The best Turkish restaurants Route de la soie

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!

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 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.

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 café located in the chic district of Nişantaşı has a rather spacious interior and a small pleasant terrace for breakfast, lunch or dinner but especially for enjoying pastries. The cakes are delicious, fresh and not heavy (as cakes in Turkey often are, filled with cream). The classic Turkish desserts (muhallebe) are excellent. You will also find a menu with all the classics of Turkish cuisine. Seating is scarce at weekends, but during the week it's a very quiet place.