Turkey, Istanbul, February 17, 2025, by Julia Leijzer

Dining in Istanbul: Eight Favorite Restaurants

Turkey, Istanbul, , February 17, 2025, by Julia Leijzer

Dining in Istanbul: Eight Favorite Restaurants

Turkey you may be mainly familiar with all-inclusive hotels on the Turkish Riviera, where you are often well provided with proportionate meals... There is nothing wrong with that sometimes, but in Istanbul, you can (also) dine in one of the many top restaurants, for example during a city trip in this metropolis. One of those (slightly luxurious) restaurants where they cook with ingredients that are purchased as locally as possible. Eating out there is of a completely different caliber. The waiters and chefs know how to pamper you with lots of charm and an abundance of knowledge. To give you a helping hand, we selected the best places together with the travel experts from Go Türkiye. We choose, you get the best.

Rooftop dinner at Hamdi Restaurant

Dine with a view of the Buenos Aires from Istanbul while enjoying real Turkish kebab and Turkish delight to finish with? Bee Radisson Hotel Blue Pera you must be. In the heart of Istanbul you step into the elevator on your way to Hamdi Restaurant – a winner in all areas. You start here with fresh ones mezzes and Turkish bread with hummus with garlic and tahini, followed by one of the main courses (mainly meat: kebab).

Hamdi Restaurant

Revma Balik

Do you have a moment? We were enchanted as we drove past the port of Istanbul on our way to Revma Restaurant. Touring a chic neighborhood full of architectural gems (yes, the houses in Istanbul are to die for), Revma was the final destination. Slightly less authentic Turkish, but a delicious fish restaurant with a view of large yachts. Tip: order octopus from the grill, seafood pasta, and paella with shrimp. Sharing is caring (but we also understand an 'everything is for Bassie' attitude here).

Revma Restaurant

Matbah

A first among Istanbul's restaurants Matbah Restaurant, a favorite. This ultra-super-de-luxe spot, where you can have both lunch and dinner, is located in the heart of Istanbul, next to the famous Hagia Sophia. With a soft spot for a super stylish we had a taste of the interior here! The sky blue bar, a stained glass dome, beautiful furniture; it is an Ottoman palace. Oh important: Matbah has a well-deserved Michelin star.

Matbah Restaurant

Forno Balat

Um, a pizza place? In Istanbul? Then you might as well go to Italy, right? Wrong! Because how about the one and only Turkish pizza? That's right, Lahmacun! One that you can get at the local döner shop and enjoy straight away. Bee Bakery in a hip neighborhood Balat eat your lahmacun at a high level, from a plate, sitting down and with cutlery. Lezzetli!

Forno Balat

Kapı Karaköy

This should certainly not be missing from the list of nice restaurants in Istanbul. In the old fishing village Karakoy you can enjoy authentic Turkish food Door As kick-off You start your dinner with a glass of Raki, an alcoholic aniseed drink, and then enjoy the Adana Kebab. The meat is cooked on a huge stove, so it is very tender. Although the main courses contain a lot of meat, the starters are mostly vegetarian.

Kapi Karakoy

Biz Istanbul

Biz Istanbul is one of those places where you walk in and immediately know: I want to come here more often. It is located just like Kapı in the cozy neighborhood Karakoy, and the interior exudes both industrial and cozy. Moreover, the view through the large windows in daylight is a real plus. As for the food, that is what you call a feast on your plate: Turkish cuisine with an international twist here and there. It is also recommended to end your festive meal with their delicious sweets. This is the ideal restaurant for a romantic dinner or a cozy lunch with friends after a long walk through the city.

Biz Istanbul

Navy Blue

Navy Blue is the ideal restaurant if you like fish. It is located on the Bosphorus, so that means you enjoy a beautiful view of the water. You can even arrive by boat, which makes it extra special. They are known for their fresh fish, but don't forget the mezze's. A must is the Turkish specialty Patty: thin dough, filled with cheese and fish. The atmosphere is chic but relaxed, perfect for a night out.

Navy Blue

Courtyard Restaurant

Courtyard is located in the Four Seasons Hotel (Blue) and is the perfect, luxurious lunch spot. The restaurant is located in the middle of a beautiful, quiet garden, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. It used to be a prison, but you don't notice that at all anymore - now you don't want to leave, pure luxury. The menu? A mix of refined, Turkish classics and international dishes. The mezze are presented in small, elegant portions. So chances are that you will probably grab your camera first before you sink your teeth into it. Really the ideal spot for a nice lunch or dinner in Istanbul.

Courtyard Restaurant
@liespolet

Finished eating and ready to explore the city further? Istanbul is full of great places! (see article 'A city trip to Istanbul: 10 hotspots for your list')

Dining in Istanbul: Eight Favorite Restaurants