Best Places To Eat Turkish Food In Istanbul

Are you a foodie looking for an exotic culinary experience? Look no further than Istanbul, Turkey. The city is known for its rich history, culture, and vibrant food scene. Turkish cuisine is a fusion of Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and Central Asian flavors, making it a unique and unforgettable dining experience. Here are the best places to eat Turkish food in Istanbul:

1. Çiya Sofrası 🍴

Located in Kadiköy on the Asian side of Istanbul, Çiya Sofrası is a must-visit for foodies. The restaurant is known for its traditional Anatolian food, with a particular emphasis on regional specialties. The menu changes frequently, depending on the season and the availability of fresh ingredients. Çiya Sofrası is also famous for its vegetarian dishes.

The Story Behind Çiya Sofrası 🍲

Founded in 1987 by chef Musa Dağdeviren, Çiya Sofrası started as a small eatery in a working-class neighborhood. It quickly gained a reputation for its authentic home-style cooking, and soon became a local favorite. Today, it is one of Istanbul’s most popular restaurants, attracting foodies from all over the world.

What to Order at Çiya Sofrası 🍽️

Some of the must-try dishes at Çiya Sofrası include:

Dish
Description

Mercimek Köftesi
A traditional vegetarian dish made with lentils, bulgur, and herbs. Served cold as an appetizer.

Etli Yaprak Sarma
A classic Turkish dish of stuffed grape leaves with minced meat, rice, and herbs.

Çerkez Tavuğu
A chicken dish with a walnut and garlic sauce. Originated from the Circassian cuisine.

Testi Kebabı
A lamb or beef stew cooked in a clay pot and served with crispy bread.

2. Zübeyir Ocakbaşı 🍢

If you’re a meat lover, Zübeyir Ocakbaşı is the place to be. Located in the trendy district of Beyoğlu, the restaurant specializes in kebabs and grilled meat dishes. The atmosphere is lively and informal, with friendly staff and reasonable prices.

The Story Behind Zübeyir Ocakbaşı 🍢

Zübeyir Ocakbaşı was founded in 2004 by the eponymous chef, Zübeyir Usta. He learned the art of traditional Turkish cooking from his grandfather, who was a butcher. Zübeyir’s philosophy is to use only the freshest ingredients and to cook everything on a charcoal grill, which gives the meat a smoky flavor.

What to Order at Zübeyir Ocakbaşı 🍡

Some of the best dishes at Zübeyir Ocakbaşı include:

Dish
Description

Adana Kebabı
A spicy lamb kebab with a mixture of ground meat and spices. Served with grilled vegetables and bulgur pilaf.

Urfa Kebabı
A milder version of Adana kebab, made with minced beef and lamb. Served with yogurt and tomato sauce.

Beyti Kebabı
A rolled meat dish with minced lamb, garlic, and herbs. Served with tomato sauce and yogurt.

3. Hamdi Restaurant 🍽️

Located in the historic district of Eminönü, Hamdi Restaurant offers a stunning view of the Golden Horn and the Old City. The restaurant is famous for its grilled meat and kebab dishes, as well as its mezze and appetizers.

The Story Behind Hamdi Restaurant 🍴

Hamdi Restaurant was founded in 1960 by Hamdi Arpacı, who came to Istanbul from southeastern Turkey. He started as a street vendor, selling lamb and beef skewers to hungry passers-by. Over time, his business grew, and he opened his first restaurant in Eminönü. Today, Hamdi Restaurant is one of Istanbul’s most famous dining destinations.

What to Order at Hamdi Restaurant 🍛

Some of the best dishes at Hamdi Restaurant include:

Dish
Description

Adana Kebabı
A spicy lamb kebab with a mixture of ground meat and spices. Served with grilled vegetables and bulgur pilaf.

Şiş Kebabı
A skewered meat dish with lamb or beef, marinated in herbs and spices. Served with rice and grilled vegetables.

İskender Kebabı
A layered meat dish with lamb or beef, served with tomato sauce, yogurt, and crispy bread.

4. Karaköy Lokantası 🍲

If you’re looking for a modern twist on traditional Turkish cuisine, Karaköy Lokantası is the place to be. Located in the trendy district of Karaköy, the restaurant offers a fusion of Turkish and Mediterranean flavors, with an emphasis on seafood and meze.

The Story Behind Karaköy Lokantası 🍴

Karaköy Lokantası was founded in 2013 by chef Orhan Yegen, who is famous for his interpretation of traditional Turkish dishes. He uses fresh and seasonal ingredients, as well as traditional cooking methods, to create innovative and delicious dishes.

What to Order at Karaköy Lokantası 🍽️

Some of the best dishes at Karaköy Lokantası include:

Dish
Description

Midye Dolma
Stuffed mussels with rice, herbs, and spices. A popular street food in Istanbul.

Deniz Börülcesi
A salad dish made from samphire, a sea vegetable. Served with lemon and olive oil.

Lahmacun
A traditional Turkish flatbread topped with minced meat, tomatoes, and herbs. Served with lemon and parsley.

5. Hacı Abdullah Lokantası 🍛

Founded in 1888, Hacı Abdullah Lokantası is one of Istanbul’s oldest and most iconic restaurants. Located in the Old City, the restaurant is famous for its Ottoman-style cuisine, with an emphasis on meat dishes and meze.

The Story Behind Hacı Abdullah Lokantası 🍴

Hacı Abdullah Lokantası was founded by Hacı Abdullah Efendi, who was a cook in the Ottoman Palace. He left the palace to open his own restaurant, which quickly became a favorite among the city’s elite. Today, the restaurant is run by the fifth-generation descendants of Hacı Abdullah Efendi, who still use his original recipes and cooking techniques.

What to Order at Hacı Abdullah Lokantası 🍢

Some of the best dishes at Hacı Abdullah Lokantası include:

Dish
Description

Ali Nazik
A lamb dish with smoked eggplant and yogurt. Traditionally served with rice or bread.

Pilav Üstü Kebabı
A combination of lamb stew and rice pilaf, topped with a lamb kebab.

Midye Dolma
Stuffed mussels with rice, herbs, and spices. A popular street food in Istanbul.

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