Best Turkish Food Restaurant In Istanbul: A Guide To The Perfect Meal

Are you planning a trip to Istanbul and looking for the best Turkish food experience? Look no further. Istanbul is a gastronomic heaven, offering a rich blend of flavors, colors, and aromas. From traditional Turkish cuisine to contemporary fusion, there is something for everyone. In this article, we will take you through a journey of the best Turkish food restaurants in Istanbul, where you can indulge in delicious meals, immerse yourself in the culture, and create unforgettable memories. So, get ready to tantalize your taste buds with the best Turkish cuisine Istanbul has to offer.

The Best Turkish Food Restaurants in Istanbul

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Savoy Istanbul

Savoy Istanbul is a top-rated Turkish restaurant located in the heart of the city. It is renowned for its authentic Turkish cuisine, superb service, and elegant ambiance. The restaurant has an extensive menu of traditional dishes such as meze, kebabs, and baklava, prepared using only the freshest ingredients. Make sure to try their signature dish, the lamb shank, slow cooked to perfection and served with a side of creamy yogurt. Savoy Istanbul also offers a selection of Turkish wines and spirits, making it the perfect spot for a romantic dinner or a celebratory feast.

Karakoy Lokantasi

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Karakoy Lokantasi

If you’re looking for an authentic Turkish dining experience, Karakoy Lokantasi is the place to be. This traditional restaurant is located in the trendy neighborhood of Karakoy and serves an array of traditional meze, seafood, and meat dishes. The restaurant’s interior is reminiscent of a Turkish taverna, with brick walls, wooden tables, and a lively atmosphere. Make sure to try their famous grilled octopus, served with a side of tangy lemon sauce and crispy potatoes. The restaurant also offers an extensive selection of Turkish raki, the national drink of Turkey.

Asitane Restaurant

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Asitane Restaurant

Asitane Restaurant is a must-visit for foodies looking to explore Ottoman cuisine. The restaurant is located in the historic district of Edirnekapi and offers a menu of traditional Ottoman dishes, dating back to the 15th century. The restaurant’s chefs use ingredients and cooking techniques that were popular in the Ottoman era, creating a unique blend of flavors and textures. Make sure to try their signature dish, the lamb stew cooked with apricots and almonds, served with a side of saffron rice. The restaurant also offers an extensive selection of Turkish wines and desserts.

Mikla Restaurant

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Mikla Restaurant

Mikla Restaurant is a high-end Turkish restaurant located on the rooftop of the Marmara Pera Hotel. The restaurant offers stunning panoramic views of the city, along with a menu of contemporary Turkish cuisine. The restaurant’s owner and head chef, Mehmet Gurs, is renowned for his innovative take on traditional Turkish dishes, using local ingredients and modern cooking techniques. Make sure to try their signature dish, the lamb shoulder cooked in a clay pot, served with a side of smoked eggplant puree. The restaurant also offers an extensive selection of Turkish wines, cocktails, and spirits.

Hamdi Restaurant

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Hamdi Restaurant

Hamdi Restaurant is a popular Turkish restaurant located in the historic district of Eminonu. The restaurant is renowned for its kebabs, served with a side of fresh bread and flavorful sauces. Make sure to try their famous Urfa kebab, made with succulent lamb meat and spices, served on a bed of crispy pita bread. The restaurant also offers a selection of meze, salads, and desserts. Hamdi Restaurant is perfect for a casual lunch or dinner with friends and family.

Balikci Sabahattin

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Balikci Sabahattin

Balikci Sabahattin is a seafood restaurant located in the historic district of Kumkapi. The restaurant has been around for over 70 years and is renowned for its fresh seafood, friendly service, and vibrant atmosphere. Make sure to try their famous fish soup, made with a blend of fresh fish, vegetables, and spices. The restaurant also offers a selection of grilled fish, seafood platters, and meze. Balikci Sabahattin is perfect for a casual lunch or dinner by the sea.

Mehmet Efendi

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Mehmet Efendi

Mehmet Efendi is a traditional Turkish coffee house located in the historic district of Eminonu. The coffee house has been around since 1871 and is renowned for its rich, aromatic Turkish coffee, prepared using a centuries-old method. Make sure to try their signature coffee, served with a side of Turkish delight, to experience the true taste of Turkey. The coffee house also offers a selection of tea, pastries, and snacks.

What Makes Turkish Food Special?

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The Blend of Cultures

Turkish cuisine is the result of a rich blend of cultures, influenced by the Ottomans, Arabs, Persians, Greeks, and Armenians. The cuisine is characterized by a variety of flavors, spices, and cooking techniques, creating a unique blend of sweet, savory, and tangy.

Fresh Ingredients

Turkish cuisine is all about using fresh, seasonal ingredients, such as herbs, vegetables, and meats. Turkish chefs know how to bring out the best in each ingredient, creating delicious and healthy dishes.

Meze Culture

Meze is a staple of Turkish cuisine, consisting of small dishes served as appetizers or snacks. Meze dishes vary from region to region, but they all share a common trait – they are meant to be shared and enjoyed with friends and family.

The Importance of Bread

Bread is an essential part of Turkish cuisine, served with every meal. Turkish bread, or ekmek, is a type of flatbread, made with a blend of wheat and barley flour, and baked in a stone oven. The bread is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, perfect for mopping up sauces and dips.

The Art of Tea and Coffee

Turkish tea and coffee are an integral part of Turkish culture. Tea is served in small, tulip-shaped glasses, and coffee is prepared using a traditional method, using a small copper pot called cezve. Turkish coffee is rich, aromatic, and strong, meant to be sipped slowly and savored.

FAQs

What are some traditional Turkish dishes?

Some traditional Turkish dishes include meze, kebabs, baklava, dolma, pide, and borek.

What is the national drink of Turkey?

The national drink of Turkey is raki, an anise-flavored alcoholic beverage.

What is a typical Turkish breakfast?

A typical Turkish breakfast consists of bread, cheese, olives, tomatoes, cucumber, eggs, and tea.

What is meze?

Meze is a selection of small dishes served as appetizers or snacks in Turkish cuisine.

What is the best time to visit Istanbul for food?

The best time to visit Istanbul for food is during the spring and fall months, when the weather is mild and the restaurants offer outdoor seating.

What is Turkish coffee?

Turkish coffee is a type of coffee prepared using a traditional method, using a small copper pot called cezve.

What is baklava?

Baklava is a sweet pastry made with layers of phyllo dough, filled with chopped nuts and honey syrup.

What is the best way to enjoy Turkish food?

The best way to enjoy Turkish food is to share it with friends and family, savoring each dish and soaking in the culture.

What is Ottoman cuisine?

Ottoman cuisine refers to the traditional dishes and cooking styles of the Ottoman Empire, characterized by a blend of Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and Central Asian flavors.

What is Turkish tea?

Turkish tea is a type of tea served in small, tulip-shaped glasses, and is an integral part of Turkish culture.

What is the difference between kebab and shish kebab?

Kebab refers to a variety of meat dishes, prepared using different cooking techniques. Shish kebab, on the other hand, refers to skewered and grilled meat, usually served with vegetables.

What is the best way to experience Turkish culture through food?

The best way to experience Turkish culture through food is to visit local markets, try street food, and dine at traditional restaurants.