6 places I recommend•2 in the Michelin guide
These are the six restaurants and bakeries in Istanbul I have eaten at myself and would recommend.
A rooftop restaurant on top of the Marmara Pera in Beyoğlu, with views over the Golden Horn. Nouvelle cuisine style restaurant with what felt like an endless march of small dishes. If you're looking for traditional Turkish fare this isn't the place for you but if you want a fine dining experience with inventive dishes it's worth a try.
Address: Meşrutiyet Cd. No:15, Asmalı Mescit, 34430 Beyoğlu, İstanbul, Turkey
A tiled lokanta on Kemankeş Caddesi in Karaköy, serving Turkish home cooking and meze. Really loved this place. Delicious and hearty food that was rich and satisfying. Also, the decor is lovely.
Address: Kemankeş Cd. No:57, Kemankeş Karamustafa Paşa, 34425 Beyoğlu, İstanbul, Turkey
A cağ kebab house on Hocapaşa Camii Sokak in Sirkeci, grilling lamb on a horizontal spit. Very casual place but incredibly delicious kebab that melts in your mouth.
Address: Hocapaşa Camii Sok. No:6 D:4, Hoca Paşa, 34110 Fatih, İstanbul, Turkey
A kebab restaurant on Nisbetiye Caddesi in Etiler, serving meze and grills. Delicious traditional dishes and particularly good lahmacun.
Address: Nisbetiye Cd. No:76, Etiler, 34337 Beşiktaş, İstanbul, Turkey
The Istanbul branch of the Milanese Italian restaurant, on Ahmet Adnan Saygun Caddesi in Etiler. If you want a break from Turkish food this is a great place for a decent Italian meal.
Address: Ahmet Adnan Saygun Cd., Etiler, 34340 Beşiktaş, İstanbul, Turkey
A dessert house on Muradiye Caddesi in Sirkeci, open since 1864 and known for its baklava and Turkish delight. Famous place that now has branches in various countries. Still, it's probably the best künefe you'll have in Istanbul.
Address: Muradiye Cd. No:51, Hoca Paşa, 34080 Fatih, İstanbul, Turkey
