Best Restaurants in Beşiktaş, Istanbul

Beşiktaş is one of Istanbul’s liveliest neighborhoods, where traditional Turkish culture meets a cosmopolitan dining scene. From family-run lokantas serving authentic home-style dishes to rooftop terraces overlooking the Bosphorus, the area offers something for every palate and budget. Whether you’re a traveler exploring the city or a local searching for your next go-to spot, this guide explores the most iconic, delicious, and memorable dining experiences in Beşiktaş—each with its own story, style, and local charm.

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🍽️ Budget & Local Favorites

Uff Sandwiches

Address: Ihlamurdere Caddesi 8, Beşiktaş
This small yet immensely popular shop redefines the idea of a sandwich. Known for its creative combinations of fresh ingredients, Uff Sandwiches serves gourmet-style street food that is both filling and affordable. Whether you try the chicken-avocado melt, roast beef with caramelized onions, or vegetarian pesto sandwich, every bite is made to order. Locals love the friendly atmosphere, and it’s a top choice for students and workers looking for a quick but high-quality lunch.
Price Range: $
Hours: Mon–Sat 10:00–23:30, Sun 10:30–23:30
Rating: ⭐ 5.0/5
Best For: Casual lunch, take-away dinner, or late-night snack.

Balkan Lokantası

Address: Akmaz Çeşme Sok. No:8, Beşiktaş
A staple of traditional Turkish dining, Balkan Lokantası is where you can experience authentic home-cooked flavors without breaking the bank. Each day, trays of steaming stews, soups, and vegetables line the counter, ready to be served cafeteria-style. Locals often stop by for comforting favorites like kuru fasulye (bean stew), pilav, and baked eggplant. The service is fast, the food is hearty, and the prices are unbeatable.
Price Range: $
Hours: 7:00–22:00
Phone: +90 212 585 98 28
Best For: Traditional Turkish comfort food in a lively setting.

Döner Karadeniz (Asım Usta)

Location: Beşiktaş Çarşı
You haven’t really eaten in Beşiktaş until you’ve had a döner from Asım Usta. This tiny stand has a cult following for its perfectly seasoned, juicy meat carved straight from the vertical rotisserie. Served in fluffy bread or as a plate with rice, it’s quick, affordable, and full of flavor. There’s no indoor seating—just a few counters—but that’s part of the charm.
Price Range: $
Hours: Until late afternoon
Tip: Arrive early; the döner often sells out before evening.

Elde Börek & Mezze

Address: Cihannüma Mah., Sarar Sofu Sokak No:5, Beşiktaş
A warm and inviting café known for its homemade börek and fresh cold mezes. The menu changes daily, but you can expect to find classics like spinach börek, stuffed grape leaves, and creamy eggplant salads. The ambiance feels like a cozy kitchen, perfect for brunch or a casual evening meal with friends. Their börek is baked fresh throughout the day, ensuring a crispy golden crust every time.
Price Range: $–$$
Hours: 9:00–23:00
Best For: Brunch, afternoon tea, or a light traditional dinner.

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🌿 Seafood & Waterfront Dining

Sur Balık Arnavutköy

Address: Mollares Caddesi 35, Arnavutköy
One of Istanbul’s most iconic seafood restaurants, Sur Balık combines refined cuisine with an unbeatable Bosphorus view. The restaurant occupies a beautifully restored wooden mansion, where guests dine on terraces that open directly to the sea. The menu features an array of freshly caught fish, traditional Turkish mezes, and delicate seafood appetizers. Whether you order grilled sea bass, shrimp casserole, or calamari, expect top-tier quality and service.
Price Range: $$$$
Hours: 12:00–23:00 (Closed Mondays)
Website: surbalik.com.tr
Best For: Romantic dinners and scenic celebrations.

Park Fora Balık ve Deniz Ürünleri

Address: Muallim Naci Cad. No:54A, Kuruçeşme
Situated within Cemil Topuzlu Park, Park Fora is synonymous with high-end seafood dining. With decades of reputation behind it, the restaurant attracts locals, tourists, and celebrities alike. Its open-air terrace provides spectacular Bosphorus views, and the menu showcases the finest daily catch—grilled, baked, or steamed to perfection. Pair your meal with Turkish raki for a classic local experience.
Price Range: $$$
Hours: 12:00–24:00
Website: parkfora.com
Best For: Business dinners or special occasions.

Beşiktaş Hayat Memat Balıkçısı

Address: Camcı Hüseyin Sok. No:4, Beşiktaş
Hidden just off Beşiktaş Square, this restaurant is a favorite among locals who appreciate unpretentious yet flavorful seafood. The setting is casual but lively, with tables that fill up quickly in the evenings. Their grilled sea bream and fried calamari are highly recommended, and the meze platter is a must-try. The atmosphere captures the soul of Istanbul—friendly, vibrant, and full of laughter.
Price Range: $$
Rating: ⭐ 4.8/5
Best For: Authentic seafood dining without the high price tag.

Aqua (Four Seasons Hotel)

Address: Büyükdere Cad. No:28, Yıldız
Aqua is luxury dining at its finest. Located inside the Four Seasons Hotel, it blends Mediterranean and Turkish flavors in a serene waterfront setting. The dishes are plated like works of art, and the service is impeccable. Their seafood risotto and fresh catch of the day are highlights. For an unforgettable dining experience with panoramic Bosphorus views, this is one of the best choices in Beşiktaş.
Price Range: $$$
Hours: 19:00–23:00
Website: fourseasons.com/bosphorus/dining
Best For: Elegant date nights or anniversary dinners.

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🍔 Fine Dining & International Cuisine

Tuğra Restaurant

Address: Çırağan Cad. No:32, Beşiktaş
Housed inside the historic Çırağan Palace Kempinski, Tuğra offers an unforgettable journey through Ottoman cuisine. Guests dine beneath ornate chandeliers while enjoying dishes inspired by palace recipes. The menu includes specialties like hünkar beğendi (lamb over smoked eggplant) and modern interpretations of royal desserts. The setting is grand yet warm, making it one of the most romantic dining venues in Istanbul.
Price Range: $$$$
Hours: 18:00–22:30
Website: kempinski.com/istanbul
Best For: Fine dining with a royal touch.

Atölye Restaurant (The Ritz-Carlton)

Address: Askerocağı Cad. Suzer Plaza No:6, Harbiye
A modern celebration of Anatolian cuisine, Atölye elevates Turkish ingredients with contemporary cooking techniques. Watch the chefs work in the open kitchen as they craft dishes like lamb shank, roasted vegetables, and locally sourced seafood. The ambiance is stylish yet comfortable, and every plate reflects attention to detail.
Price Range: $$$$
Hours: Lunch & Dinner
Reservations: Recommended
Best For: Foodies seeking a balance between innovation and tradition.

29 Restaurant & Bar

Address: Adnan Saygun Cad., Ulus Parkı İçi No:71/1, Ulus
This chic establishment blends modern design with sweeping Bosphorus views. The menu draws inspiration from Mediterranean and Turkish flavors, offering a mix of seafood, pasta, and grilled meats. As night falls, the space transforms into a trendy lounge with live music and cocktails. It’s both a restaurant and a nightlife destination, making it a favorite among Istanbul’s stylish crowd.
Price Range: $$$$
Hours: 12:00–15:00, 18:00–01:00 (Fri–Sun until 03:00)
Website: 29.com.tr
Best For: Dinner with music and a stunning view.

Sunset Grill & Bar

Address: Yol Sokak No:2, Ulus Parkı
A long-standing icon of Istanbul’s fine dining scene, Sunset Grill & Bar offers a sophisticated mix of Japanese, Mediterranean, and international dishes. With a top-tier wine cellar and a terrace overlooking the Bosphorus, it’s a favorite of both locals and visiting celebrities. The ambiance is elegant, yet the service feels personal and warm. Try their sushi selection or grilled tenderloin for an unforgettable meal.
Price Range: $$$$
Hours: Mon–Sat 12:00–00:00, Sun 17:00–00:00
Website: sunsetgrillbar.com
Best For: Special occasions and sunset dinners.

16 Roof (Swissôtel)

Address: Vişnezade Mah. Acısu Sok. No:19, Maçka
Located at the top of Swissôtel, 16 Roof offers an elevated dining experience with panoramic Bosphorus views. The menu combines international favorites and fusion creations—think sushi rolls, Mediterranean salads, and signature cocktails. The space transforms into a lounge after dinner, drawing Istanbul’s elite for music, drinks, and late-night gatherings.
Price Range: $$$
Hours: 17:00–23:00
Best For: Dinner with a view followed by a night out.

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🌆 Rooftop & Romantic Views

Summit Bar & Terrace (Conrad Istanbul)

Address: Saray Cad. No:5, 14th Floor, Beşiktaş
Perched atop the Conrad Hotel, Summit Bar offers one of the most breathtaking panoramas in Istanbul—an unbroken 360° view of the Bosphorus and the city’s skyline. The bar specializes in craft cocktails and gourmet snacks, served in a sleek yet comfortable lounge setting. Sunset hours are magical, and the live music adds an extra touch of elegance.
Price Range: $$$
Hours: 10:00–02:00
Website: conradhotels.com/istanbul
Best For: Sunset drinks, romantic evenings, or stylish nightcaps.

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Final Thoughts

Beşiktaş’s food scene captures everything that makes Istanbul extraordinary—diversity, tradition, creativity, and warmth. It’s a district where you can start your day with a cup of Turkish tea and simit by the seaside, enjoy a hearty lunch at a lokanta, and end your evening sipping cocktails with a panoramic view of the Bosphorus. Every restaurant tells a story, every meal connects you with the spirit of the city. Whether you’re in search of authenticity or indulgence, Beşiktaş welcomes you with open arms—and an endless table of flavors waiting to be discovered.