An enchanting city where East meets West, Istanbul has plenty of offer visitors looking to experience the rich cultural history of this city that straddles both Europe and Asia. For foodies, the culinary heritage of Istanbul is long and varied, with glorious kahvehans (coffeehouses) and kebapçıs (kebab restaurants) to be found on every corner. There are also some incredible Turkish desserts for those of us with a sweet tooth.
If you’re looking to plan your trip further, check out this guide on things to do in Istanbul and also this guide on things to know before you travel to Turkey.
Quick Links
Seasons Restaurant
Situated in the Four Seasons Hotel, Seasons Restaurant offers fine dining in a glass-enclosed courtyard, complete with an outdoor terrace, all sumptuously decorated with Turkish artwork and contemporary elements. The experience offers the diner an oasis amidst the hustle and bustle of high-energy Istanbul.Breakfasts offered range include Continental, American, Turkish and healthy options, as well as many side dishes, cereals, bakery items and, of course, some of the finest teas and coffees available.
- Four Seasons Hotel, Istanbul at Sultanahmet, Tevkifhane Sokak No. 1, 34122 Sultanahmet-Einonu, Istanbul.
- +90 (212) 402 30 00
- Monday – Sunday 07.00AM – 03.00PM
34 Restaurant
Located within the Grand Hyatt Istanbul Hotel in Taksim, 34 Restaurant offers amazing food in incredible surroundings. Fine dining and attention to detail complete the experience, one that will not soon be forgotten.Healthy, sumptuous foods make up the breakfast menu, ranging from authentic Turkish cuisine through to pastries and yoghurts and on to continental breakfasts, all accompanied by a large selection of teas, coffees and fruit juices.
- Grand Hyatt Istanbul, Harbiye Mah, Taskisla Caddesi No. 1, 34367, Sisli, Istanbul
- +90 (212) 368 1178
- Monday – Sunday 06.30AM – 10.30AM
Cuma
With an incredible menu of locally sourced, seasonal dishes at the heart of an ever-changing menu, Cuma offers diners amazing, contemporary food in a low key, intimate atmosphere. All tastes are catered for at Cuma, from locally sourced breads and pastries to beautiful meat and vegetable dishes, all prepared and served with flair and attention to detail.
- Cukurcuma Street No. 53/A, Cukurcuma, Istanbul
- +90(212) 293 2062
- Monday – Saturday 09.00AM – 00.00AM, Sundays 09.00AM – 8.00PM
Feriye Palace Restaurant
Situated close to the Bosphorus Bridge, spanning two continents, and affording stunning views of the Bosphorus River, Ortakoy Mosque and Maiden’s Tower, Feriye Palace Restaurant is a waterfront restaurant that provides award-winning chef’s fare and unsurpassable views.The food on offer is prepared by an award-winning chef and diners love the wide range of sushi, as well as local specialities and international favourites.
- Ciragan Caddesi No. 44, 34347, Ortakoy, Istanbul
- +90(212) 227 2217
- Monday – Sunday 09.00AM – 11.00PM
Olive Anatolian
An amazing restaurant situated in the heart of historic Istanbul, Olive Anatolian offers diners the freshest ingredients used to make innovative dishes, all prepared by some of the best chefs in the country. Diners love the sausage and potatoes, Baklava, fresh breads and meze selection, as well as the large selection of fresh fruit juices, flavoured teas and strong hot coffee.
- Ebusuud Cad No. 12, 34110, Sirkeci, Eminonu, Istanbul
- +90(212) 528 1347
- Monday – Sunday 08.00AM – 10.30PM
Tamara Restaurant
With stunning views of Sultanahmet, Tamara is large restaurant offers not only amazing food but also unique views of the Marmara Sea, which can be accessed by elevator from the restaurant.The food on offer here is distinctly Turkish, with a wide range of kebabs and other meat dishes prepared fresh to order and delivered right to your table.
- Sultan Ahmet Mahallesi, Kucuk Ayasofya Cd. No. 14, 34122, Fatih, Istanbul
- +90(212) 518 4666
- Monday – Sunday 09.00AM – 10.00PM
Assk Coffee
A quirky coffee shop located in the heart of the city, Assk Coffee serves up everything a coffee lover could desire, as well as a selection of breakfast foods and international cuisine.Everything from pizza, salad, sandwiches and breakfasts are on offer at Assk Coffee, all served with love and attention from friendly, helpful staff. Fresh pastries, eggs dishes and homemade treats are all available here.
- Abdi Ipekci Cad, Milli Reasurans, Bazaar No. 63 D, 66 Nisantasi, Sisli, Istanbul
- +90(212) 231 9172
- Monday – Sunday 09.00AM – 11.00PM
Ist Too
Situated in the luxurious Shangri-La Bosphorus hotel, Ist Too takes Turkish cuisine and infuses it with Asian spices and flavours to create a unique dining experience. Add to this the unparalleled views of the Bosphorus Straights right outside the windows and you’ll have a dining experience you’ll not soon forget.The food on offer spans the continents, much like Istanbul itself, with Turkish fare and Asian foods blended perfectly to create amazing, unforgettable dishes. International dishes and a wide range of vegetarian foods are also on offer.
- Ist Too, Shangri-La Bosphorus, Sinanpasa Mah, Hayrettin Iskelesi Sok, No. 1, Besikatas, Istanbul, 34353
- +90(212) 275 8888
- Monday – Sunday 06.30AM – 11.00PM
Brunelle Restaurant
With its French Riviera-style décor and a sumptuous Mediterranean atmosphere, Brunelle Restaurant offers diners of all ages amazing food served in the lap of luxury. Incredible views over the beautiful countryside enchant the diner as they feast on some of the most amazing dishes available on either continent. Healthy and tasty breakfast dishes, including an extensive egg menu, will keep diners happy and full for hours to come.
- Caferaga Mah, Hulya Sokak, No. 5, 34710, Kadikoy, Istanbul
- +90(216) 338 2561
- Monday – Sunday 09.00AM – 00.00AM
Bridge Restaurant
Located on the Asian side of the Bosphorus River, Bridge Restaurant offers stunning views of the Bosphorus Bridge. The venue itself houses not only a restaurant but also a ballroom, café, night club and an evening bar.The food on offer here ranges from a traditional Turkish breakfast to a mouth-watering selection of finely produced meats and Turkish cuisine, all served in sumptuous surroundings and with a view of the European side of the city.
- Nakkastepe Yolu Baba Nakkas Street No. 56, Bonders, 34632, Istanbul
- +90(216) 391 9585
- Monday – Sunday 09.00AM – 00.00AM
Amar was born and raised in England and embarked on an 11-country round-the-world gap year after graduation and then became well and truly hooked. The first gap year inspired a second, which ended up being a 23-country down-the-world trip from Canada to Antarctica. Since then, Amar has spent the last 14 years traveling the 7 continents.