Top Restaurants in Istanbul
Istanbul is one of Turkey's largest cities, covering over 5,000 square kilometers with a population exceeding 15 million people. Renowned for its rich history, Istanbul is a famous tourist destination featuring numerous tourist sites, markets, and entertainment venues that attract visitors from around the globe. Additionally, Istanbul offers a diverse array of restaurants serving various cuisines. In this article, we'll guide you through some of the most popular restaurants in Istanbul worth experiencing.
Top Family Restaurants in Istanbul
Let’s highlight some of the tourist-favorite family restaurants in Istanbul:
Hatay Medeniyetler Sofrası (Medine)
Known as one of Istanbul’s top dining spots, Medine offers delicious Turkish dishes, from grills and appetizers to tasty pastries. It has four branches in Istanbul:
- Taksim Medine, also known as Chef Burak’s or the Celebrity Restaurant, where Chef Burak, one of Turkey’s most famous chefs, serves delicious Turkish and international dishes.
- Fatih Medine is renowned for its unique casseroles and various grilled dishes.
- Levent Medine stands out for its extensive menu of Turkish and global favorites, crafted by some of the finest chefs.
We recommend trying the roasted lamb with buried rice, along with delightful appetizers, and don’t forget the Turkish baklava with tea.
Nusr-Et
Since its opening in 2010, Nusr-Et has become one of Istanbul’s most upscale and renowned restaurants, known for its excellent Turkish dishes and desserts, located near many tourist spots like Bebek coast and Rumeli Fortress. It received the Diamond Star Award from the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences, usually focusing on meat dishes. Open daily from noon until midnight. If you enjoy sushi, you’ll find a special and tasty sushi menu here.
Nezih Istanbul
Located in Sarıyer on the Bosphorus coast, Nezih specializes in grilled meats and seafood dishes. If you prefer spicy food, try the spicy Urfa kebab, which will transport your taste buds to southeastern Turkey’s Urfa.
Lokma Istanbul
Situated in Sarıyer, Lokma is a popular choice along the Bosphorus for its delightful breakfasts, lunches, appetizers, desserts, and a variety of hot and cold beverages. If the weather is nice, we suggest enjoying a breakfast here with the beautiful Bosphorus breeze.
Top Seafood Restaurants in Istanbul
Discover some of Istanbul's leading seafood restaurants:
Fish Home Ahhir Kapi Restaurant
Located in the Marmara region, this restaurant is known for its unique décor and competitive prices, offering a variety of fried and grilled fish, shellfish, and refreshing beverages. We recommend trying the rich and vitamin-packed fish soup and the delicious shepherd's salad with walnuts.
Angel Blue
Situated in the Marmara area, Angel Blue is famous for its Bosphorus views and fresh seafood served in various styles, including crab, octopus, and salmon. Try their special grilled fish dish – you’ll surely come back for more!
Akın Balık Karaköy
This restaurant in the Marmara region offers delicious seafood Turkish recipes in a setting that transports you to Istanbul’s Golden Horn era, with tables and chairs set amidst beautiful trees, sea views, and colorful boats. If you prefer vegetarian meals, you’ll find plenty of options here.
Top Restaurants with Bosphorus view in Istanbul
Explore some of the best waterfront dining options in Istanbul:
Yeniköy Park
Enjoy spectacular Bosphorus views from this restaurant located in Sarıyer.
Open daily from 7:00 AM to midnight.
360 Istanbul
Situated in Beyoğlu, this restaurant boasts direct sea views.
Open daily from 11:00 AM to 2:00 AM.
Şazeli
Famous for its panoramic sea views, located in Florya, Istanbul.
Open daily from 8:30 AM to 11:30 PM.
Top Grill Restaurants in Istanbul
Hamdi Restaurant
Located in Şişli, one of Istanbul's most touristic areas, Hamdi is renowned for its exquisite grilled dishes like kebabs, köfte, and shish tawook, as well as appetizers, stuffed vegetables, and grilled veggies. The restaurant also offers Eastern and Turkish sweets and has a hall for hosting events for up to 320 people. Open daily from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM. We suggest trying the meat-stuffed pastry and raw köfte with appetizers – you’ll definitely want to order them again.
Köfteci Yusuf
Köfteci Yusuf is famous for its köfte and grilled dishes, using ingredients from its own farms, ensuring you can taste the freshness in every bite. Known for its quick service, cleanliness, and friendly staff, which together provide a positive overall dining experience. We recommend trying their breakfast, especially the irresistible egg and tomato dish paired with delicious Turkish tea.
In conclusion, these are some of the most popular restaurants in Istanbul and if you are eager to explore these and more, check out WINGIE’s deals for your next flight to Istanbul.
