Best Restaurants in Istanbul: Beyoglu to Kadikoy

Beyoglu is known for its extensive selection of meze and Anatolian dishes, with restaurants like Meze By Lemon Tree and Mikla serving authentic flavors between 150 and 850 TRY per person.

Wandering through Asmalı Mescit Mahallesi, Meze By Lemon Tree is an excellent starting point for sampling meze, the small plates that are essential to Turkish dining. Signature dishes include grilled octopus and yaprak sarma, grape leaves stuffed with rice and herbs. Expect to spend about 300 TRY for a full meal here. The aroma of freshly grilled seafood and herbs lingers in the air, blending with the faint smoke of wood-fired kitchens.

Mikla, at the top of the Marmara Pera Hotel on Meşrutiyet Caddesi, has a refined dining scene with a panoramic city view. Its tasting menu, priced at 850 TRY, features dishes such as lamb loin with smoked wheat and mastic ice cream, combining traditional Anatolian ingredients with innovative techniques. The restaurant is open from 6 pm to 11 pm, and reservations are essential, especially for tables near the windows overlooking the skyline.

For more on Turkish cuisine staples like meze and Anatolian dishes, see our detailed Istanbul Food Guide.

Kadikoy is popular for its budget-friendly street food and casual restaurants, where meals typically range from 50 to 250 TRY, with highlights including Ciya Sofrasi’s Anatolian specialties and fresh seafood near the ferry terminal.

Located on Güneşli Bahçe Sokak, Ciya Sofrasi is a local institution serving traditional Anatolian dishes rarely found elsewhere. The menu changes daily but often includes slow-cooked lamb stew and stuffed zucchini blossoms. A full meal costs around 150 TRY. The smell of herbs and spices fills the air, and the warm, rustic interior invites long, relaxed meals.

Close to the Kadikoy ferry terminal on Bahariye Caddesi, Balikci Lokantasi is the go-to for fresh grilled fish and seafood. Dishes such as calamari and shrimp come straight from the Bosphorus, grilled over charcoal to maintain their natural sweetness. Pair your meal with rakı, Turkey’s traditional anise-flavored spirit, for a classic local touch. Expect to spend about 250 TRY per person.

For more on street food and traditional drinks like rakı, visit our Istanbul Food Guide.

Karakoy Lokantasi serves classic Turkish dishes in a stylish setting with blue-tiled walls, specializing in lamb shank and eggplant puree, priced around 200 TRY per person.

Situated on Kemankeş Karamustafa Paşa Mahallesi, Karakoy Lokantasi combines traditional recipes with a cozy ambiance. The lamb shank slowly braised until tender comes with a velvety eggplant puree that balances the meat’s richness. The scent of toasted spices and garlic fills the room, inviting diners to savor each bite.

The restaurant opens daily from 12 pm to 11 pm, making it a good option for both lunch and dinner. Homemade baklava is a highlight for dessert lovers: flaky layers soaked in honey and filled with walnuts create a sweet finale. Pair it with a strong Turkish coffee, brewed thick and aromatic.

Learn more about Turkish coffee and desserts in our guide on Turkish cuisine.

Neolokal features contemporary interpretations of Turkish dishes using local ingredients, with a tasting menu priced at 750 TRY featuring items like pumpkin soup with tahini and slow-cooked beef rib.

Found inside the Salt Galata complex on Karakoy Sahil Caddesi, Neolokal’s minimalist interior and open kitchen create an inviting atmosphere where you can watch chefs craft each dish. Chef Maksut Askar’s menu honors the essence of traditional flavors while applying modern culinary techniques.

Dishes like the pumpkin soup with tahini present familiar tastes with a fresh twist. The slow-cooked beef rib melts in the mouth, accompanied by seasonal vegetables. The restaurant operates from 12 pm to 10:30 pm, and the tasting menu is a popular choice for those seeking a thorough introduction to contemporary Turkish cuisine.

For deeper insights into traditional Turkish dishes and how chefs reinterpret them, visit our Turkish cuisine guide.

Beyti, located in Florya on Selimpaşa Caddesi, has been serving grilled meats and kebabs since 1945, with main dishes like the Beyti kebab costing around 300 TRY per person.

The restaurant’s signature dish is lamb wrapped in lavash bread, topped with tomato sauce and yogurt. The scent of charcoal grilling fills the air, and the rich, smoky flavors are a highlight for meat lovers. The elegant decoration and attentive service make it suitable for special occasions.

Open daily from noon until midnight, Beyti attracts both locals and visitors. Weekend reservations are advisable to avoid waiting.

See our guide on meze and rakı to pair drinks with your meal.

Datli Maya in Cihangir features organic, wood-fired pizzas and seasonal dishes with prices ranging from 50 to 100 TRY, ideal for a relaxed, affordable meal.

The restaurant’s rustic wooden tables and open kitchen create a warm atmosphere. The smell of fresh dough baking in the wood-fired oven fills the air. Daily specials highlight local produce, such as heirloom tomatoes or fresh herbs, which change with the seasons.

Open from 11:30 am to 10 pm, Datli Maya is popular for lunch or early dinner. It’s a convenient stop if you’re exploring the nearby streets of Cihangir.

Learn more about Turkish tea and casual dining options in Istanbul in our comprehensive food guide.

Hafiz Mustafa, established in 1864, is a well-known confectionery with several locations in Istanbul, offering baklava, Turkish delight, and other sweets priced from 100 TRY per box.

The original shop on Divan Yolu Caddesi near Sultanahmet is a good choice to enjoy desserts on-site or buy sweets to take home. Inside, the scent of honey and roasted nuts permeates the air. The flaky baklava melts in your mouth, while the variety of Turkish delights—fragrant with rosewater, pistachio, or citrus—make excellent souvenirs.

Opening hours vary by location but most shops are open from 9 am to 10 pm.

For more on Turkish tea and sweets, check our Istanbul dessert and drink guide.

360 Istanbul, on the top floor of a building on Istiklal Avenue, features panoramic city views and a fusion menu with dishes averaging 400 TRY per person, transitioning to a bar with live music after dark.

The restaurant’s floor-to-ceiling windows frame a 360-degree view of Istanbul, especially striking at sunset. The menu combines international cuisine with Turkish spices, including sushi rolls and grilled lamb with couscous. By night, the space becomes lively with DJs and live performances.

Located at Istiklal Caddesi No:163, 360 Istanbul opens from 6 pm to 2 am. Reservations are highly recommended, particularly for tables near the windows.

More on Istanbul nightlife and dining can be found in our Istanbul dining and nightlife guide.

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