Best Places to Eat in Istanbul

Best Foods to Try in Istanbul (Turkey)

Here are some must-try foods in Istanbul, with descriptions, ingredients, dietary options and price ranges.

• Döner Kebab (Rotating Kebab)

  A popular choice in Istanbul, Döner Kebab is made by roasting lamb, chicken, beef, or turkey on a vertical skewer. Once cooked, thin slices are cut off and typically wrapped in pita bread with vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and cabbage. It is a well-loved fast food option, known for its hearty and filling nature.

  • Type: Non-vegetarian
  • Approx. Price*: INR 25 - 99

• Kumpir (Baked Potato)

  Kumpir is a beloved street food, especially among students. This dish starts with a large baked potato, mashed with butter and cheese, and then topped with various ingredients such as olives, corn, pickles, and salads. It's a versatile, filling meal perfect for a quick bite.

  • Type: Vegetarian (with optional non-vegetarian toppings)
  • Approx. Price*: INR 49 - 62

• Cag Kebab

  Unlike the vertical Döner Kebab, the Cag Kebab is a horizontally cooked lamb kebab sliced off a spit. The meat is marinated with Turkish spices, giving it a richer taste. It is often served with flatbread and various dips.

  • Type: Non-vegetarian
  • Approx. Price*: INR 60 - 76

• Simit (Sesame-Crusted Bread)

  Simit is a circular bread crusted with sesame seeds, commonly compared to a bagel but richer in flavour. Freshly baked simit offers a crispy sesame coating with a soft, fluffy interior, making it irresistible to locals. Though often enjoyed plain, variations filled with cheese, vegetables, or even Nutella are also available.

  • Type: Vegetarian
  • Approx. Price*: INR 46 - 34

• İçli Köfte (Stuffed Meatballs)

  These stuffed meatballs are made from bulgur and potato, encasing a filling of minced lamb or beef. They can be boiled or grilled and are usually served hot, either as an appetiser or a main dish.

  • Type: Non-vegetarian
  • Approx. Price*: INR 13 -18

• Baklava

  Baklava is a sweet, layered pastry made from filo dough, stuffed with nuts, and sweetened with sugar syrup or honey. This sticky, decadent dessert is found all across Istanbul, offering a delicious way to end a meal or as a sweet snack.

  • Type: Vegetarian
  • Approx. Price*: INR 35 - 368

• Halka Tatlısı (Ring-Shaped Dessert)

  Halka Tatlısi is a simple yet delightful dessert on many street corners in Istanbul. The dough is deep-fried and then soaked in a sweet syrup, making it crispy on the outside and lovely on the inside.

  • Type: Vegetarian
  • Approx. Price*: INR 168 (average price)

• Börek (Pastry)

  Börek is a savoury pastry made from layers of thin dough filled with cheese, potatoes, spinach, or minced meat. It's not often found directly on the street, but plenty of shops in Istanbul offer this popular treat. Börek can be purchased in terms of portion or weight.

  • Type: Both Non-vegetarian and vegetarian
  • Approx. Price*: INR 88 - 246 per slice

• Lahmacun (Turkish Pizza)

  Lahmacun, or Turkish Pizza, is a thin piece of dough topped with minced meat, onions, and tomatoes, then baked to perfection. It's often enjoyed by rolling it up with parsley and a squeeze of lemon for added flavour.

  • Type: Non-vegetarian
  • Approx. Price*: INR 16 per piece (average price)

*Disclaimer: All costs are approximate and subject to change at the time of travel.

Turkey Food Guide: Best Restaurants and Street Food Stalls in Istanbul

Istanbul has a lively food life, hosting the best Turkish cuisine and delicacies. There are many Michelin-starred restaurants and street food options throughout the city. This guide will help you ace your search for “places to eat around me” and “food near me” in Istanbul. Here are some of the best places to eat in Istanbul.

• Lades Menemen Restaurant

  Lades Menemen Restaurant, near Istiklal Street, is famous for its menemen, a Turkish egg dish. The Turkish sausage menemen is a must-try when you visit the restaurant.

  • Location: Katip Çelebi Mahallesi, İstiklal Caddesi, Sadri Alışık Sokak, No. 11, Beyoğlu, Istanbul
  • Opening Hours: 7 AM - 9 PM

• Tarihi Karadeniz Döner

  Regarded as Istanbul's finest doner kebab, Tarihi Karadeniz Döner serves beautiful charred, juicy meat in a stunning vertical roll. You can opt for a doner sandwich or a plate with carved meat and bread on the side.

  • Location: Sinanpaşa Mahallesi, Mumcu Bakkal Sokak, No. 6, Beşiktaş, Istanbul
  • Opening Hours: 10:30 AM - 5:30 PM

• Zübeyir Ocakbaşı Restaurant

  Zübeyir Ocakbaşı Restaurant is highly recommended for its scrumptious kebabs and lamb. This ocakbaşı features a unique indoor grill. The tender, well-seasoned lamb kebab melts in your mouth, and the lamb chops are not to be missed.

  • Location: Şehit Muhtar Mahallesi İstiklal Caddesi Bekar Sokak No. 28 Beyoğlu
  • Opening Hours: 11 AM - 12 AM

• Balkan Lokantasi

  Balkan Lokantası serves various homestyle Turkish dishes in a bustling cafeteria setting. Expect a queue and an array of casseroles and stews, perfect for a hearty meal on a budget.

  • Location: Cihannüma Mahallesi, Akmaz Çeşme Sokak, No. 6, Beşiktaş, Istanbul
  • Opening Hours: 10 AM - 9:45 PM
    
    

• Neolokal

  Neolokal, a Michelin-starred restaurant also awarded a Green Star for sustainability, is situated in Salt Galata with views of the Golden Horn. The menu caters to different dietary needs, and the highlights include Morel Dumpling, Slow-Cooked Lamb, and Bonito.

  • Location: SALT Galata, Bankalar Avenue, Karaköy 34420 Istanbul Türkiye
  • Opening Hours: 6 PM - 1 AM

Vegetarian Restaurants in Istanbul

Istanbul is known for its delicious meat-based Turkish cuisine. Still, plenty of good options exist for travellers looking for pure vegetarian places to eat. Here are some great options to end your search for “pure veg restaurants near me” and “healthy food near me” in Istanbul.

• Lokantu Kru

  Lokanta Kru offers a charming dining experience in a tavern-like setting. Its dark green decor and whimsical atmosphere evoke a Tolkien tale. This restaurant features a young, ambitious chef-crafted menu, showcasing a delightful mix of vegetarian dishes.

  • Location: Teşvikiye, Avukat, Av. Süreyya Ağaoğlu Sk. No. 13, 34360 Şişli/Istanbul
  • Opening Hours: 12 PM - 10 PM

• Helvetia

  Tucked away in a charming alley, Helvetia exudes a warm, inviting atmosphere reminiscent of a fairy tale. This unpretentious spot serves delightful traditional Turkish vegetarian dishes, emphasising fresh ingredients and allowing you to mix and match flavours.

  • Location: Asmalı Mescit, General Yazgan Sk. No. 8, 34430 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye
  • Opening Hours: 12 PM - 9 PM

• Govinda

  Located within the Goranga Yoga Centre, Govinda offers a vibrant dining experience rooted in Ayurvedic and Sattvic principles. When looking for “Indian food near me” in Istanbul, Govinda restaurant is a top choice.

  • Location: Büyükdere Caddesi Naci Kasım Sokak, No. 6B Mecidiyeköy (Goranga Yoga içerisinde), 34387 Şişli/Istanbul, Türkiye
  • Opening Hours: 11 AM - 8 PM
    
    

• No 19 Dining

  No 19 Dining serves home-cooked dishes inspired by traditional Turkish women in a nostalgic, artsy setting. The menu changes daily based on seasonal ingredients and chefs' inspiration.

  • Location: Kuloğlu, Faik Paşa Cd. No. 6, 34433 Beyoğlu/Istanbul, Türkiye
  • Opening Hours: 6 PM - 10 PM

• Rulo Ezberbozan Lezzetler

  Rulo Ezberbozan Lezzetler is a popular vegetarian spot in Kadıköy, known for its generous wraps filled with fresh ingredients like chickpeas, kisir, arugula, and falafel. Offering both wraps and plated options, it's an excellent choice for affordable, hearty vegetarian meals.

  • Location: Caferağa, Nail Bey Sk. No. 15, 34710 Kadıköy/Istanbul, Türkiye
  • Opening Hours: 11:30 AM - 9:30 PM; 12:30 PM - 9:30 PM (Sunday)

Best Vegan Cafes/Restaurants in Istanbul

Istanbul's vibrant culinary scene increasingly embraces plant-based dining, making it easier for vegans to find delicious options throughout the city. With various vegan cafes and restaurants offering creative, health-conscious dishes, you can indulge in everything from traditional Turkish flavours to international cuisines.

If you are looking for “healthy food near me” or “places to eat near me as a vegan” in Istanbul, these standout spots cater to diverse tastes and dietary needs.

• Vegan Community Kitchen

  Nestled between a beautiful synagogue and a park, Vegan Community Kitchen offers a nature-inspired setting for plant-based dining. The restaurant features freshly prepared dishes by friendly chefs, focusing on Turkish street food flavours.

  • Location: Hacımimi, Serdar-ı Ekrem Cd. No. 38/A, 34087 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye
  • Opening Hours: 12:30 PM - 11 PM

• Ethique Plant-based

  Ethique Plant-based is a 100% vegan French pastry shop and café in Kadıköy. In addition to a menu that includes French onion soup, quiche, salads, and sandwiches, this quaint restaurant serves a delicious selection of vegan baked goods and chocolates.

  • Location: Fikirtepe Mh, Volkan Sk, No. 1, Kadıköy (at Pırlanta Sitesi Göztepe), Istanbul, Turkey
  • Opening Hours: 8 AM - 9 PM
    
    

• KafeNAsanat

  KafeNAsanat is a charming vegan café in Beşiktaş. Since 2021, the menu has been fully plant-based, featuring locally sourced ingredients. The café promotes various artistic lessons, and its eco-friendly design uses mostly recycled materials.

  • Location: Besiktas (at Sair Nedim Caddesi), Nüzhetiye Karakolu Sokak No. 3, Istanbul, Turkey
  • Opening Hours: 10:30 AM - 8:30 PM

• KEM KÜM Cafe Moda

  KEM KÜM Cafe Moda is an Egyptian cafe that offers vegan dishes like falafel, Koshari, burgers, pizza, and more.

  • Location: Pavlonya Sokak No. 9, Istanbul, Turkey
  • Opening Hours: 12 PM - 9 PM

• Healin Foods

  Healin Foods is a vibrant, plant-focused restaurant offering various vegan dishes. With options like falafel, raw cacao porridges, and vegan desserts, it's a lively spot for those seeking fresh, organic, healthy vegan meals in a lush, green setting.

  • Location: Teşvikiye, Hüsrev Gerede Cd. No. 110, 34365 Şişli/Istanbul, Türkiye
  • Opening Hours: 9 AM - 11 PM

FAQs

• Q.1 Is there an Indian restaurant near me in Istanbul?

  Ans. There are plenty of Indian restaurants in Istanbul, like Dubb Indian Restaurant and Musafir Indian Restaurant, where good Indian food is served.

• Q2. How much does an average breakfast in Istanbul cost?

  Ans. Istanbul offers many budget options for breakfast, with an average meal costing around TRY 30 - 40 (INR 74 - 98).

• Q3. How many Michelin Star restaurants are in Istanbul?

  Ans. There are 7 Michelin-starred restaurants in Istanbul, one of which (TURK Fatih Tutak) has received 2 Michelin Stars.

• Q4. What are some must-try dishes in Istanbul?

  Ans. You can try Lahmacun (Turkish pizza), Baklava, a famous Turkish pastry, or the Doner Kebab, a kebab made with chicken, lamb, turkey, or beef. These dishes are some of the best cuisines Istanbul offers.

• Q5. Should I book ahead at fine dining places in Istanbul?

  Ans. On weekdays, making reservations for eating in fine-dining restaurants is unnecessary. However, it is recommended that you make reservations in advance for weekends.

• Q6. Is Turkish food very spicy?

  Ans. Turkish food is known for its extensive use of fresh, flavourful ingredients like herbs and olive oil, but they generally are not spicy.