A Gourmet Guide to Istanbul
Istanbul is a feast for the senses, not just for its history and culture but also for its world-renowned cuisine. At Origine Rentals, we’ve prepared a comprehensive guide to help you navigate Istanbul’s vibrant food scene, from traditional street food to luxurious fine dining restaurants. Get ready to forget your diet and indulge!
Where to Eat in Istanbul: A Guide to Local and Fine Dining
Breakfast: The Most Important Meal of the Day:
Turkish breakfast is an experience in itself. Here are our top picks for starting your day right.- Şirin Fırın (Near Galata Tower): A beloved local bakery where you can grab delicious pastries filled with spinach, cheese, or dill—perfect for a quick and authentic start to your day.
- Arada Café (Galata): Known for its massive plates of diverse specialities with a Lebanese twist. It’s a great spot for a hearty and flavorful breakfast.
- Privato Café (Galata): Famous for its all-natural products and varied local choices. Reservations are highly recommended for weekends: +90 532 763 56 70.
- Bazlama (Nişantaşı): Our favorite spot for gözleme, a traditional thin pancake. Their homemade jams and exquisite cheese selection are also must-tries. The atmosphere is cozy and adorable.
Breakfast with a Bosphorus View:
- La Mangerie (Bebek): A chic spot for a trendy breakfast with a great Bosphorus view. Arrive early as they don’t take reservations and it gets very busy.
- Sütiş (Bebek): If La Mangerie is full, the famous Sütiş is right next door, offering a high-standard, traditional Turkish breakfast.
Lunch in Istanbul: Quick Bites and Delicacies
- Kruton (Nişantaşı): A great option for a comforting and healthy lunch, offering a large variety of warm Turkish dishes.
- Healin (Nişantaşı): If you prefer salads and lighter fare, Healin is the go-to spot for healthy and delicious food.
- Galata Kitchen: Located near Galata Tower, this place offers homestyle simmered dishes similar to Kruton but at a much more affordable price.
- Sabancı Museum (Sarıyer): Combine art and gastronomy by visiting the museum and booking a table for lunch at its acclaimed restaurant.
- Super Mario’s (Karaköy): For a tasty but very simple experience, try a delicious fish wrap (balık dürüm) at this casual spot in Karaköy.
Dinner in Istanbul: Our Favorite Restaurants
- Sunset Grill & Bar: A must-visit for its spectacular nighttime views of the Bosphorus. An advance reservation for an outdoor table is mandatory. The perfect setting for a romantic dinner or a special night out.
- Ulus 29: A posh and amazing restaurant with a spectacular view and top-quality food. You can also visit just for a drink. Book well in advance, especially on weekends.
- Hamdi (Eminönü): A classic restaurant for traditional Turkish food. Make sure to reserve a table on the third-floor terrace for an unbeatable Golden Horn view.
- Grey (Nişantaşı): A trendy spot perfect for a post-shopping meal in this upscale neighborhood.
- YirmiBir (Galata): A great restaurant near Galata specializing in Turkish-style grilled meats.
- Nusr-Et: For lovers of perfectly aged beef. They have multiple locations, so be sure to make a reservation.
- Pap’s (Karaköy): If you can’t live without Italian food, this is the place. Try their Alio e Olio and enjoy their great wine selection.
Street Food & Desserts: A Taste of Local Life
- Kokoreç: For the adventurous eaters, kokoreç is a renowned street food made from spiced lamb intestines. It might sound unusual, but it’s a beloved local delicacy. Try it at Ozie’s!
- Simit, Lahmacun, and Döner: Don’t leave without trying Istanbul’s most famous street foods: a sesame-crusted simit with salty ayran (a yogurt drink), a thin Turkish pizza called lahmacun, and of course, a traditional döner kebab.
- Baklava: For those with a sweet tooth, a stop at a baklavacı is essential. These flaky phyllo pastries filled with pistachios and drenched in syrup are absolutely addictive when fresh.
- Tavukgöğsü: For something truly unique, try this traditional Turkish dessert made from… chicken breast! It’s a sweet, milky pudding that will surprise you with its deliciousness.
- Turkish Ice Cream: Kids and adults alike will love the playful show put on by Turkish ice cream vendors, known for their stretchy and dense Maraş dondurması.
