The Best Restaurants in Istanbul According to Lonely Planet

Food is an integral part of Turkish culture, and Istanbul is no exception. The city boasts a rich culinary history that’s intertwined with the city’s history and culture. If you’re visiting Istanbul, you must indulge in the local cuisine. But with so many options, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s where Lonely Planet comes in. They’ve compiled a list of the best restaurants in Istanbul, and we’re here to take a closer look.

Top 10 Restaurants According to Lonely Planet

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Karaköy Güllüoğlu

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Karaköy Güllüoğlu is a must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth. The family-owned restaurant is famous for its baklava, a traditional Turkish pastry made with layers of phyllo dough and filled with nuts and sweet syrup. But that’s not all they offer. Their menu includes a variety of authentic Turkish desserts that are worth trying.

Mikla

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Mikla is a fine-dining restaurant that offers stunning views of the city. The restaurant is located on the rooftop of the Marmara Pera hotel and is known for its modern Turkish cuisine. The menu includes dishes that are made with locally sourced ingredients and are inspired by traditional Turkish recipes.

Konak Restaurant

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Konak Restaurant is a seafood restaurant that’s located in the heart of Istanbul’s old city. The restaurant is known for its fresh seafood, which is sourced from local fishermen. The menu includes a variety of seafood dishes that are cooked to perfection.

Tarihi Karaköy Balık Lokantası

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Tarihi Karaköy Balık Lokantası is another seafood restaurant that’s worth visiting. The restaurant has been around since 1927 and is known for its fresh seafood, which is displayed on ice for customers to choose from. The menu includes a variety of fish and seafood dishes that are cooked to perfection.

Meze by Lemon Tree

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Meze by Lemon Tree is a small restaurant located in the trendy neighborhood of Galata. The restaurant offers a variety of meze dishes, which are small plates of food that are meant to be shared. The menu includes both traditional Turkish meze dishes and modern interpretations.

Gaia

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Gaia is a Mediterranean restaurant that’s located in the trendy neighborhood of Karaköy. The restaurant is known for its healthy Mediterranean cuisine, which is made with locally sourced ingredients. The menu includes a variety of dishes that are inspired by Mediterranean cuisine.

Kanaat Lokantası

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Kanaat Lokantası is a traditional Turkish restaurant that’s located in the neighborhood of Fatih. The restaurant is known for its authentic Turkish cuisine, which is made with locally sourced ingredients. The menu includes a variety of traditional Turkish dishes that are cooked to perfection.

Köşebaşı

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Köşebaşı is a Turkish restaurant that’s located in the trendy neighborhood of Nişantaşı. The restaurant is known for its grilled meats, which are cooked over charcoal. The menu includes a variety of grilled meat dishes that are served with traditional Turkish sides.

Zübeyir Ocakbaşı

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Zübeyir Ocakbaşı is a traditional Turkish restaurant that’s located in the neighborhood of Beyoğlu. The restaurant is known for its ocakbaşı, which is a type of Turkish grill that’s used to cook meat and vegetables. The menu includes a variety of grilled meat dishes that are served with traditional Turkish sides.

Antiochia

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Antiochia is a Middle Eastern restaurant that’s located in the neighborhood of Beyoğlu. The restaurant is known for its authentic Middle Eastern cuisine, which is made with locally sourced ingredients. The menu includes a variety of dishes that are inspired by Middle Eastern cuisine.

Best Restaurants in Istanbul for Vegetarians

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Zencefil

Zencefil is a vegetarian restaurant that’s located in the neighborhood of Beyoğlu. The restaurant is known for its healthy vegetarian cuisine, which is made with locally sourced ingredients. The menu includes a variety of vegetarian dishes that are inspired by Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine.

Lokanta Maya

Lokanta Maya is a vegetarian-friendly restaurant that’s located in the neighborhood of Karaköy. The restaurant is known for its contemporary Turkish cuisine, which includes a variety of vegetarian options. The menu changes daily, depending on what’s available at the local markets.

Govinda

Govinda is a vegetarian restaurant that’s located in the neighborhood of Fatih. The restaurant is known for its authentic Indian cuisine, which is made with locally sourced ingredients. The menu includes a variety of vegetarian dishes that are inspired by Indian cuisine.

Best Street Food in Istanbul

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Ortaköy Kumpir

Ortaköy Kumpir is a street food stand that’s located in the neighborhood of Ortaköy. The stand is known for its kumpir, which is a baked potato that’s stuffed with a variety of toppings, including cheese, vegetables, and sausage. The kumpir is a popular street food in Istanbul.

Dürümzade

Dürümzade is a street food stand that’s located in the neighborhood of Beyoğlu. The stand is known for its dürüm, which is a type of Turkish wrap that’s filled with meat and vegetables. The dürüm is a popular street food in Istanbul.

Kızılkayalar

Kızılkayalar is a street food stand that’s located in the neighborhood of Fatih. The stand is known for its köfte, which is a type of Turkish meatball that’s grilled over charcoal. The köfte is served with a variety of sides, including bread and salad.

FAQs

What is Turkish cuisine?

Turkish cuisine is a fusion of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Central Asian, and Balkan cuisine. It’s known for its use of spices, herbs, and fresh ingredients.

What are meze dishes?

Meze dishes are small plates of food that are meant to be shared. They’re a popular part of Turkish cuisine and are served as appetizers or side dishes.

What is baklava?

Baklava is a traditional Turkish pastry made with layers of phyllo dough and filled with nuts and sweet syrup.

What is kumpir?

Kumpir is a baked potato that’s stuffed with a variety of toppings, including cheese, vegetables, and sausage. It’s a popular street food in Istanbul.

What is dürüm?

Dürüm is a type of Turkish wrap that’s filled with meat and vegetables. It’s a popular street food in Istanbul.

What is köfte?

Köfte is a type of Turkish meatball that’s grilled over charcoal. It’s a popular street food in Istanbul.

What is ocakbaşı?

Ocakbaşı is a type of Turkish grill that’s used to cook meat and vegetables.

What is the price range for these restaurants?

The price range varies depending on the restaurant. Some restaurants are more expensive than others. It’s best to check the menu before you go.

Do these restaurants offer vegetarian options?

Yes, most of these restaurants offer vegetarian options. Some even specialize in vegetarian cuisine.

Do I need to make a reservation?

It’s always best to make a reservation, especially if you’re visiting during peak tourist season. Some of these restaurants are quite popular and can get crowded.

What is the dress code for these restaurants?

The dress code varies depending on the restaurant. It’s best to check the dress code before you go.

Do these restaurants offer takeout?

Some of these restaurants offer takeout. It’s best to check with the restaurant before you go.

Do these restaurants accept credit cards?

Most of these restaurants accept credit cards, but it’s always best to check before you go.

What are the opening hours for these restaurants?

The opening hours vary depending on the restaurant. It’s best to check the opening hours before you go.

Conclusion

Overall, Istanbul is a food lover’s paradise. The city is home to a variety of restaurants and