Many people — plenty of us here at SIMOVO included — see Turkish food as among the best in the world. Spicy, smoky, and built around the idea of trying a little bit of everything, Turkey is a finger food paradise with a street food scene that has exploded over the past decade. And Istanbul is one of the best cities to visit purely to explore authentic food from restaurant to restaurant.
In this guide, we take you through what to expect from the foodie scene in Istanbul, and explore some of the best-loved restaurants based on real reviews and expert opinions. If you're building your vacation itinerary and looking for the best restaurants in Istanbul to add to your must-visit list, keep reading for ideas to suit all tastes.
Istanbul food scene overview
Istanbul is a city that celebrates Turkey's history and authenticity — and its dedication to traditional cuisine is a great example of this. Across the city, you'll find street vendors and authentic restaurants serving mezze, baklava, kebabs, and more, with many recipes based on centuries of culinary creativity.
Istanbul is a city I personally recommend you taste as well as visit. From rooftop bars to secret foodie spots, no two dinners are the same here — and as we've mentioned elsewhere in the SIMOVO journal, it makes little sense to stick to the same old fast food you can get back home.
Much like Greece, Turkey is a nation that's passionate about making dining a social experience. If you want to dig into some traditional mezze, you don't have to go it alone — and the buffet scenes in Istanbul will certainly catch your interest if you like trying a bit of everything.
You can build your own Turkey itinerary however you see fit — but do make food and drink a big part of your cultural exploration if you can. That especially applies in Istanbul, a city that seems built to appeal to all the senses.
Best restaurants in Istanbul
Having surveyed the SIMOVO team and explored genuine reviews across the web, this guide picks out top-rated eateries across a few different categories. Whether you prefer somewhere traditional, modern, or a rooftop spot that prioritises views alongside great food, there's plenty to choose from.
We link to TripAdvisor reviews throughout, so you'll be able to explore menus, read diner reviews, and plan your visits ahead of time.
[numbered title="Traditional Turkish" pill="History and authenticity"]Restaurants that dive deep into the history of Turkey's vibrant palate — Ottoman-inspired, traditional settings, and classic cuisine that reflects centuries of culinary heritage.[/numbered] [numbered title="Modern Turkish Cuisine" pill="Creative twists"]Creative interpretations of old favourites — sleeker aesthetics, international influences, and innovative serving methods while still respecting traditional flavours.[/numbered] [numbered title="Rooftop Restaurants" pill="Views and dining"]Some of Istanbul's best-rated restaurants are built around panoramic rooftop views. Inside and outside seating options available at most.[/numbered] [numbered title="Street Food" pill="24-hour vendors"]Available around the clock across Istanbul — authentic recipes, long-standing favourites, and the best way to eat like a local. Choose the busiest stalls.[/numbered]Traditional Turkish restaurants
Traditional Turkish restaurants dive deep into the history of the nation's vibrant palate — inspired by Eastern and European cuisine with Ottoman influences throughout. The best examples prioritise traditional settings and aesthetics alongside classic cuisine, meaning you can expect the full cultural experience at these dining spots. Here are some that continue to pick up great reviews:
Modern Turkish cuisine
Modern Turkish cuisine isn't too different from traditional — the main difference is creative twists, contemporary serving methods, and international interpretations of old favourites. Modern Istanbul restaurants tend to be a little sleeker in their aesthetics, though plenty blend both culinary and traditional styles. Here are three modern dining spots worth checking out:
Rooftop restaurants in Istanbul
One of the best ways to enjoy dining in Istanbul is at height, with fantastic views across the city. Some of the best-rated restaurants also happen to be built around rooftop panoramas — meaning you'll enjoy a balance of incredible vantage points and tasty cuisine. If you're not a fan of al fresco dining, look for spots that also offer an inside seating option. Here are three rooftop restaurants worth considering:
Street food spots in Istanbul
Street food in Istanbul is typically available 24 hours a day, and it's at these authentic vendor spots that you'll be able to sample some of the longest-standing recipes and culinary favourites among local people.
[tip title="Head to Eminonu and Besiktas for the best street food"]The best neighbourhoods for street food across Istanbul are Eminonu and Besiktas — with the latter being particularly noteworthy for delicious, authentic Turkish breakfasts. Always look for vendors and stalls with long queues — it's consistently the best indicator of a clean, reliable, and high-quality vendor.[/tip]What food to try in Istanbul
If you've taken a look at our Turkish food guide, you'll already have a taste of what to expect from Istanbul's restaurant scene. Here's a quick recap of the dishes worth prioritising across street vendors and authentic eateries:
- Baklava — a classic pastry dish bursting with syrupy flavour and tons of crunch.
- Kebabs — in almost every style and hundreds of different twists. Doner, shish — take your pick.
- Pide — a delicious Turkish flatbread served with a selection of meat, vegetables, and cheese.
- Menemen — a veritable melting pot of eggs, vegetables, peppers, onions, and herbs.
- Lahmacun — Turkey's own long-standing pizza delicacy. Spicy flatbreads for all tastes and dietary requirements.
Dining tips for Istanbul
Exploring Istanbul's foodie scene is hungry work — here are some essential dining tips to keep in mind while poring through menus.
[tip title="Try Turkish dishes before you travel"]Not sure what to expect from the most popular dishes? Top up on Turkey facts with regard to popular flavours and tastes, and try a few dishes at a Turkish restaurant closer to home before you fly. Arriving with some familiarity makes the experience far richer from day one.[/tip] [tip title="Carry cash for vendors — cards aren't always accepted"]Always carry Turkish Lira when exploring Istanbul's street food scene and smaller eateries. Card payments are not widely supported at street vendors, and you don't want to miss out on a dish because you can't pay.[/tip] [tip title="Never leave food on your plate"]In Turkish culture, leaving food on your plate is considered rude. Try to finish what you're served, or ask for a doggy bag if portions are generous. Order carefully so you don't end up leaving behind food you couldn't finish.[/tip] [tip title="Take your time — dining in Istanbul is a social experience"]Dining in Istanbul is considered a social experience that should never be rushed. Savor every mouthful, enjoy the atmosphere, and don't be in too big a hurry to ask for the bill. The best meals in Istanbul are the long, leisurely ones.[/tip] [esim flag="🇹🇷" label="Turkey" data="10GB · 30 days" price="£10" href="/products/turkey" benefits="Instant QR setup · Reliable 4G/5G · No contract"]Find the best restaurants in Istanbul without roaming charges[/esim] [faq] [q]What are the best restaurants in Istanbul?[/q] [a]Istanbul's best restaurants span several categories. For traditional Turkish dining, Last Ottoman, Tarihi Degustasyon Ocakbasi, and Massa Bistro are highly rated. For modern cuisine, F&B Culture, Atolye Restaurant, and Resto Lordom Bomonti stand out. For rooftop dining with views, Roof Mezze 360, Skyline Soiree Rooftop Restaurant, and Buhara Fish Meat House Roof are excellent choices. Always check current TripAdvisor reviews before visiting.[/a] [q]What food should I try in Istanbul?[/q] [a]The five must-try dishes in Istanbul are baklava (layered pastry with syrup and nuts), kebabs in all styles (doner, shish, and beyond), pide (Turkish flatbread with meat, vegetables, and cheese), menemen (scrambled eggs with peppers, tomatoes, and herbs), and lahmacun (spiced minced meat flatbread). Street vendors and traditional tavernas are often the best places to try all of the above.[/a] [q]What are the best areas for street food in Istanbul?[/q] [a]Eminonu and Besiktas are the two best neighbourhoods for street food in Istanbul. Eminonu is famous for its fish sandwiches served directly from boats moored on the Golden Horn. Besiktas is particularly well regarded for authentic Turkish breakfasts. When exploring either area, always look for the stalls with the longest queues — they consistently indicate the freshest and highest-quality food.[/a] [q]Is tipping expected in Istanbul restaurants?[/q] [a]Tipping is appreciated but not as rigidly expected as in North America. In traditional restaurants and tavernas, rounding up the bill or leaving around 10% is generally considered generous and respectful. In street food settings, tipping is less common but always welcome. Never leave cash on the table without informing your server — hand the tip directly or state the total when paying.[/a] [q]When should I eat dinner in Istanbul?[/q] [a]Istanbul follows a late dining culture — locals typically eat dinner between 8pm and 10pm, and many restaurants don't reach full atmosphere until 9pm or later. Arriving at a restaurant at 6pm or 7pm will often mean sitting in a near-empty room. Book your table for late in the evening and embrace the pace — the best meals in Istanbul are the long, social ones.[/a] [q]Do I need an eSIM for Turkey?[/q] [a]A SIMOVO Turkey eSIM is one of the most practical things to sort before any Istanbul food trip. At £10 for 10GB over 30 days, it lets you search TripAdvisor for restaurants on the move, navigate between neighbourhoods, and share your discoveries — without roaming charges or the need to rely on restaurant WiFi.[/a] [/faq] [esim flag="🇹🇷" label="Turkey" data="10GB · 30 days" price="£10" href="/products/turkey" benefits="Instant QR setup · Reliable 4G/5G · No contract"]Find the best restaurants in Istanbul without roaming charges[/esim]
