was like “oh! just like Chipotle!”. As in, you choose a wrap, bowl, etc and then choose all your own toppings and sauces.
This great budget friendly Istanbul restaurant offers quick eats when exploring Kadikoy. Everything was super fresh, with lots of options and I loved being able to curate my own bowl.
Mero Lahmacun - Tepsi Kebap & Pide
🗺️Sahrayı Cedit, Şemsettin Günaltay Cd. No:232-236 D:E, 34734 Kadıköy/İstanbul, Türkiye
🕰️Mon-Fri 11a-10p, Sat-Sun 11a-10p
💶€–€€
🥬Vegetarian Friendly (with limited options)
Mero Lahmacun is one of those amazing little places that you likely won’t find without a local, or me (with a little help from my local). This spot has some of the best pide and kebap - and at great budget friendly prices! Well worth going a bit off the beaten path for this spot.
Nootuzsekiz
🗺️Örnek, Erfelek Sk. No:30 A, 34560 Ataşehir/İstanbul, Türkiye
🕰️Mon-Thurs 9a-7p, Fri-Sat 9a-8:30p, Sun - closed
💶€€–€€€
🥬Vegetarian Friendly
Nootuzsekiz is a hidden gem in Istanbul and it is absolutely worth veering off the beaten path for. This Istanbul restaurant truly feels like home, with beautiful house made dishes, and the best manti in Istanbul.
A bit on the pricier side, but serving up large portions, Nootuzsekiz is a quaint, cozy space with a big menu to meet every taste.
Kuzguncuk Kavurmacısı
🗺️Kuzguncuk Mahallesi İcadiye caddesi, Tufan Sk. no:3, 34674 Üsküdar/İstanbul, Türkiye
🕰️Tues-Thurs 9a-9p, Fri-Sat 9a-11p, Sun 9a-10p, Mon - Closed
💶€€
🥬Limited veggie options
Known for it’s Kavurma (a Turkish term for a dish of sautéed or slowly fried meat, most commonly beef or lamb, cooked in its own fat until tender), this top-rated Istanbul restaurant was not exactly high on my list, but my friend loves it and I found plenty of non-meat options.
The setting of this Üsküdar neighborhood restaurant also makes it a standout, located on a charming street, this simple but cozy restaurant should be on any must-visit list in Istanbul.
Hatice Anne Ev Yemekleri
🗺️Kuzguncuk, Kuzguncuk Çarşı Cd No:4 D:1, 34674 Üsküdar/İstanbul, Türkiye
🕰️Mon-Sat 12p-9:30p, Sun 1p-9:30p
💶€€
🥬Vegetarian & Vegan friendly
On the same cutie street in Üsküdar as Kuzguncuk Kavurmacısı , this warm and welcoming spot serves up classic, homestyle Turkish dishes that taste like love. This is an especially great place in Istanbul for ev yemekleri.
Carrefour at the Tepe Nautilus Mall
WAIT! Before I lose all credibility for recommending a grocery store chain: the food here is awesome! AND affordable!
This is a great option if you are spending the day shopping, but also to come to independently for a fresh and yummy quick meal.
🗺️Acıbadem Mah. Fatih Sok, Tepe Nautilus Avm No:1, 34718 Kadıköy/İstanbul, Türkiye
🕰️Daily 10a-10p
💶€–€€
🥬Vegetarian and vegan friendly
You can buy a pack of protein (chicken, a whole fish, liver, you name it) and they cook it for you, then serve it with a beautiful salad and fresh bread, all for a very reasonable price.
They also have a whole section of ev yemekleri and meze to build your own meal or just have a light bite. There is a nice seating area to dine in, or you can take your meal to go to enjoy at home, in a park, etc.
There are a few locations with this throughout the city.
BOAC Soft Serve Moda
🗺️Caferağa, Gen. Asım Gündüz Cd. 79/B, 34710 Kadıköy/İstanbul, Türkiye
🕰️Daily 11a-12a
💶€–€€
🥬Vegan options available
If you, like us, are a sucker for soft serve, THIS is the place. This Istanbul ice cream shop is renowned for it’s unique olive oil and sea salt flavored soft-serve ice cream (we love this with honey!). If that isn’t your jam, there are endless flavors available for both adventurous ice cream lovers, and those that prefer the classics.
Best Restaurants in Istanbul -European Side
If you come to Istanbul, you will likely spend quite a bit of time on the European side as this is where the majority of the tourist attractions and hotels are.
This is also where the majority of the tourist restaurants are. We highly recommend skipping places with street hawkers trying to lure you in, anywhere that does not have prices on menus, or places with English only menus or just pictures. Many of these places lack the quality and standard or true Turkish cuisine, inflate prices, and fall short on service.
There are so many amazing neighborhoods and restaurants to explore nearby to have a much better, authentic dining experience.
These are some of our favorite restaurants on the European side of Istanbul.
Limon Kahvaltı Evi
🗺️Firuzağa, Palaska Sk. No:3/A, 34000 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye
🕰️Daily 8a-5p
💶€€
🥬Vegetarian and Vegan Friendly
If you only go for one Turkish breakfast while in Istanbul, make sure it is here. This Beyoğlu neighborhood restaurant serves up the best Turkish breakfast I have had in Istanbul (and I have had MANY). Come hungry, or don’t come at all because this top Istanbul restaurant seems to serve endless amounts of food.
The super cute setting (especially the outdoor seating) and great service round out an awesome Istanbul dining experience.
Yalla Falafel
🗺️Cihannüma Mahallesi. Serencebey Yokuşu, Fırat iş merkezi, No: 1/B, 34022 Beşiktaş/İstanbul, Türkiye
🕰️Daily 10:15a-11p
💶€–€€
🥬Vegetarian & Vegan Friendly
I love, love, love falafel. It is amongst my top 10 favorite foods, so I am a tough critic.
Yalla Falafel in the Beşiktaş neighborhood is amongst the best falafel in Istanbul and hits the mark every time. This little spot has limited seated but is great for take away or a quick bite if you can snag a table.
Yalla Falafel is the ideal, quick, easy and affordable bite in Istanbul.
Nevale Mutfak
🗺️Türkali, Mecit Ali Sk. No:12/A, 34357 Beşiktaş/İstanbul, Türkiye
🕰️Mon-Thurs 12p-9:30p, Fri-Sat 12p-10p, Sun 2p-10p
💶€–€€
🥬Vegetarian & Vegan Options
If you only have time for one meze while in Istanbul, make it here. The variety is vast, the quality is impeccable, the service is warm and friendly, and the overall vibe is cozy and welcoming.
Here you can really sample a little bit of everything that is Turkish food, while enjoying the chic and cozy space, or grab some take out and enjoy as a picnic or at home.
Highly recommend for lunch.
Mahal Meze & Meyhane
- great Meyhane in Beşiktaş
🗺️Vişnezade, Şair Nedim Cd. No:81/A, 34357 Beşiktaş/İstanbul, Türkiye
🕰️Mon-Thurs 4p-1a, Fri 4p-2a, Sat 3p-2a, Sun 3p-1a
💶€€
🥬Vegetarian & Vegan Friendly
Demgah Meyhane
🗺️Ergenekon, Poyraz Sk. No:5/A, 34373 Şişli/İstanbul, Türkiye
🕰️Mon-Saturday 1p-2a, Sun - closed
💶€€
🥬Vegetarian and Vegan Friendly
You won’t find this amazing meyhane spot in any guide books, and likely not in many blogs, which makes it truly hidden gem in Istanbul.
This is one of our favorite restaurants in Şişli and is guaranteed to not only be a great meal, and a great time, but a very local and authentic experience (especially as the raki flows).
Mezme
🗺️Bozkurt, Poyraz Sk. 26/D, 34375 Şişli/İstanbul, Türkiye
🕰️Tues-Sun 11a-10p, Mon - closed
💶€–€€
🥬Vegetarian & Vegan Friendly
This tiny meze restaurant in the Şişli neighborhood has amazing meze, a great vibe, and is always an overall great experience. Indoor and outdoor seating are available, but limited, so if you plan to dine in, aim for off hours.
Müşterek Meyhane
great Meyhane in Beyoğlu
🕰️Daily 4p-1a
💶€€
🥬Vegetarian & Vegan Friendly
Really, really good Meyhane place in the Beyoğlu neighborhood that is well worth visiting for its broad variety, friendly service (the manager will happily make recommendations), and really chill atmosphere. This place really makes you want to slow down and sink right in to the space, the food, and the atmosphere.
This Istanbul hidden is great for a late dinner and easily accomodates groups.
⭐Müşterek Meyhane is upstairs. There is another restaurant downstairs, so this can be a bit confusing.
Mayko Meze Evi
🗺️Kuloğlu, Altıpatlar Sk. No:2C, 34433 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye
🕰️Mon-Sat 12p-10p, Sun - Closed
💶€–€€
🥬Vegetarian & Vegan Friendly
The only downfall to this amazing Istanbul meze restaurant is that is it SO hard to choose between all their incredible options. With a big variety of meze, great service and super cute atmosphere, this casual mezze spot in Beyoğlu is one of our favorites.
Demeti Meyhanesi
🗺️Kılıçali Paşa, Şimşirci Sk. No:6, 34433 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye
🕰️Daily 2:30-12:30p
💶€€€
🥬Vegetarian & Vegan Friendly
If your priority is atmosphere and views - this is Istanbul restaurant with a view should be at the top of your list. It’s not the best Meyhane in Istanbul, but it’s not the worst either and the charm and views of the city absolutely make up for it.
⭐Highly recommend a cocktail at Geyik before or after a meal here.
Asmalı Mescit Dürümcü
🗺️Asmalı Mescit, Nergis Sk. 2 A, 34430 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye
🕰️Tues-Sun 12p-11:30p, Mon - closed
💶€€
🌐Asmalı Mescit Dürümcü
This super cute durum spot in Beyoğlu, was one of the first places I was introduced to on my initial trip to Istanbul and I still crave it … 2.5 years later.
Asmalı Mescit Dürümcü proves that a durum is not just a durum and that some truly stand out from the rest - this is that stand out. The sides are also top notch.
A bit on the pricier side as far as durum go, but well well worth it for the taste, quality and freshness.
Pul Balık
🗺️Bebek Cevdet Paşa Caddesi, Bebek, Manolya Sk. No:3, 34342 Beşiktaş/İstanbul, Türkiye
🕰️Daily 8a-10p
💶€€
This Istanbul seafood market will cook you anything you see at the market, making it a whole experience. This super casual Istanbul restaurant is a great place for lunch and to take a break from exploring the city.
Buuzecedi Restaurant
🗺️Akşemsettin, Akşemsettin Cd. No:6A, 34080 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
🕰️Daily 9a-11p
💶€–€€
🥬Vegetarian & Vegan friendly
🌐Buuzecedi – بوز الجدي – صلح يا خال
This Syrian restaurant in the Faith neighborhood of Istanbul might have been one of my favorite meals in Istanbul! We went on the recommendation of my friend’s cousin and luckily had another friend with us so it was more justifiable to order the entire menu.
The service is SO kind, warm and welcoming. We truly felt like family here and the food is amazing - the falafel is 10/10.
Best Local Cocktail Bars in Istanbul
Contrary to popular belief, Istanbul has a robust bar scene! While it is easy to find beer and mid cocktails all over the city, it can be a bit more challenging to find a REALLY good cocktail outside of overpriced and stuffy hotel bars or tourist traps… but, luckily, we are here to steer you in the right direction!
These are some of our favorite places for a great cocktail in Istanbul.
Lelabbo Moda
🗺️Caferağa, Moda Cd. No:159B, 34710 Kadıköy/İstanbul, Türkiye (Asian Side)
🕰️Daily 5p-2a
💶€€
If you are looking for a really, really good cocktail in Istanbul, this is that place. With everything from simple classics, to unique, intricate and flashy cocktails, there is something for every cocktail lover at this favorite Istanbul bar. The bartenders are not only talented, but super engaging and friendly and it is always a good crowd at Lelabbo Moda.
Geyik
🗺️Cihangir, Akarsu Ykş. Sok. No:22, 34433 Beyoğlu/İstanbul - Avrupa, Türkiye
🕰️Daily 4p-2a
💶€€
We love, love looooove this cocktail bar in Istanbul! Located in the best neighborhood (IMO) of Beyoğlu, this top Istanbul cocktail bar is everything you want in a night out: great mixology, warm vibes, friendly service, and ideal for everyone from solo travelers to friend groups, or a great date night.
⭐There is also a location in Kadıköy
Foxy Nişantaşı
🗺️Harbiye, Mim Kemal Öke Cd. No:1 D, 34365 Şişli/İstanbul, Türkiye
🕰️Mon-Sat 12a-12p, Sun 12-10p
💶€€
🌐Foxy
This Istanbul wine bar is one of our favorites for a cocktail or glass of wine due to it’s simple but chic interior and great outdoor seating area. This place is all about atmosphere and great drinks. While we love the lite bites and snacks, this isn’t somewhere we would run to for dinner.
Piccolo Cocktails
🗺️Bozkurt, Bilezikçi Sk. no: 61/A, 34375 Şişli/İstanbul, Türkiye
🕰️Mon-Thurs 3p-2a, Fri-Sun 2p-2a
💶€€
Piccolo Cocktails is just a great little bar in Istanbul. Here you will find a robust cocktail menu, cozy but cool setting, friendly staff and people and just an overall good vibe. The bar menu is quite limited, with just a few items, but they allow you to BYOF. This favorite Istanbul cocktail bar is great for solo travers, friends, or a cutie date night.
⭐This is a great starting (or ending point) for an easy self-guided bar crawl in Şişli, with numerous great bars we love in the immediate area.
