Istanbul: what to eat and where

The city's signature dishes and the best places for each.

12 places in Istanbul · by Chef Amazing · updated October 20, 2026
Photo: karakoylokantasi.com

1. 1

   Münferit

   Modern Turkish meyhane · Beyoğlu

   Order: Calamari on squid-ink couscous; seasonal mezes

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2. 2

   Sofyalı 9

   Turkish meyhane · Beyoğlu

   Order: Grilled okra; eggplant with octopus

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3. 3

   9 Ece Aksoy

   Asmalımescit, Beyoğlu

   Order: Seasonal hot and cold starters, olive-oil dishes

   Asmalımescit Oteller Sok. No: 9-B Tepebaşı, Beyoğlu, Istanbul, Türkiye · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
4. 4

   Asmalı Cavit

   Turkish meyhane · Asmalımescit, Beyoğlu

   Order: traditional meze spread with rakı

   Also on the list: Where locals eat in Istanbul.

   Asmalımescit Cad. 16/D, Beyoğlu, Istanbul · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
5. 5

   Adana Ocakbaşı

   Kurtuluş

   Order: Adana kebab; grilled sweetbreads

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6. 6

   Zübeyir Ocakbaşı

   Turkish grill, kebab · Beyoğlu

   Order: Kebabs from the open grill

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7. 7

   Borsam Taşfırın

   Kadıköy

   Get: Lahmacun, then a pide with egg

   Order: Wood-fired lahmacun with sumac and pickled peppers

   Also on the list: The best lahmacun in Istanbul.

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8. 8

   Karaköy Lokantası

   Meyhane · Karaköy

   Order: Eggplant salad, muhammara, charred octopus, fish pastrami

   Critics: Read The World's 50 Best (Discovery), Michelin Guide, Time Out Istanbul.

   The crowd: 4.2 of 5 on TripAdvisor (1,360 ratings).

   Also on the list: Where locals eat in Istanbul.

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9. 9

   Bilgeoğlu Baklava

   Baklava, pastries · Kadıköy

   Order: öbiyet, ideally before noon

   Bahariye Caddesi, Nail Bey Sokak No: 1-B, Kadıköy, İstanbul · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
10. 10

    Köşkeroğlu Baklava

    Baklava · Karaköy

    Order: Pistachio baklava

    Necatibey Caddesi Eski Gümrük Sokak No: 6 Karaköy / İstanbul · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
11. 11

    Karaköy Güllüoğlu

    Baklava, bakery · Karaköy

    Get: Pistachio baklava

    Order: Classic pistachio baklava

    Also on these lists: Long lines in Istanbul, Where locals eat in Istanbul.

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12. 12

    Hafız Mustafa 1864

    Turkish sweets, bakery · Sirkeci

    Get: Lokum and baklava

    Order: Baklava, plus lokum

    Also on the list: Long lines in Istanbul.

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