Taksim Square and Istiklal Street are the beating heart of Istanbul’s nightlife, culture, and—most importantly—food. For tourists looking for the best places to eat in Taksim, this area offers everything from authentic Turkish cuisine and traditional meyhanes to famous street food stalls and fine dining rooftops with panoramic views. In this expanded Taksim food guide, you’ll find local favorites, hidden gems, and practical tips for dining like a local while staying on budget.
This article is fully optimized for travelers searching where to eat in Taksim Square—covering keywords like best Turkish restaurants in Taksim, street food in Taksim, budget eats, vegetarian/vegan-friendly restaurants, and rooftop dining in Taksim. Whether you want a cheap bite, a romantic dinner, or a group-friendly meyhane night, this guide ensures you’ll know exactly where to go.
Quick Picks: Best Restaurants and Food in Taksim
- 🍢 Authentic Turkish grill: Zübeyir Ocakbaşı – famous for kebabs and Adana skewers.
- 🍷 Classic meyhane street: Nevizade – taverns with meze and rakı.
- 🏺 Historic Ottoman dining: Hacı Abdullah Lokantası – traditional Ottoman recipes since 1888.
- 🥘 Best cheap restaurant in Taksim: Balkan Lokantası – affordable home-style trays.
- 🌯 Must-try street food: Kızılkayalar (wet burger), Dürümzade (dürüm wraps), Şampiyon Kokoreç (kokoreç & midye).
- 🥗 Vegetarian & vegan friendly: Zencefil, Vegan Dükkan (Cihangir), Falafel House.
- 🍛 Halal Indian food in Taksim: Musafir – Indian/Pakistani classics.
- 🌇 Best rooftop restaurants in Taksim: Mikla (fine dining, Michelin-starred) and 360 Istanbul (fusion + nightlife).
- 💑 Most romantic view: Safran at InterContinental Hotel.
- ☕ Best Turkish coffee in Taksim: Mandabatmaz.
- 🍮 Famous dessert shop: Hafız Mustafa 1864 (baklava, Turkish delight).
Best Turkish Restaurants in Taksim
Zübeyir Ocakbaşı – Authentic Kebab Experience
If you’re searching for the best Turkish restaurant in Taksim, Zübeyir Ocakbaşı tops the list. Known for its ocakbaşı-style charcoal grill, this eatery serves perfectly spiced Adana kebabs, lamb ribs, and liver skewers. The atmosphere is lively and casual, perfect for groups of friends or couples who love authentic flavors. Tip: Make a reservation—this place fills up fast!
Nevizade Meyhanes – Best Meyhane Street in Istanbul
For those looking for a traditional meyhane in Taksim, Nevizade is an unmissable experience. This bustling street is lined with taverns serving endless meze plates, grilled seafood, and rakı. It’s one of the best places for groups who want a truly local night out, complete with live music and a vibrant crowd.
Hacı Abdullah Lokantası – Historic Ottoman Dining
Established in 1888, Hacı Abdullah Lokantası is one of the oldest restaurants in Istanbul. The interior, decorated with jars of pickles and preserves, feels like stepping back into Ottoman times. Expect hearty stews, stuffed vegetables, and palace-style dishes like hünkar beğendi (lamb with smoky eggplant puree). A must for history lovers and foodies alike.
Balkan Lokantası – Budget-Friendly Home Cooking
If you’re wondering where to eat cheap in Taksim, Balkan Lokantası is your answer. This cafeteria-style restaurant serves affordable trays of Turkish comfort food, from lentil soup and beans to vegetable stews and pilav. Popular with locals, it’s a perfect stop for backpackers and budget travelers.
Best Street Food in Taksim Square
- 🍔 Kızılkayalar Wet Burger (Islak Hamburger): The most famous street food in Taksim. A garlicky, saucy burger loved by locals and tourists—especially after midnight.
- 🌯 Dürümzade: Made famous by Anthony Bourdain, this spot is known for smoky grilled dürüm wraps.
- 🥖 Şampiyon Kokoreç: Spiced lamb intestines in bread, plus midye dolma (stuffed mussels with rice and lemon).
- 🥯 Simit carts: Sesame-crusted Turkish bagels, cheap and delicious.
- 🌰 Roasted chestnuts & grilled corn: Seasonal snacks you’ll find everywhere around the square.
- 🥤 Bambi Café: A 24-hour snack spot serving döner, tost, waffles, and juices.
Street food in Taksim is not only affordable but also part of the city’s identity. It’s a must-try for any visitor.
International Restaurants in Taksim
- 🍛 Musafir Indian Restaurant: Authentic halal Indian and Pakistani dishes, including curries, biryani, and tandoori grills.
- 🍝 Cecconi’s (Soho House): Upscale Italian dining in a beautiful garden setting.
- 🍕 Miss Pizza (Şişhane): Casual wood-fired pizza, popular with locals.
- 🍣 Udonya & Kumiko: Japanese and Asian fusion cuisine.
- 🥙 Falafel House: A top pick for vegans and vegetarians, serving falafel, hummus, and Middle Eastern plates.
- 🍟 Fast food chains: McDonald’s, Burger King, KFC, Pizza Hut, and Popeyes—all serving halal meat in Turkey.
Best Rooftop Restaurants in Taksim
- 🌇 Mikla: Michelin-starred fine dining with panoramic views of Istanbul. Famous for its New Anatolian menu and cocktails.
- 🎶 360 Istanbul: Rooftop dining with an energetic club vibe—fusion food, cocktails, and music until late.
- 🎻 Safran (InterContinental): Refined Ottoman cuisine with breathtaking Bosphorus views and live music.
- 🌅 Leb-i Derya: A quieter, romantic rooftop with sunset views and modern Turkish dishes.
- 🗼 Güney (near Galata Tower): A mid-range option with outdoor seating and tower views.
Vegetarian, Vegan & Halal Food in Taksim
- 🥗 Vegetarian: Most Turkish meze are naturally vegetarian. Look for eggplant dishes, lentil soups, cheese pide, and menemen (eggs & tomatoes).
- 🌱 Vegan: Zencefil, Vegan Dükkan, and Falafel House are great vegan-friendly spots. Many restaurants will adapt dishes if you ask.
- 🕌 Halal: Almost all Turkish restaurants in Taksim serve halal meat. Indian restaurant Musafir is fully halal-certified. Street food like döner, kebabs, and simit are halal by default.
Memorable Food Experiences in Taksim
- 🥞 Traditional Turkish breakfast at Van Kahvaltı Evi (Cihangir): Huge spreads of cheese, olives, jams, eggs, and unlimited tea.
- ☕ Turkish coffee at Mandabatmaz: Thick, foamy, and authentic.
- 🍮 Dessert at Hafız Mustafa 1864: Famous for baklava, Turkish delight, and puddings.
- 🍷 Meyhane night in Nevizade: Endless meze, rakı, and music.
- 🌯 DIY street food crawl: Start with simit in the morning, enjoy a dürüm for lunch, grab baklava in the afternoon, and finish with a wet burger or kokoreç at night.
Practical Tips for Tourists
- 🕗 Best time to eat: Dinner from 8–10 PM; breakfast from 9–11 AM.
- 📅 Reservations: Essential for fine dining (Mikla, Safran, 360) and popular grills like Zübeyir.
- 💳 Payments: Credit cards widely accepted; cash needed for street vendors.
- 🚭 Smoking: Indoors banned; outdoor terraces often allow it.
- ♿ Accessibility: Hotels and chains are accessible; small historic eateries may not be.
- 🛡️ Safety: Taksim is crowded but safe—watch out for pickpockets.
- 🗣️ Useful Turkish phrases:
- Merhaba (Hello) 👋
- Teşekkürler (Thanks) 🙏
- Afiyet olsun (Enjoy your meal) 😋
- Hesap alabilir miyiz? (Can we have the bill?) 💵
Final Word: Eating in Taksim
If you’re asking yourself, “Where to eat in Taksim Square?”, the answer depends on your mood and budget. Want something authentic? Head to Zübeyir Ocakbaşı or Nevizade. Craving cheap eats? Try Kızılkayalar’s wet burger or Balkan Lokantası. Need romance? Book Mikla or Safran for unforgettable views. Whatever you choose, Taksim’s food scene guarantees unforgettable flavors.
Afiyet olsun! 😋