From iconic old-fashioned cafes to market stalls selling grilled fish straight from the sea, Istanbul is a total food-lover’s heaven. We asked you for your top restaurants in Istanbul over on our Hostelworld.com Facebook page. Here’s what you had to say...
Çiya Sofrasi
Selim Pulcu says:
Ciya in Kadikoy.
Bihter Tmn says:
Ciya in Kadikoy - they serve all types of kebabs from Ottoman-style to Middle Eastern. They were featured in a New York Times article a couple of years ago. Yum!
Location: Guneslibahce Sokak 43
The Balık Ekmek stalls at Galata Bridge
Ale Kriti says:
The balik ekmek restaurants under the Galata Bridge...good price, fresh fish and amazing view!
Antik Acibo says:
Balik ekmek near Galata Bridge.
Rachael Moodley says:
Balik Ekmek near Galata Bridge!
Pudding Shop Lale Restaurant
José Arnedo says:
Pudding Shop.
Brenda Conybeare says:
The Pudding Shop.
Eva-Lena Nilsson says:
Pudding Shop.
Hostelworld says:
This place got famous in the 1960s as a major stop-off point on the Hippie Trail and was featured in the movie 'Midnight Express'. Today, people flock there for tavuk göğsü, a traditional Turkish pudding made from chicken breast, rice flour, milk, sugar and cinnamon.
Location:Divan Yolu Caddesi 6
Raika
Ecem Kübra Yıldızoğlu says:
Raika Restaurant! With amazing view!
Location: The Marmara Taksim, Taksim Square
Pandeli
Emre Can Korkmaz says:
Pandeli, Egyptian Bazaar #1 (just a floor above the main entrance from Eminönü Square).
Hostelworld says:
This old-fashioned restaurant is a tourist magnet, and for good reason. The food is delicious (if a little pricey) and it's perfect for a relaxed lunch overlooking the square.
Location: Misir Carsisi 1 Νο 1
Zencefil
Superschnegge Mona says:
Zencefil is a great restaurant for vegetarians.
Location: Kurabiye Sokak 8
Mavi Balık
Göksu Hermsgervordenbrotborda says:
Mavi Balık for fish on the Bosphorus.
Location: Muallim Naci Caddesi 64/A
Sakarya Tatlicisi
Ilknur Esenlikci says:
I can't say much since I'm a vegan but Sakarya Tatlicisi in Beyoglu is heaven! Especially their ayva tatlisi, which is oven-baked quince in thick syrup.
Location: Dudu Odaları Sokak 3
Imbat Terrace Restaurant
Haggis Hostels says:
Imbat has to be my favourite Restaurant in Istanbul. Excellent food and lovely people. Not to mention the panoramic view from this beautiful rooftop restaurant. Stunning!
Location: Hudavendigar Caddesi 34
Parsifal Restaurant
Ajay Sharma says:
Parsifal vegetarian restaurant in Taksim!
Location: Kurabiye Sokak 9
Cafe Amedros
Alex Hojilla says:
Amedros in Sultanahmet is pretty darn good.
Asif Khan says:
Amedros Cafe in Sultanahmet.
Location: Divan Yolu Caddesi 7
Arkadaş Cafe
Isabell Hubert says:
The restaurant I loved the most is a really tiny one in Hisarüstü. It's called Arkadaş Cafe, Hisarüstü and probably serves the best chicken sandwich in town. It's not a fancy place, but certainly very cozy, and it's perfect for a student budget.
Location: Cami Sokak 7/A
Shadow
Simona Kay says:
Shadow. I tried some restaurants there, but this one it was the best, for food quality and people kindness.
Location: Akbiyik Caddesi 26
Hacı Abdullah
Emel Rivas Guerra says:
Hacı Abdullah in Sirkeci for all kind of sweet things!
Location: Ağa Camii Atıf Yılmaz Caddesi (Eski Sakızağacı Caddesi) 9/A
Piknik Köfte
Zam Mn says:
Piknik Kofte..located in the lively Istiklal Street..next to St Antoine Church...good taste + good price!
Location: Istiklal Caddesi 173/C
Naum Paşa Konağı
Lize Antunes says:
Naun Pasa Konagi, at Taksim...it's probably the best restaurant I've ever gone to; it's pretty awesome and the price is no big deal.
Location: Taksim Kuyu Sokak 13
...and have fun exploring!
Josef Augustin says:
My favorite restaurant in Istanbul is...Istanbul! Specifically, I enjoy eating my way from the Grand Bazaar to the Egyptian Bazaar and dining in any lokanta [tradesmen’s restaurant] outside the touristy Sultanahmet. Head to Ortaköy for the best kumpir.
Jayson Martin says:
The street food that is abundant around Istanbul. Sure anyone can dive into a restaurant but the great thing about traveling is getting out of your bubble. Escape that comfort zone. Street food such as kebabs, corn, ceviche and balik are all within arm's reach and it won't break the bank. My best advice, eat as the locals do and if you're in a restaurant with more tourists than locals? Leave right away.
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