The best Turkish restaurants Istanbul

Comfortably installed on the terrace in fine weather, do not be surprised to find yourself breathless: the view on Sainte-Sophie, Mosquée Bleue and the Bosphorus at sunset  is simply unique. On the menu, turkishes and Othomans specialities of a great refinement: fish, grilled meats, salads, range of mezze cold and hot... the desserts are also fine and gourmet  for a very correct value for money. As for the wine list, many good local bottles, let your host advise you: the waiters are very careful and will be happy to guide you in your choice. At the nightfall, the lights of the city at your feet, you are there: in the heart of one Thousand and one nights!

For all the gourmets who want to taste the different specialities of Turkish cuisine, try the doy doy mixed kebab, pides, kunefe for dessert and finish with a traditional Turkish coffee. The Doy-Doy Restaurant has everything to please you: a simple and generous cuisine is offered, the reception is friendly, the prices are very affordable and in addition you will enjoy a spectacular view of the Blue Mosque from the terrace located on the top floor of this great restaurant. A very good address in the neighborhood!

Located in the heart of the old city of Istanbul, this restaurant guarantees a refined dinner in a pleasant garden with a magnificent view of the Cafera Medrese (Sinan's work), lulled by soft Turkish classical music. On the menu, an Ottoman cuisine that was served in the Palace, revisited, delicious and copious. Mahmudiye (chicken with honey, lemon and cinnamon sauce) is retained. The restaurant is in a hotel but it is worth a visit.

A magnificent terrace spreads out in front of a beautiful Ottoman building with a wooden facade. A pomegranate tree and its garland, a bric-a-brac of glass jars and above all a breathtaking view of the Blue Mosque. Inside, the decoration puts us in the mood: woodwork, cushions, carpets, and some portraits... On the menu: Ottoman and Turkish cuisine, and a beautiful wine list to accompany the dishes. A last praise for the team of smiling waiters and always there for our pleasure.

This brand no longer holds any secrets for the people of Istanbul who like to sit down at one of the three Çiya restaurants on the street. You can choose between Çiya Kebab or Sofrasi. But rest assured, in both, the dishes are excellent, the meat is of high quality and the mezze is perfectly seasoned. For dessert, try the pumpkin syrup, which is really typical and surprising! The only downside is that the service is sometimes a bit rushed. If the prices are higher than average, they remain very cheap for a European clientele. No alcohol.

If you pronounce the 6th with a turka, you will discover the speciality of the place in its name (Kahve Altı, for Kahvaltı), as if by magic. Intimate and warm, dotted with greenery, with a shaded backyard, it is one of the best places in Istanbul to enjoy a real Turkish breakfast, really delicious. The breakfast plate is sufficient for two people. A vegan option is also available. And the recipe works, since no matter how small, the place attracts a young clientele and many foreigners

A kind of small local bistro, the food is very good. A real warm welcome to the turca. The menu is different for lunch and dinner, where the concept of meyhane (tavern) takes precedence. At noon, it meets the needs of local professionals with dishes that change every day. In the evening, the essential accompaniments of rakı appear: the ara sıcaklar, hot starters, and there is a wide choice of mezze with, among others, offal, smoked octopus and fish carpaccios. The service is impeccable

The dozens of colourful lanterns that adorn the ceiling seem to be inviting us and give a real charm to the restaurant. Turkish cuisine is correct and served generously. Here we serve the kiremit (meat in a pot in the oven, the tradition of Cappadocia). Some international dishes such as pizza, pasta or vegetarian dishes. You can eat on the terrace, under the lanterns or on the top floor where you can admire a beautiful view of Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. How to plan a romantic dinner at sunset!

It is a hidden place, like there are many in Istanbul. Once you reach the 6th floor, you will only have to admire the incredible view of the Golden Horn. This select restaurant offers delicious Turkish specialities as well as world cuisine. We particularly recommend the Sultan kebabı, accompanied by an aubergine purée. Several kinds of wines are on the menu. Some evenings, musicians take up Turkish classics. Perfect restaurant for a romantic evening or just to have a drink and enjoy the view.

If a night at the Çiragan is not in your budget, treat yourself to a luxurious brunch, lunch or tea time at the Gazebo lounge, one of the restaurants of the mythical palace. Comfortably seated on the splendid terrace, you will enjoy a breathtaking view of the Bosphorus. The cuisine is refined with classic but elegant mezzes, a perfectly mastered lamb confit, diabolical desserts. International classics are also offered a la carte. The attentive service is obviously worthy of the palace. Reservations required.

Café-bar-restaurant, the Balkon opened since 2004 is the ideal place to eat local specialities (Turkish breakfast in particular), more classic dishes like pizzas. Everything is good. You can also drink a tea at any time of the day and contemplate the incredible view of the old town from the terrace or have an aperitif before dinner to enjoy the sunset. The wine list is honest as are the prices. In the evening, the place becomes a lounge bar, often crowded, but just as pleasant. Nice atmosphere.

A charming little establishment in a quiet alleyway above the Galata Tower. The place is in fact very warmly recommended for its breakfasts and its wide choice of homemade jams. After breakfast here, forget your lunch because you will no longer be hungry. Lunches and dinners are not to be missed. The menu varies according to the chef's inspiration and the freshness of the seasonal products found on the market. A beautiful place for a moment of relaxation. Wifi access. Possibility to have a drink in the evening.

This café-restaurant, located in the heart of Sultanahmet, will delight its customers with the diversity of its menu. Indeed, you can find everything: hot and cold mezze, kebabs, salads, pizzas and burgers and even fish. To accompany your meal, the house offers several Turkish wines. The place is large and pleasant. Between tradition and world cuisine, if you are looking for a good address in the neighbourhood, this is the place to come: the staff is friendly, the service is fast and the prices are very reasonable.

If you didn't know what to expect, you'd walk right past it without even noticing it. But some clues do not deceive: the room and the few tables on the sidewalk are often full of Stamboulians who come to taste a home-made cuisine, copious, tasty and cheap. The menu changes every day, you just have to choose from the dishes prepared by the open kitchen. Here, for a handful of TL, you get a soup, a piece of moussaka, a beef or chicken sauté... In short, a nice little neighbourhood canteen!