During our trip to Istanbul, we explored a variety of restaurants, from local favorites to hidden gems. We enjoyed traditional Turkish breakfasts, kebabs, seafood, and unique dishes like lamacun and beyran soup. Our top picks included Fora Kebab House and Sultanahmet Fish House, both offering exceptional food and service. This guide highlights our culinary journey and recommendations for anyone visiting Istanbul.
Istanbul is a city rich in culture and history, and its culinary scene is no exception. During our recent trip, we had the pleasure of dining at a variety of restaurants, each offering a unique taste of Turkish cuisine. In this blog post, we will share our experiences, favorite dishes, and recommendations for anyone looking to explore the vibrant food scene in Istanbul.
Cafeteria Style Dining at Pehlivan Lokantası
Our culinary adventure began at Pehlivan Lokantası, located in the Istiklal Street and Taksim Square area. Locantasis are cafeteria-style restaurants where locals enjoy affordable meals. The variety of dishes available allows diners to choose from different foods and portion sizes, making it a great spot for a casual lunch.
Traditional Turkish Breakfast
On our first morning, we ventured out for a traditional Turkish breakfast at a local café. Most restaurants in tourist areas offer similar breakfast options, including omelets and a selection of cheeses, breads, and vegetables. This meal set the tone for our culinary exploration in Istanbul.
Discovering Fora Kebab House
One evening, we stumbled upon Fora Kebab House near the Sultanahmet area. Unlike the larger, noisier restaurants that felt overly touristy, this small eatery offered a cozy atmosphere and delicious food. We enjoyed tender, smoky kebabs and grilled vegetables, which quickly became a highlight of our trip.
Sultanahmet Köftecisi: A Meatball Tradition
After asking a local for recommendations, we visited Sultanahmet Köftecisi, known for its meatballs. Established in 1920, this restaurant is conveniently located across from the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque. The walls are adorned with historical photos, adding to its charm. The meatballs were flavorful and a must-try for any meat lover.
İncili Mozaik: A Culinary Gem
Another memorable dining experience was at İncili Mozaik, which translates to “pearl mosaic.” We savored dishes like pistachio kebab, shrimp in tomato sauce, and lentil soup. The attentive service, including efforts to ensure my beer was cold, made our visit even more enjoyable.
Sura Hagia Sophia Hotel Breakfast
During our stay at the Sura Hagia Sophia Hotel, we enjoyed complimentary breakfasts featuring a wide variety of vegetables, cheeses, breads, and drinks. This daily ritual provided a great start to our adventures.
Revisiting Fora Kebab House
We returned to Fora Kebab House for dinner, where we tried grilled calamari, meatballs, and a special salad. The freshness of the ingredients and the quality of the dishes reaffirmed our love for this restaurant.
Exploring the Asian Side: Kimyon
On one of our excursions to the Asian side of Istanbul, we visited Kimyon, a restaurant we had previously discovered on a food tour. We indulged in lamacun, a Middle Eastern flatbread topped with minced meat and vegetables, which was a delightful treat.
Balik Ekmek: A Fish Sandwich Experience
A culinary goal for our trip was to try Balik Ekmek, or fish in bread. We found this dish at a restaurant under the Galata Bridge, where we split a sandwich filled with fish, lettuce, and onions. The flavors were fresh, and it was a unique experience to enjoy this local favorite.
Rooftop Views at Arya Lounge
While exploring the city, we discovered Arya Lounge, which features rooftop seating. We stopped for Turkish tea and a mango milkshake, enjoying the stunning views of the Galata Bridge and the surrounding area.
Trying Beyran Soup
During our food tour, we encountered beyran soup, a spicy lamb soup at Lezzet-i Şark. We also sampled their lamb kebab, and both dishes quickly became favorites of ours.
Disappointment at Pasha Sultanahmet
Not every dining experience was perfect. At Pasha Sultanahmet, a fish kebab and steak restaurant, we faced long wait times and lukewarm food. Despite the initial disappointment, we decided to return to Fora Kebab House for dessert and drinks, which salvaged our evening.
Cafe Society and Alpek Hotel Terrace
On a rainy day, we ducked into Cafe Society near the Spice Bazaar for Turkish tea and a cream tart. Later, we visited the Alpek Hotel terrace restaurant for wine and hummus, enjoying the beautiful views from the rooftop.
The Lord of Mussels
A local friend took us to Midyeci Ahmet, known as the “Lord of Mussels.” We tried various dishes, including lamb and beef intestines, which were surprisingly delicious. This experience was a highlight of our culinary journey.
Seafood at Sultanahmet Fish House
We received a recommendation to try the Sultanahmet Fish House, where we enjoyed dishes like sea bass in saffron and jumbo shrimp. The seafood was fresh and a welcome change from the meat-heavy meals we had been enjoying.
Dining at La Terrasse Restaurant
While in the Galataport area, we visited La Terrasse Restaurant, where we tried salmon bruschetta and an avocado and artichoke salad. The food was excellent, and the rooftop view was breathtaking.
Testi Kebab Experience
One of our friends ordered the testi kebab, a lamb dish cooked in a clay pot. The preparation was theatrical, and the dish itself was delicious, adding to our diverse culinary experiences.
Final Nights and Reflections
As our trip came to an end, we returned to Fora Kebab House for a final meal, enjoying a variety of dishes one last time. This restaurant truly became our favorite during our stay in Istanbul.
Conclusion: Our Top Recommendations
In summary, our culinary journey through Istanbul was filled with memorable meals and experiences. Our top recommendations include:
- Fora Kebab House: A must-visit for kebabs and a cozy atmosphere.
- Sultanahmet Fish House: Excellent seafood options.
- Kimyon: A great spot for lamacun on the Asian side.
- Lezzet-i Şark: For the delicious beyran soup.
We hope this guide inspires you to explore the diverse and delicious food scene in Istanbul. Each restaurant we visited offered something unique, and we encourage you to discover your own favorites during your visit.
👇 Here’s the full list of restaurants featured in this Istanbul food tour:
1. Pehlivan Lokantası (Taksim) – İstiklal Cad., 9, Beyoğlu, İstanbul
2. Esto Restaurant – Alemdar Neighborhood, Catalcesme Street, 29D, Fatih, İstanbul
3. Fora Kebap House – Alemdar Neighborhood, Hoca Rustem Street, 3A, Fatih, İstanbul
4. Sultanahmet Köftecisi – Divanyolu Cad., 12, Fatih, İstanbul
5. İncili Mozaik – Alemdar Neighborhood, Incili Cavus Street, 1A, Fatih, İstanbul
6. Sura Hagia Sophia Hotel Restaurant – Alemdar Mah., Ticarethane Sok., 10, Fatih, İstanbul
7. Kimyon Restaurant – Caferağa Mah., Kadife Sok., 17C, Kadikoy, İstanbul
8. Cansin Restaurant – Galata Bridge, İstanbul
9. Arya Lounge – Demirtas Neighborhood, Fetva Slope, 11A, Fatih, İstanbul
10. Lezzet-i Şark – Tahtakale Neighborhood, Hasicilar Avenue, 38D, Fatih, İstanbul
11. Pasha Fish Kebab Steak – Divanyolu Avenue, 58, Fatih, İstanbul
12. Alpek Hotel Terrace Restaurant – Hobyar Neighborhood, Arpacilar Avenue, 6, Fatih, İstanbul
13. Cafe Society – Rustempasa Neighborhood, Kalcin Street, 9D, Fatih, İstanbul
14. Midyeci Ahmet – Çırağan Cad., 20A, Besiktas, İstanbul
15. Sultanahmet Fish House – Alemdar Mah., Prof. Dr. Kazım İsmail Gürkan Cad., 14, Fatih, İstanbul
16. La Terrasse Restaurant – Kemankeş Karamustafapaşa Mah., Kemankeş Cad., 37A, Beyoğlu, İstanbul
17. Karadeniz Cafe – Alemdar Neighborhood, Haci Tahsinbey Street, 2, Fatih, İstanbul
18. Safi Roof Lounge Terrace – Hocapaşa Mah., Nöbethane Cad., 1, Fatih, İstanbul
19. Yakamoz Balık Restaurant – Arap cami Mah. Dikişli sk. 2, Perşembe Pazarı, Beyoğlu, İstanbul
20. Nars Brasserie – Alemdar Neighborhood, Seftali Street, 10, Fatih, İstanbul
21. Enjoyer Restaurant – Alemdar Mah., Ticarethane Sok., 19A, Fatih, İstanbul
22. Vamos Steak and Kebab – Alemdar Mah., Ticarethane Sok., 11B, Fatih, İstanbul
23. Sarayburnu Restaurant – Kennedy Avenue, 8, Fatih, İstanbul
24. Khorasani Kebab & Grill – Alemdar Mah., Ticarethane Sok., 9, Fatih, İstanbul
25. İskender İskenderoğlu – Caferağa Mah., Albay Faik Sözdener Cad., 3A, Kadiköy, İstanbul
26. Reks Kokoreç – Caferağa Mah., Kadife Sok., 1/1B, Kadiköy, İstanbul
