Best Restaurants In Istanbul Cheap

Are you planning a trip to Istanbul and looking for the best restaurants that won’t break the bank? You’re in luck! Istanbul is home to some of the best affordable eateries in the world, serving up delicious local cuisine that won’t cost a fortune. From traditional Turkish street food to trendy contemporary restaurants, Istanbul has something for every budget. Here are some of the best restaurants in Istanbul that won’t break the bank.

Bosphorus Grill

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Bosphorus Grill is a popular restaurant located on the shores of the Bosphorus with a spectacular view of the water. This restaurant serves traditional Turkish food at affordable prices, and the portions are generous. The menu features dishes like lamb chops, grilled sea bass, and mixed meat platters. If you’re looking for a romantic dinner with a view, Bosphorus Grill is a great option.

Çiya Sofrası

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Çiya Sofrası is a must-visit restaurant in Istanbul for those who want to try authentic Turkish cuisine. The restaurant serves traditional dishes from different regions of Turkey, so you can experience the diversity of Turkish food in one place. The menu changes daily, but some of the must-try dishes include lamb shank, stuffed eggplants, and meatballs. The prices are very affordable, and the portions are generous.

Karadeniz Pidecisi

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Karadeniz Pidecisi is a popular restaurant in Istanbul that serves traditional Turkish pide (flatbread) and lahmacun (Turkish pizza). The restaurant is always crowded, which is a testament to the quality of its food. The pide is cooked in a wood-fired oven and comes with various toppings, including cheese, minced meat, and spinach. The lahmacun is also a must-try, and it’s served with fresh parsley and lemon. The prices are very affordable, and the portions are generous.

Antiochia

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Antiochia is a contemporary restaurant that serves traditional Turkish food with a modern twist. The restaurant is located in the trendy neighborhood of Karaköy and has a chic interior. The menu features dishes like lamb kebab, braised beef cheeks, and stuffed grape leaves. The prices are higher than other restaurants on this list, but still very reasonable for the quality of food and service you’ll receive.

Kızılkayalar

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Kızılkayalar is a popular restaurant in Istanbul that has been serving traditional Turkish food since 1927. The restaurant is located in the historic neighborhood of Beyoğlu and has a nostalgic atmosphere. The menu features dishes like grilled lamb chops, stuffed eggplants, and liver kebab. The prices are very affordable, and the portions are generous.

Sıdıka

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Sıdıka is a cozy restaurant located in the Kadıköy neighborhood of Istanbul that serves traditional Turkish food. The restaurant has a warm and welcoming atmosphere and is a great place to try home-cooked Turkish food. The menu features dishes like köfte (meatballs), stuffed peppers, and lamb sauté. The prices are very affordable, and the portions are generous.

Bayramoğlu Döner

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Bayramoğlu Döner is a popular restaurant in Istanbul that serves delicious Turkish döner (rotisserie meat). The restaurant has been serving döner since 1969 and is considered one of the best in Istanbul. The meat is cooked over a wood-fired grill and served with pita bread, onions, and tomatoes. The prices are very affordable, and the portions are generous.

Meşhur Filibe Köftecisi

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Meşhur Filibe Köftecisi is a popular restaurant in Istanbul that serves traditional Bulgarian köfte (meatballs). The restaurant has been serving köfte since 1923 and is considered one of the best in Istanbul. The köfte is made with beef and lamb and served with grilled peppers and tomatoes. The prices are very affordable, and the portions are generous.

Mavi Balık

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Mavi Balık is a seafood restaurant located in the Bebek neighborhood of Istanbul that offers a stunning view of the Bosphorus. The restaurant serves fresh seafood at affordable prices, and the portions are generous. The menu features dishes like grilled sea bass, shrimp casserole, and calamari. It’s a great place to enjoy a seafood dinner with a view.

Özkonak

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Özkonak is a popular restaurant in Istanbul that serves traditional Turkish food at affordable prices. The restaurant has a cozy atmosphere and is a great place to try home-cooked Turkish food. The menu features dishes like lamb chops, stuffed grape leaves, and meatballs. The prices are very affordable, and the portions are generous.

Şehzade Cağ Kebap

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Şehzade Cağ Kebap is a popular restaurant in Istanbul that serves traditional Turkish cağ kebab. The restaurant is located in the Fatih district of Istanbul and has a traditional ambiance. The cağ kebab is cooked on a spit and served with pita bread, onions, and tomatoes. The prices are very affordable, and the portions are generous.

Köfteci Hüseyin

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Köfteci Hüseyin is a popular restaurant in Istanbul that serves traditional Turkish köfte (meatballs). The restaurant has been serving köfte since 1958 and is considered one of the best in Istanbul. The köfte is made with beef and lamb and served with grilled peppers and tomatoes. The prices are very affordable, and the portions are generous.

Dürümcü Emmi

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Dürümcü Emmi is a popular restaurant in Istanbul that serves traditional Turkish dürüm (wrap). The restaurant has been serving dürüm since 1985 and is considered one of the best in Istanbul. The dürüm is made with chicken or beef and served with fresh vegetables and yogurt. The prices are very affordable, and the portions are generous.

Adana Ocakbaşı

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Adana Ocakbaşı is a popular restaurant in Istanbul that serves traditional Turkish ocakbaşı (grill). The restaurant is located in the Beyoğlu district of Istanbul and has a traditional ambiance. The menu features dishes like lamb chops, chicken shish kebab, and grilled vegetables. The prices are very affordable, and the portions are generous.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the average cost of a meal in Istanbul?

The average cost of a meal in Istanbul is between 30-50 Turkish Lira (TL) per person. However, this can vary depending on the type of restaurant and the location.

2. What is the best time to visit Istanbul for food?

Istanbul is a city that offers delicious food all year round. However, the best time to visit Istanbul for food is during the spring and autumn months when the weather is mild and pleasant.

3. What are some traditional Turkish dishes that I should try?

Some traditional Turkish dishes that you should try include köfte (meatballs), döner (rotisserie meat), lahmacun (Turkish pizza), pide (flatbread), and baklava (sweet pastry).

4. Is it safe to eat street food in Istanbul?

Yes, it is safe to eat street food in Istanbul. However, it’s best to choose vendors who are busy and have a high turnover of food to ensure that the food is fresh and safe to eat.

5. What is the best area to find affordable restaurants in Istanbul?

The best areas to find affordable restaurants in Istanbul are Beyoğlu, Kadıköy, and Fatih.

6. Is tipping customary in Istanbul restaurants?

Yes, tipping is customary in Istanbul restaurants. It’s customary to leave a tip of 10-15% of the total bill.

7. Are there any vegetarian options available in Istanbul restaurants?

Yes, there are vegetarian options available in Istanbul restaurants. Many restaurants offer vegetarian versions of traditional Turkish dishes like stuffed grape leaves and eggplant dishes.

8. What is the best way to get around Istanbul to try different restaurants?

The best way to get around Istanbul to try different restaurants is by using public transportation like the metro, tram, or ferry. Istanbul also has a bike-sharing system called Bisim, which is a great way to explore the city.

9. Can I find halal food in Istanbul restaurants?

Yes, you can find halal food in Istanbul restaurants. Many restaurants in Istanbul serve halal food, and some restaurants are exclusively halal.

10. Are there any Michelin-starred restaurants in Istanbul?

Currently, there are no Michelin-starred restaurants in