Best Places To Eat In Istanbul - Recommended By A Local

This very typically Turkish food chain makes it to my list because of the sheer variety of traditional Turkish food on offer, and the quality of each an every dish. For traditional Turkish food in Istanbul you can’t go wrong here, thanks to the high-quality buffet style setup serving a selection of döner (a kebab rotisserie of meat) and sumptuous Mediterranean dishes, as well as a wide range of Turkish wines. The authentic dishes all have a modern-twist to them, elevating the level of food to near fine-dining experience while maintaining very reasonable prices.Though there are several branches of Borsa, all equally good, I suggest the one in Kandilli for a lux experience with an insta-worthy view of the Bosphorus river and a venue as glorious as the food. Nothing beats their thin, crispy based lahmacun, topped with tasty mince and a squeeze of lemon, best eaten on a sunny day sitting out on the terrace.

It might not be your typical Turkish tavern, but Çin Büfe makes for an excellent alternative when in the mood for something Asian. Seasoned travelers know that when on the hunt for something yummy to eat, look to the locals; if it’s popular with the people in the know, you can be sure of a good meal and this spot is a perfect example of that rule! They make some of the cheapest food around, and being particularly kind to those – like me – of herbivorous inclinations, the simple vegetable noodles are a personal favorite! Nothing fancy, this cozy little restaurant is a convenient hit for take-out or dining in, with friendly staff and quaint touches like fresh cut flowers on each table. A small but cleverly laid out space, here you can expect all the best of Chinese dishes cooked up Chinese chefs.

For a more swanky experience with a view, I’d recommend House Cafe – a picturesque dining experience with the feel of an old-world courtyard, complete with an ornately carved wooden bar and fresh flowers. Here you’ll have a view of the intricately-made Ortakoy mosque off to one side and the Bosphorus river flowing beneath the bridge along with the other; a true mix of cultures that perfectly reflect the cultural melting-pot that is Turkey. The menu is a trendy mix of international and local cuisine cooked up by a world-renowned chef, with dishes made from high quality, fresh ingredients. For an intimate eating experience, opt for the tiny two-person deck table, where on a hot day out you can wet your feet in the cool river waters. For cooler, rainy days, there is ample indoor seating. Be sure to sample the Turkish meatballs served with aubergine puree for a hearty, healthy meal.

If you’re busy sightseeing (as you no doubt will be!) and are in search of an on-the-go quick bite, look no further than the distinctly local buffet takeaway joints dotted around the city. Istanbul has many such places but my utmost favourite – balancing price, quality and speed and offering some great specials – is Çağrı Büfe in Nişantaşı. Çağrı Büfe is considered (quite strangely to foreigners) a fast-food toast shop, with a buffet of all manner of cheese, meat, and doner served on your toast (or bread) of choice. While the tiny spot is ideal for grab-and-go meals, at wonderfully modest prices, sitting at one of the small tables outside on the pavement offers a unique opportunity to people-watch, gaining you true insight into the lives of the people living in Valikonağı Caddesi. Located in the heart of Nisantasi, you can expect to sample some delicious soujouk (beef sausage) perfect with cheese on toast, and truly scrumptious ayran (a savoury yogurt drink).

Of course, as with many countries the world over, some of the best food in Istanbul can be found out on the streets. If ever at a loss for where to eat in Istanbul, Turkey hit the streets where you’re sure to find a street food culture perfectly representing the city’s cultural diversity. Some of my recommendations for the best street food in Istanbul would have to include the iconic Istanbul simit, balık-ekmek – best sampled along the Bosphorus – and a favorite from my meat-eating days, midye dolma. Simit, perfect for a quick breakfast, is a decadent version of the bagel – freshly baked before being dipped in molasses and sesame seeds. A more savory, fishy affair balık-ekmek, better known as the fish sandwiches, ar among the most popular street foods in the city and are hard to miss near the Karaköy or Eminönü shore and are undoubtedly best enjoyed while exploring. The other fishy street snack that I highly recommend is the popular and widely enjoyed midye dolma - a delicacy of tasty stuffed mussels found just about everywhere across the city, but definitely best eaten in one of the seaside neighborhoods, possibly stumbling home from a midnight adventure!

Widely agreed upon as one of the best places to eat in Istanbul and among the best restaurants in Istanbul, Mikla is where you go when food comes before being able to pay your rent. It costs a pretty penny but for the true lovers of all things foodie this 20th story spot serves up nothing less than edible art. On the top floor of the Marmara Pera Hotel high above the city in the hills of Beyoglu the restaurant offers mind-blowing 360º views, and an even more sublime menu that reflects the Turkish-Scandinavian background of the restaurant’s award-winning chef. Start off with pre-dinner drinks on the roof terrace bar, where you can sip on an artfully poured martini as you watch the sunset over the city. This, budget willing makes for a magical night-time experience and is only enhanced by descending to the retro chrome and wooden interior of the restaurant to sink into a decadent food extravaganza, delivered with a wealth of creativity and flair. Finish off your meal – likely almost too pretty to eat – with one of several signature desserts such as the Turkish coffee vanilla slice with raspberry sorbet. A true culinary gem in Istanbul, Mikla has made the list of best 50 restaurants in the world, so as you might imagine, reservation is recommended for this popular eatery.