The best restaurants Route de la soie

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!

A refined place on the quayside of the old port, a stone's throw from the aquarium, to discover the tradition of Genoese cuisine in an atmosphere that's both simple and warm. A cuisine inspired by the past, where flavours remain faithful to their origins. The wood-fired oven bears witness to this, with succulent farinatas and cheese focaccias. The recipes, mainly based on the sea and the catch of the day, highlight the gastronomic and oenological specialties of Liguria. Not forgetting the possibility of a cocktail on the terrace on summer evenings...

Between the Sabir Arkonchi Hotel and the walls of Ichan kala, a rotunda overlooks a pool that is pleasantly cool in summer. You can eat European or traditional dishes (we recommend the excellent mantys!). In spring and summer, Uzbeks come here to celebrate weddings or birthdays, not hesitating to invite tourists to join in the festivities. At the end of the season, the interior room offers a little more warmth, but the decoration is non-existent.

An authentic tavern where you can eat honest Mediterranean and traditional Greek food in a charming room. The decoration, between hangings, cushions, photos, knick-knacks and objects of all kinds, is far from playing the minimalist card of the time, but it is skilfully staged as if telling a story, which gives a warm result. The locals appreciate the atmosphere to meet with friends or family. A typical address to try the Greek classics and taste the good mood of the city.

Where will we go back to get some freshness and happiness this summer? On the banks of the Rhône, in a beautiful boat moored on the quay, with brand new parquet flooring to welcome us. Have a drink, share a board, enjoy a large salad, a poke bowl full of flavors, the chef's burger or a creamy risotto with wild prawns... All this while being lulled by the waves and the beauty of the urban landscape. Homemade cocktails, with or without alcohol, wine and beer list to prolong the pleasure. Possibility to organize private events.

In just a few years, this restaurant has conquered the hearts of the Romans with its traditional cuisine updated to the latest taste. Its name, Jole, is not by chance: it is the name of the grandmother of Luca, the owner. Here, the cuisine of the nonna (grandmother) is celebrated and the deliciously vintage decoration seems to have been chosen by her. On the menu, you must try the ravioli alla coda alla vacinara, ravioli stuffed with cow's tail, typical of Roman cuisine. For dessert, the crostatina con crema e frutta secca is exquisite!

In this American style BBQ, passionate men smoke meats, sausages, but also octopus in summer. The result is a menu based on "pulled pork" smoked for 12 hours, ribs, marinated chicken and American Black Angus beef smoked for 12 hours. Meats cooked at low temperature that are very tasty to share, why not, on generously garnished platters. For dessert, a bit lonely, it's cheesecake or brookie. Beers rather than wines. Adorable welcome and guaranteed conviviality. An address that takes us far away!

It always works so hard to teach Auchan and its «Auchan Drive» that allows you to shop from home and then recover your purchases directly in the trunk of your car (slots go half hour in half hour). No minimum order, prices and discounts are the same as hyper, stress, world and fatigue, then? In addition, we combine both the euro and the store, the choice of products is varied, the service is free, and the bio is increasingly represented.

Everybody needs to go to the Powder Room, "place of friendly interest". At La Croix-Rousse, a pretty Little Corner with a very successful decoration opening its terrace towards a large quiet place. A Little Corner which welcomes us in all conviviality all day long, from breakfast to snacks, including seasonal slate and boards to share in the evenings. Butcher's Piece, beef and salmon tartars, but also vegetal. Everyone is delighted, enjoying a warm welcome and friendly service. Petanque balls at your disposal!

In 2022, young chef Zeynep Pınar Taşdemir was awarded a Michelin star. It's like an old country house in the middle of the city. In any case, this restaurant does have a "soul"! The chef's cuisine is simple, delicate and to the point. Composed mainly of vegetables (a daring choice in the realm of kebabs!), the menu is renewed each season, and you'll "rediscover", in particular, the flavor of artichokes! One small drawback: small portions... for great cuisine nonetheless.

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.

The restaurant, which opened in 2005, was awarded a Michelin star in 2022. Chef Cihan Çetinkaya and his partner Mehmet Gürs are committed to offering a fusion of Turkish and Scandinavian cuisine. With the chef working with small-scale producers in Anatolia, the food used is carefully chosen with ethics in mind. As the chef himself says, his aim is to sublimate "humble" products. His grilled squid? A true delight! The menu is accompanied by 3 glasses of wine. The little extra: a breathtaking view... but not your appetite!

Two stars in the Michelin Guide 2022 thanks to talented chef Fatih Tutak! As the name suggests, the chef strives to offer the classics of Turkish cuisine, but in a modern, uncluttered and elegant way. His cuisine aims to bridge the gap between new techniques and old methods. In particular, he likes to work with "fire", using various types of charcoal and wood essences. The menu, which features nine dishes and two desserts, changes regularly. Don't forget to book well in advance.

Kebabs hold no secrets for you? Looking for a little exoticism? With its Latin American cuisine, this establishment takes you on a journey to the other side of the globe, from Mexico to Chile and Argentina via Peru and Bolivia. Several South American menus, interpreted in Turkish style, will take you on a journey without leaving Istanbul. The well-presented dishes will whet your appetite right away! What's more, the menu features a wide selection of wines. Excellent value for money.

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...

La Trata offers fresh fish, shellfish and seafood dishes of the highest quality, right in the heart of Athens! The owner, Ch. Chalciadakis, a Cretan, runs this family-run establishment, a must in the city center. Just a few steps from Omonia Square, but in a quiet corner, you can enjoy refined and traditional specialties. Excellent address for a glass of ouzo or raki accompanied by fruity dishes! Very good value for money, even for fresh fish by the kilo. Relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

This address has long been a sure bet. You'll be charmed by the small garden at the entrance and the pretty terrace at the back. With its "trendy vintage" decor, the interior is warm and inviting, and you immediately feel at ease, more like in grandma's house than in a café! The menu features burgers, pizzas, pastas, grilled meats and fish served by friendly staff. However, there's quite a wait in the evening. If that doesn't put you off, don't hesitate - you're guaranteed to have a good time afterwards.

In the offal series, here is a good place to eat kokoreç (based on guts) or midye (mussels stuffed with rice). Kokoreç is available in porsiyon or sandwiches. It is the typical dish that Turks take on the evenings of a football game or after a well-drunk evening. You can imitate the Turks and have a beer with them, the restaurant also serves rakı Feel free to go to Le Mercan for its fish and mezzés and enjoy hamsi (anchovies) breaded with corn flour on the terrace.

This establishment offers Lebanese cuisine with, of course, falafel, hummus and tabbouleh. Since it's owned by a chain, it's doubtful that everything is homemade, but for vegetarians it's a good alternative. Meat lovers will opt for beef, lamb and chicken kebabs, and the undecided will choose a kebab and falafel plate. As the vegan plate isn't very hearty, we recommend ordering a few extra mezze. If you come in the evening, be aware that there's quite a wait.

This establishment is located in one of Kadiköy's many alleyways. For a terrace seat, take the elevator to the third floor and you'll reach a rooftop overlooking part of the Bosphorus. The restaurant offers tasty dishes, including fillet of beef with quince purée and potatoes. They also offer a wide choice of breakfasts. The only downside is the long wait for service. More of a cocktail bar atmosphere at weekends, prefer a weekday for dinner.

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.

A quality fish restaurant located in Bebek, on the edge of the bridge over the Bosporus. Just like Sultanahmet's first establishment opened in 2005, this one, opened at the end of 2010, will offer you its setting and magnificent view on the one hand, and a delicious and diversified service and dishes on the other hand. We recommend güveç karides (shrimps cooked in the oven) and seafood products marinated in a curry sauce. The five other establishments of the brand have different cards to satisfy the greatest number.

To find this kind of establishment in the large Akmerkez shopping center is rather surprising. The restaurant's decor is very elaborate, in the style of an artist's gallery using industrial materials. The place is spacious, inviting you to stroll around and admire the paintings. The shaded terrace is very pleasant. The menu is varied and original, and includes chicken couscous risotto and vegetarian pizzas. However, cocktails are the house specialty, notably the Whiskey Sour.

This restaurant belongs to the group Divan hotel, you will see signs of this company all over the city and the country. Located in the Rahmi Koç Museum, this place will welcome you after your visit to the museum. In addition to offering excellent and refined dishes, the view of the Golden Horn is magnificent. Several cold and hot mezzes are offered, the ahtopot güveç (baked octopus) is absolutely to be tested, some grills and fish as well as the Turkish classics are prepared with finesse. The service is impeccable.

This coffee shop belonged to the photographer Ara Güller. It offers a fairly modern cuisine with Turkish influences, such as çokertme kebap, a speciality of the Aegean coast, or mantı, meat ravioli with yoghurt sauce. The atmosphere is slightly trendy, without the place being too upscale. The decoration gathers many objects found in flea markets that give a retro look in which you feel good. The photos on the wall are obviously the work of the famous owner. The terrace at the entrance is pleasant in summer. No alcohol.

Do you like seafood, the Mediterranean and mezze? Then a visit to the Giritli restaurant is imperative. Only one menu is served, but what a menu! An entry followed by about 17 varieties of mezze (variable number) including seafood, and, if you get to the end, a fish (the waiters will make you the list of the day), and one or two desserts! You should try Aegean specialities based on vegetables and olive oil. A terrace is located outside in a small courtyard. Possibility to book on the website.

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.

No, it is not a brand, but rather the essential dishes of the Ortaköy district: kumpir and waffles! What is kumpir? Imagine a potato emptied and stuffed with ingredients of your choice: Russian salad, pickles, mushrooms, corn, sausage, olives... and half a dozen sauces. If your taste is sweet, you can choose the waffle, a large waffle decorated with fruit and a topping of your choice. One or the other are large snacks, or even a complete meal. Perfect for a break at the Sunday market.

In a street in front of the Sirkeçi train station, Konyalı has been the palace restaurant of Topkapı since 1897. An institution that also has a popular pastry shop. It's actually two restaurants side by side. The first one is a classic in the city. Like in a cafeteria, you take your tray and you follow the rhythm: soups, dishes of the day... (no alcohol). On the side, the service is more oriented for those who want to settle down to taste the original and famous Ottoman cuisine. The restaurant is charming and the service is of high quality.

Known for his excellent fish, Sabahattin was a fisherman who cooked for local residents in his modest premises until the day... the Four Seasons Hotel opened its doors. The customers - wealthy - have arrived. The restaurant has since acquired an international reputation. No more picturesque! Of course, prices have risen to the great displeasure of the original regulars. It is still a very good place for fish, especially since the refined setting perfectly complements the reputation. Save a place for the excellent dessert.

This little shop is perfect if you want to grab a bite to eat while continuing on your way. It sells mainly take-away food, although there are a few stools inside. These are the dürüm (wrap) specialists, with a choice of beef, lamb, chicken or vegetarian dishes. Very well seasoned, they're neither too fatty nor too dry. And their hummus is to die for! The only downside is the waiting time during busy periods. The price of success!

A very pretty wooden facade and a dream location at the foot of the Galata tower. This family restaurant, with its relaxing atmosphere, has been located in the neighbourhood since 1949. On the plate, the classics of Turkish cuisine (mezze, dishes in olive oil, stuffed, kebap...), simple but tasty. The dishes are presented in pictures on the menus, a wise initiative, because the waiters, who are very friendly, speak little English. Be careful, the menu changes according to the days and not all dishes are available. An address that is highly appreciated.

This is one of the few restaurants in Sultanahmet to offer a cuisine other than that of Turkey! This Indian is simply delicious and its complete menu offers all the specialities of the genre: palak paneer, chicken tikka, naan, tandori, etc. A favourite for their ice cream flavours for dessert (cardamom, rose and mango). It is also a good place for vegetarians (even rarer in this area!). However, prices are slightly higher than average. If you can sit on the terrace, the view is magnificent.