The 10 Best Restaurants of Istanbul

Welcome to the beautiful city of Istanbul, the perfect blend of East and West. This city is famous for its unique culture, history, and delicious food. Istanbul has a renowned nightlife and its culinary offerings have always been an important part of it. In this blog post, we’re going to introduce you to the top 10 restaurants in Istanbul that offer the best food, ambiance, and experience.

1. Nusr-Et Steakhouse

If you’re looking for a classy experience, Nusr-Et Steakhouse is the place to be. Owned by Turkish butcher and chef Salt Bae, this place has become famous worldwide due to its mouth-watering steaks, gorgeous ambiance, and the famous Salt Bae attitude. You’ll have a memorable experience and a unique taste of Turkish meat.

2. Mikla

Mikla is a fancy rooftop restaurant located on the 18th floor of the Marmara Pera hotel. You’ll be amazed by the stunning views of Istanbul and the Bosphorus. The restaurant offers innovative Anatolian cuisine with a modern and artistic twist. The chef, Mehmet Gurs, is one of the most renowned chefs in the country and a well-known representative of the new Turkish cuisine movement.

3. Sunset Grill&Bar

If you’re looking for a luxurious dining experience, Sunset Grill&Bar is the perfect choice. Located in a beautiful mansion in Ulus, it’s known for its elegant ambiance, stunning sea view, and delicious food. Sunset Grill&Bar is a seafood restaurant that serves fresh lobsters, oysters, and Mediterranean seafood dishes.

4. Asitane Restaurant

Asitane restaurant serves Ottoman cuisine that dates back to the 15th century. It’s located in Edirnekapı, a historical district, and the restaurant itself is a beautifully restored Ottoman house. They serve dishes that are long forgotten and mostly extinct. If you want to feel like a true Ottoman prince, Asitane is the perfect place to be.

5. Ciya Sofrası

Ciya Sofrası is located in Kadıköy, on the Asian side of Istanbul. It’s well known for the traditional Turkish cuisine that they serve, along with some forgotten and lost Anatolian dishes. The menu changes daily, and they offer a unique culinary adventure. Ciya Sofrası has more than 500 traditional Anatolian dishes in its recipe book.

6. Ziya

Ziya is a modern Turkish restaurant located in the Akaretler district of Beşiktaş. They serve traditional Turkish dishes with contemporary twists. The decoration is modern and the ambiance is stylish. The chef, Mehmet Gürs, is also the owner of Mikla, which we mentioned earlier.

7. Adana Ocakbaşı

Adana Ocakbaşı is located in the atmospheric neighbourhood of Cankurtaran, Sultanahmet. It’s a family-run grill and meat restaurant that specializes in Adana kebab, a traditional Turkish dish. You’ll have a truly authentic experience while eating grilled meat in this historical neighbourhood.

8. Ulus 29

Ulus 29 is another luxurious restaurant located in the Ulus district of Istanbul. It’s known for its stunning view of the Bosphorus and is the perfect place for a special dinner or a romantic date. The menu includes Turkish and Mediterranean dishes prepared with the freshest ingredients.

9. Gile Restaurant

Gile Restaurant is located in the Balat district of Istanbul. The neighbourhood itself is an up-and-coming hipster area with a lot of trendy cafes, bars, and shops. The restaurant serves traditional Turkish dishes, mezze, and kebabs. They also have vegan and vegetarian options.

10. Fish of North

Fish of North is a must-visit seafood restaurant located in the Bebek neighbourhood, right by the sea. They serve fresh fish, octopus, and other seafood, along with traditional mezzes, salads, and fresh bread. The ambiance is informal and lively, and you can enjoy the sea view while sipping on cold rakı, a traditional Turkish drink.

Conclusion

Istanbul is a city of great contrasts, and its culinary scene is no exception. In this blog post, we’ve introduced you to the top 10 restaurants in Istanbul that offer unique experiences and great food. From traditional Ottoman cuisine to modern and innovative Anatolian cuisine, Istanbul has it all. These restaurants are perfect for a special night out, a romantic dinner, or a unforgettable evening with friends or family. Don’t hesitate to try them out and let us know what you think!

The 10 Best Restaurants of Istanbul

Istanbul is a city with rich history and culture, and the food scene is no exception. From traditional Turkish dishes to international cuisine, Istanbul offers a wide range of dining options. If you’re planning a trip to Istanbul and wondering where to eat, we have compiled a list of the 10 best restaurants in the city.

1. Mikla Restaurant

Mikla Restaurant is located on the rooftop of the Marmara Pera hotel and boasts stunning views of the city. The restaurant combines Scandinavian and Turkish flavors to create modern dishes using local, seasonal ingredients. The tasting menu is highly recommended for an unforgettable dining experience.

2. Ciya Sofrasi

Ciya Sofrasi is a family-owned restaurant that serves traditional Turkish food from different regions. The dishes are prepared daily with fresh ingredients and spices, and the menu changes frequently. This is a great option for those who want to experience the different flavors of Turkish cuisine.

3. Asitane Restaurant

Asitane Restaurant is located in the historic district of Istanbul and specializes in Ottoman cuisine. The menu features dishes that were once prepared in the Topkapi Palace, and the recipes have been carefully preserved and passed down through generations. The restaurant has a cozy, intimate atmosphere, making it a great choice for a romantic dinner.

4. Sunset Grill & Bar

Sunset Grill & Bar is located on the Bosphorus and offers stunning views of Istanbul’s skyline. The restaurant serves international cuisine, including seafood and steak dishes. The outdoor terrace is a great spot to enjoy a cocktail while watching the sun set over the city.

5. Gile Restaurant

Gile Restaurant is located in the trendy neighborhood of Karakoy and is known for its seafood dishes. The menu changes seasonally, and the chefs use locally sourced ingredients for the freshest taste. The restaurant also has a great selection of Turkish wines.

6. Ulus 29

Ulus 29 is a fine-dining restaurant located in the upscale neighborhood of Ulus. The menu features Turkish dishes with a modern twist, and the wine list has won numerous awards. The restaurant has a terrace that overlooks the Bosphorus, making it a great choice for a special occasion.

7. Nusr-Et Steakhouse

Nusr-Et Steakhouse is a chain of restaurants owned by Turkish celebrity chef Nusret Gokce, also known as “Salt Bae.” The restaurant is known for its high-quality meat dishes, including the famous tomahawk steak. The atmosphere is lively and energetic, and the staff is friendly and welcoming.

8. Yeni Lokanta

Yeni Lokanta is a modern Turkish restaurant located in the trendy neighborhood of Beyoglu. The menu features dishes that are inspired by traditional Turkish cuisine, but with a modern twist. The restaurant has a lively atmosphere and is a great spot for a casual dinner with friends.

9. Balikci Sabahattin

Balikci Sabahattin is a seafood restaurant located in a historic building in the Sultanahmet neighborhood. The restaurant has been around since 1876 and is known for its fresh seafood dishes. The atmosphere is cozy and traditional, and the service is friendly and attentive.

10. Zuma Istanbul

Zuma Istanbul is part of the international chain of Japanese restaurants. The restaurant is known for its sushi and sashimi dishes, as well as grilled meats and seafood. The atmosphere is sleek and modern, with a great view of the city from the terrace.

Conclusion

Istanbul has a diverse food scene with something to offer for everyone. Whether you’re in the mood for traditional Turkish cuisine or international flavors, these 10 restaurants are sure to satisfy your cravings. Plan your visit to Istanbul today and experience the city’s culinary delights for yourself!