Istanbul & Marmara Region

The opinions are unanimous: when the content is as good as the form, why look elsewhere? Specialized in breakfast, with a variety of impressive à la carte products, you will inevitably find your happiness. Homemade jams, exquisite peanut paste, fresh produce, copious plates and, icing on the cake, a view of the Bosphorus to fall to the ground. Impossible to start your day other than wonderfully well.... Apart from breakfast, they serve pide (pizzas) and some kebabs.

Bitlisli offers classics of local cuisine. The presentation of the dishes is meticulous, and the service is fast and courteous. The kebabs are all very good, especially the famous Ali Nazik kebab (meat in sauce served on an eggplant purée). Possibility to choose dishes to share to taste several varieties of kebabs. Tava is also tasty, it is the name of the metal dish in which the meat is seized and used as a plate. Be careful not to touch the dish which is very hot.

In the old quarter of Istanbul, there are few restaurants that offer traditional cuisine in a modern and trendy setting. That's what this restaurant offers, and its popularity is growing all the time. While offering the classics of Turkish cuisine, the chef makes some really successful sweet and savory combinations like lamb neck with plums or stuffed melon. Vegetarian options are available, especially the testi kebap which we recommend. The promise of the place: treat you like a sultan. That's all there is to it!

For his environmental and ethical approach to gastronomy, Chef Maksu Aksar was awarded a Green Michelin Star in 2022. As the name of the establishment indicates, the chef proposes a local cuisine while using contemporary techniques. Moreover, we applaud the zero waste approach. Taste, among others, the blue lüfer, prince of Marmara fish, with its lemon mousse: a treat! And, from the terrace, at nightfall, the Blue Mosque lights up before your eyes. A show not to be missed and an address not to be missed.

A unique restaurant in the Balat district. Indeed, the restaurant offers a "fusion" cuisine, mainly based on fish and seafood. You will taste Turkish products cooked in an innovative way and presented beautifully, according to the rules of great gastronomy. The menu includes a risotto with Trabzon cheese, strawberry and balsamic sauce, or the fish of the day with wild rice and blackberries. The menu is audacious, we only regret that there is no wine to accompany the dishes...

The house specializes in breakfasts: you'll find a formula to share for two, the classic breakfast and even a vegan version. For a healthy breakfast, there are also the trendy smoothie bowls, decorated with fresh fruit and sprinkled with granola. For those looking for a snack during the day, the establishment offers avocado or peanut butter toast, pasta and salads. Delicious desserts and homemade lemonades are also served. The cosy interior makes you feel right at home.

If you've had your fill of kebabs or are looking for a place to eat vegan, this is the place for you. However, don't expect anything too elaborate, as the cuisine is simple and home-style. The value for money is unbeatable for a hearty plate with a choice of 3 different dishes. The falafels, which are too fatty, are a little disappointing, but the soy steaks are tasty. Grape leaves or vegetables in olive oil are offered as side dishes, and a few desserts are also on the menu.

If you can't live without meat, this is the restaurant for you. Whether seared, simmered or smoked, all meats are tasty. Don't be surprised by their black color, which means they've been cooked and then smoked over a cherry wood fire for 12 hours. If you're tempted by an assortment, choose the Just Kombo plate. The burgers are delicious and the sauces are homemade. Side dishes are extra. Admittedly, the prices are high, but justified by the cooking times and the quality of the products.

There's a good reason for the restaurant's excellent reputation. You'll find all the classic Meyhane dishes here. The speciality, however, is the topik : filled chickpea dumplings. The eggplant with yoghurt is also particularly tasty. We also appreciate the wide choice of fish and the variety of ways in which they can be cooked: fried anchovies (but not very fatty) or grilled sardines (a lighter option). We regret that the outdoor tables are a little too close to the road, but the view over the Golden Horn soon makes us forget this inconvenience.

It is impossible to stay in Turkey without tasting the succulent kaymak, a tasty cream made from the film that forms when the milk is boiled. It is usually enjoyed for breakfast, accompanied by honey. Hasan Fehmi Özsüt cooks all his dairy products himself and breakfast has a completely different flavour! Formerly known as Özsüt Karaköy, this shop changed its name when it moved to avenue d'İstiklal. In addition to kaymak, try sucuklu yumurta (spicy egg and sausage).

Beautiful sign of the typical district of Asmali Mescit, where you can eat good fish and drink good Turkish wine. The waiters will guide you to choose a good bottle as an accompaniment. We like the wine cellar spirit with red brick vaults. Relaxed and rather quiet atmosphere, perfect for a romantic dinner. On the menu we have hot and cold mezzés, a large choice of red meats, poultry and some fish. The servers are particularly warm and attentive. If you wish to dine upstairs, remember to book in advance

A sign that no longer needs to be presented to the locals, this high-end restaurant chain is also part of a hotel group of the same name. With its terrace offering a beautiful panoramic view (even in winter), Divan is an excellent address in the Taksim district. The classics of this restaurant are the yoghurt kebab with pide bread, and the hünkar beğendi (simmered beef served on an aubergine purée). Pasta, pizzas and even hamburgers are on the menu. The service is impeccable. The prices are correct for the care, and the standing of the place

When you arrive at this restaurant, you will probably have one of the most beautiful views of Istanbul. It's simple, everything is in front of your eyes: the palace of Topkapı, Sainte-Sophie, the Golden Horn and the Bosporus. Peninsula manages to combine Turkish and world cuisine with subtlety. There are hot and cold mezzés, some fish and seafood and a wide choice of meat dishes, but there are also some vegetarian alternatives. To accompany the dishes, the wine list is composed of good bottles of Turkish wine

If you are not familiar with ocakbaşı, this is the opportunity to try it out by visiting the best restaurant in Istanbul. This place prepares mezzés for you, don't miss grilled eggplants. But above all, what makes the place so special is the grilled meats in the middle of the restaurant. All we will have here is grilled meat and a choice of lamb, chicken, beef and 3 varieties of kebabs. A great classic of Turkish cuisine not to be missed. Impeccable service. Quite expensive meal, but very copious and unique in its kind.

You won't find many falafel vendors in Istanbul, but this tiny stall is definitely worth a visit. First of all, the falafels are tasty and not too fatty, then you can dress them up as you wish with: mixed vegetables, gherkins, red cabbage, olives, corn... and the famous tahini (sesame) sauce. You can enjoy your falafel as a dürüm (wrap) or by the plate. We love this well-balanced, inexpensive and filling snack, which is also a great vegetarian alternative.

A pleasant restaurant, offering many typical Turkish dishes but worth a visit especially for its speciality specific to the Konya region (the owner is from Konya), etli ekmek (pizza dough coated with spicy minced meat). Only problem: as the dough is very thin and therefore very long, it cools quickly. Baked lamb kebab is delicious and melts in your mouth, but it is the most expensive dish on the menu, otherwise prices are average. As this place is very busy, we regret the very long service.