PENINSULA TERAS
Read moreWhen 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
ZUBEYIR OCAKBASI
Read moreIf 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.
RULO LEZZETLERI
Read moreYou 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.
GÜVENÇ KONYALI
Read moreA 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.
BORISIN YERI
Read moreThis sign was created in 1938 and is one of the pioneers of kebap in Istanbul. Simple but full of flavor, the cuisine offered corresponds to all types of palates. Perfectly located in the historic district, you can stop here at any time for breakfast, lunch or snacks: you will find sweets (walnut, almond or pistachio halva...), everything for breakfast, hot drinks (including Turkish coffee), some cheeses and a wide variety of egg and meat dishes.
NAMLI RUMELI KÖFTECISI
Read moreRestaurant specialising in köfte, which it serves with tomatoes and onions. Piyaz (white bean salad) is a classic in köfte restaurants. These köfte are particularly tasty thanks to the meat that comes from the Trakya region (east of Istanbul). The irmik helvası (dessert made with semolina often served with a scoop of ice cream) is a must! The prices are not really cheap and the portions are quite small but it remains a trusted establishment in a neighbourhood where good addresses are scarce.
TAVARANASI
Read moreAccessible directly by an elevator, Tavaranası offers a subdued, under the roofs and a little jazzy atmosphere. As a bonus, a view of Asmalı street. The speciality of the place is the güveç, this Turkish stew served in cassolettes. Potatoes, meat, cheese, vegetables, the choices are varied. There is a wide choice of vegetarian dishes. Once very popular with students, it is now a little more expensive but the prices remain affordable. We like its calm and tranquility although it is in the heart of Beyoğlu.
DÖNERCI HACI OSMAN
Read moreIn this tourist area, which has no shortage of kebab restaurants, this is considered one of the best doner restaurants in the area. This charming but modest authentic place proposes only one dish: the sandwich with grilled meat then cut in "sheets", in other words, the yaprak doner, there is also a version with the plate. There is a queue, but it's worth it and it goes quite quickly. You can eat your sandwich on the spot or take it away. Once the last spit of meat is finished, the house closes. Go early!
PANDELI RESTAURANT
Read moreThis historic restaurant, which has been located in the Egyptian bazaar since 1926, has reopened its doors after a period of renovation. With blue earthenware on the walls, the decoration is much more sober than before. The chef offers a fine and gourmet Ottoman cuisine. As a starter, we will remember the aubergine börek served with a slice of doner meat. As a main course, we recommend lamb shank in tomato sauce with spinach or sea bass cooked in papillote. There is a good atmosphere and the waiters are very welcoming.
TATAR SALIM DÖNER LOKANTASI
Read moreFor those who are looking for a doner in the district of Kadıköy, it's simple, this address is all that's needed! There are also two choices of soups that change every day, and some desserts. Several options exist: in dürüm (wrap), served on the plate, or served with rice. This doner restaurant is simple and efficient, the meat is of good quality, the service and presentation are impeccable and the portions are generous. Don't miss out on this good plan!
LEZZET-I SARK
Read moreThis shop serves the specialities of the Antep region (known for its kebabs and pastries). We recommend the aubergine kebab but there is also a mixed plate made up of several kinds of kebabs. The portions are very generous but keep room for the künefe cooked on charcoal (a pastry made with angel hair and cheese), the region's great specialty. Two downsides: it is difficult to find a place on weekends and the inside of the restaurant, with its very narrow stairs, is cramped.
OD URLA
Read more30 minutes from Izmir, this gastronomic restaurant offers refined and modern cuisine in a garden surrounded by olive trees. Everything has been carefully thought out and meticulously made from the starter to the dessert. The dishes you are tasting will be explained to you as you go along. Interesting local wine list and delicious sorrel cocktail. Sure, it's more expensive than elsewhere but you get what you pay for. The restaurant has a nice little boutique wine hotel for guests who want to sleep in. Ask about it.
CIBALIKAPI BALIKÇISI
Read moreOverlooking the Golden Horn, this Greek tavern delights gourmets in search of authenticity with its warm wooden decor and inventive Mediterranean cuisine. Large choice of mezze and fish (no meat) presented on a tray. Among the specialities, the Cretan salad and, for dessert, the succulent tahin-pekmez, (oven cream made from sesame, cinnamon and crushed pistachios). Smiling service. A second address in the Moda district of Kadıköy, on the Asian side of the Bosporus. Address used by the locals.