Discover Top Things to Do in Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul is a city you taste as much as you see. This section is your guide to its food and drink scene: traditional Turkish breakfasts, the best kebab and döner spots, baklava and lokum shops worth the queue, century-old meyhanes, and rooftop restaurants overlooking the Bosphorus. We help you find authentic local cuisine, vegetarian-friendly options, late-night street food, and the best bars and clubs in Beyoğlu, Karaköy, and Kadıköy — whether you’re here for one meal or twenty.
Istanbul is one of the world’s most exciting culinary cities—a place where ancient Ottoman flavors meet modern gastronomy, where seaside fish restaurants sit beside stylish rooftop venues, and where every neighborhood offers its own distinctive dinner culture. Whether you are seeking a romantic Bosphorus-view dinner, Michelin-starred fine dining, or authentic Turkish meyhane rituals, this guide … Read more
Istanbul is one of the world’s greatest food cities, and you don’t need a big budget to enjoy it. Across its busy markets, hidden backstreets, waterfronts, and historic districts, you’ll find authentic, flavorful, generously portioned meals for just a few dollars. This guide brings together the city’s best cheap restaurants across Sultanahmet, Beyoğlu, Kadıköy, Beşiktaş, … Read more
Istanbul is a city where world-class flavors meet wallet-friendly prices. From historic köfte shops to hidden pide bakeries, vibrant fish markets, and street-side breakfast stalls, the city offers an exceptional range of affordable dining options. This guide compiles some of the best budget restaurants in Istanbul, blending local favorites with spots loved by seasoned travelers. … Read more
Istanbul, a city bridging continents and cultures, offers one of the most diverse culinary scenes in the world. Among its gastronomic treasures, Arabic cuisine holds a special place — from fragrant Lebanese mezes to hearty Syrian stews, from Yemeni mandi to Iraqi dolma. Whether you are an Arab expatriate longing for a taste of home … Read more
Istanbul, where East meets West, is home to a vibrant culinary scene that goes far beyond Turkish cuisine. Among its most celebrated international offerings are its Italian restaurants—ranging from elegant fine-dining establishments overlooking the Bosphorus to cozy trattorias tucked into charming neighborhoods. Here is your ultimate guide to the best Italian restaurants in Istanbul, each … Read more
Istanbul is a vibrant crossroads where ancient traditions meet modern innovation, and nowhere is this more apparent than in its culinary landscape. The city’s food scene is a living mosaic of cultures — Ottoman, Anatolian, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean — and it welcomes every appetite, from gourmet seekers to street-food lovers. Even with the city’s … Read more
Istanbul, a city that bridges two continents, is also a melting pot of global flavors. Among its vibrant dining scene, Asian cuisine stands out for its authenticity, creativity, and diversity. From Thai street-style eateries to luxurious Japanese and Chinese fine dining, here are the best Asian restaurants in Istanbul offering unforgettable culinary journeys. 1. Roka … Read more
Istanbul’s dining scene is a living reflection of its history — a crossroads of cultures, empires, and tastes. From the smoky street grills of Beyoğlu to the lavish palace dining rooms of Beşiktaş, the city offers some of the most authentic culinary experiences in the world. Whether you’re after an unpretentious lokanta meal, a regional … Read more
Istanbul, the city where East meets West, has long been a melting pot of cultures — and nowhere is this more evident than in its culinary scene. Beyond the beloved Turkish kebabs and mezes, Istanbul is home to a vibrant collection of international restaurants that bring global flavors to the Bosphorus. From refined Michelin-starred venues … Read more
Istanbul is a city that thrives on culinary diversity, and its Japanese dining scene reflects this beautifully. From elegant omakase experiences overlooking the Bosphorus to cozy ramen bars tucked in quiet corners, the city offers something for every Japanese food enthusiast. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the best Japanese restaurants in Istanbul—each offering its own … Read more