Istanbul is one of those cities where food becomes the main reason to explore; a place where every meal tells a different story of culture, history, and geography. Sitting between Europe and Asia, the city blends influences from both sides in a way that you taste everywhere: from smoky street food in bustling market halls to homestyle dishes on the Asian side and modern fine dining with skyline views.

During my trip, I set out to explore Istanbul: 10 Must-Visit Places, each offering its own unique culinary experience. From iconic kebab spots and traditional lokantas to rooftop restaurants and legendary dessert houses, every stop revealed a different layer of the city’s food culture. What stood out most was the contrast; you can have one of the best meals of your life at a simple, chaotic counter one day, and sit in a Michelin-star setting overlooking the Bosphorus the next.

This list is a mix of those experiences: places that capture both the everyday soul of Istanbul and its more refined, modern side.

1. Mürver

 Recognitions
• OAD Top restaurants 2025: #240
• 50 Best: Discovery
• Michelin Guide: Nomination

Mürver was my first introduction to Turkish cuisine in Istanbul, and it was such a great experience. The restaurant has a beautiful rooftop location with amazing city views and a more upscale atmosphere that feels perfect for a special dinner.

The service was professional, efficient, and incredibly friendly throughout the evening. I started with the Cacık (280 TL): smoked yoghurt with roasted garlic, pickled cucumber, and dried herbs; fresh, creamy, and full of flavour. I also tried the Mezcalita, which was a little too sour for my personal taste, although beautifully presented.

After the first bites I couldn’t resist ordering more. The Sarma-inspired stuffed Swiss chard with beef (480 TL), served with crispy kale and a mildly spicy tomato sauce, was absolutely delicious. I also loved the Charred Calamari with Muhammara and charred radishes (1360 TL), which was perfectly cooked and beautifully plated.

Everything looked amazing and tasted just as good. To top it all off, the staff surprised me with pickled cherries, Turkish wines to taste, and a homemade liqueur on the house, which made the whole experience feel even more memorable.

2. Dönerci Şahin Usta

 Recognitions
• OAD Cheap Eats 2025: #23
• Taste Atlas: Best Döner kebab in the world

This place kept showing up on multiple food lists I follow, although the Google reviews were a bit mixed, with many people calling it touristy and overpriced. Naturally, I still had to try it for myself. Even on a rainy day there was a queue, and I ended up waiting around 15 minutes.

I ordered an Ayran and the Pide (500 TL), which was definitely on the more expensive side. There’s also a small indoor seating area next door where you can enjoy your food.

Price aside, the taste completely lived up to the hype. The meat was incredibly succulent, the pide perfectly fluffy, and the tomatoes unbelievably juicy and fresh. I can honestly say this was the best döner I’ve ever had, and none of the ones I’ve tried in The Netherlands even come close.

3. Hafiz Mustafa 1864

 Recognitions
• Taste Atlas: Best Lokum and Fırın sütlaç in the world

Hafız Mustafa was recommended to me by my hotel owner, who told me it was his favourite dessert spot in Istanbul. According to him, the prices are a bit higher because they use fruit sugars instead of refined sugar in their sweets.

I visited once to grab a box to go and another time with friends for a spontaneous midnight dessert run. We shared the Sultan Plate (780 TL), which included a mix of four pistachio pieces and two walnut pieces.

The baklava tasted incredibly fresh, rich, and perfectly crispy without feeling overly heavy. Especially the pistachio varieties were absolutely delicious. The atmosphere also felt lively and elegant, even late at night, making it a really fun dessert experience in Istanbul.

4. Zübeyir Ocakbaşı/Taksim

 Recognitions
• OAD Casual 2025: #136
• Taste Atlas: Best Adana kebap in the world

Zübeyir Ocakbaşı was ranked really highly on my list, so we had to give it a try. Upon arrival, the restaurant immediately looked impressive with the open grills inside and the lively atmosphere, although we did notice that most guests seemed to be tourists.

The waiter was very helpful in guiding us through the menu. We started with a selection of mezes: the Special Salad, Pumpkin Dip, Roasted Onions, Tzatziki, and Roasted Eggplant (all 230 TL each). Everything tasted fresh, flavourful, and perfect for sharing.

For the mains we ordered the Chicken Shish (800 TL), Spicy Skewered Minced Kebab (800 TL), and the Lamb Shish (1000 TL). The meat was honestly incredible; perfectly grilled, juicy, and full of smoky flavour.

The only downside were the drink prices, which felt extremely high. My glass of wine cost 900 TL, and the Raki we ordered to try was 2500 TL.

We left with mixed feelings because the food was genuinely excellent, but the prices were honestly a bit shocking and did make the experience feel somewhat tourist-oriented.

5. Şehzade Cağ Kebap

 Recognitions
• Taste Atlas: Best Oltu cağ kebabı in the world

I visited this place by myself and found it located inside what looked like a large market hall. Despite how busy it was, I was seated immediately. The atmosphere was lively and hectic, with waiters constantly moving up and down the restaurant, so I wouldn’t recommend it if you’re looking for a quiet or relaxed dinner spot.

Behind the counter stood the biggest rotating spit I had ever seen, slowly roasting the meat used for the famous Cağ Kebab; the dish almost everyone seemed to order.

The kebab itself cost 480 TL and ended up being one of my favourite bites in Istanbul. I ate it almost like a taco, together with some raw onion. Apparently, the traditional way is to pull the meat straight off the skewer using the wrap, instantly creating a filled wrap yourself; honestly such a good hack. The meat was juicy, smoky, and packed with flavour.

6. Yeni Lokanta

 Recognitions
• OAD Casual 2025: #22
• 50 Best: Discovery
• Taste Atlas: Best Manti and Sucuk in the world
• Michelin Guide: Nomination

Yeni Lokanta was one of the few restaurants I reserved ahead of time because I wanted to experience a more refined and modern side of Turkish cuisine in Istanbul. We went for the 7-course tasting menu (5350 TL) with the wine pairing (+3150 TL), which turned into a really memorable dining experience.

The menu started with the signature Yeni Lokanta ‘Manti’ Dumplings filled with beef, followed by an incredible dish of Morel mushrooms with fava beans and Maraş tarhan; easily one of the highlights of the evening and an absolute 10/10 for me.

Other courses included Mersin prawns with carrot spread, ginger and za’atar, the crispy herb fritters called Occe with tarragon, Ezine cheese, chili and sour cherry sorbet, and an aubergine dish with Erzincan tulum cheese, dried figs and almonds.

For the main course we had the lamb cut of the day with oyster mushrooms, tarragon and tarhana. Dessert was a delicious baklava roll filled with first-grade pistachios, served with orange candy and coconut ice cream.

The presentation, flavours, and creativity of every dish were impressive, but especially the dumplings and the morel mushroom dish completely stood out to me.

7. Çiya Sofrası

 Recognitions
• OAD Casual 2025: #194
• 50 Best: Discovery
• Taste Atlas: Best Ezogelin çorbası in the world

When we crossed over to the Asian side of Istanbul, we really wanted to try more homestyle Turkish food. Çiya Sofrası had been highly recommended, and we were warmly welcomed by the owner upon arrival.

Apparently, they have three different restaurants located in the same street, and you can order dishes from any of the menus no matter where you sit. Inside, the owner proudly introduced us to all the daily dishes beautifully displayed at the counter, with many options available as half portions so you can try more dishes. The appetizers were presented buffet-style and priced by weight.

To start, we shared several mezes including Dolmas, Muhammara, Hummus, and Sarma, all incredibly fresh and full of flavour.

The menu for the mains changes daily, which made the whole experience feel even more authentic and homemade. We decided to try the Lamb with apricots, Spicy chicken, a comforting Porridge with walnuts and chili oil, and a creamy vegetable and chicken dish.

My absolute favourite was the Dims e Mirski: a rich dish made with chicken, molasses, tomato paste, onion, garlic, pomegranate, dried tomato, dried pepper, spices, and olive oil. The flavours were sweet, savoury, tangy, and deeply comforting all at once.

We also ordered two types of Lahmacun and the famous Yoghurt kebab from one of the neighbouring Çiya locations, making this one of the most varied and memorable food experiences we had in Istanbul.

8. Tarihi Sultanahmet Köftecisi Selim Usta

 Recognitions:
• Taste Atlas: Famous for Köfte

This was one place I actually showed to the hotel owner, and he immediately recognized it as a long-standing, traditional spot in Istanbul.

They are especially known for their köfte (620 TL) – basically rectangular Turkish meatballs – and they absolutely lived up to the reputation. The köfte were incredibly juicy, well-seasoned, and full of flavour.

They were served simply but perfectly, with pickled peppers on the side that balanced the richness of the meat really well. A straightforward, classic meal done extremely well.

9. Karaköy Güllüoğlu – Nadir Güllü

 Recognitions
• Taste Atlas: Best Baklava in the world

On my first night in Istanbul, I went here to try baklava for the very first time in Turkey. I was honestly completely blown away; the taste was incomparable to anything I had ever tried in The Netherlands.

I ordered a selection of five different types, and every single one was incredibly high quality: perfectly crisp, rich, and not overly sweet. You can also try small samples when ordering at the counter, which makes it even more fun to choose.

Before my flight home, I ended up taking two boxes with me for my family. They neatly seal the boxes, and the baklava stays fresh for at least 7 days; perfect for bringing a little taste of Istanbul home.

10. Mikla

 Recognitions
• OAD Top 2025: #211
• 50 Best: Discovery
• Michelin Guide: 1 star

Mikla is a Michelin-starred restaurant known for its elevated modern dining experience and incredible rooftop views over Istanbul. Located on one of the highest floors in the city, the panorama alone already makes the visit worth it.

We went for the cocktail menu and were able to sit on the patio/rooftop bar, which made the whole experience feel even more special. The drinks were absolutely outstanding, and the service matched the level; attentive, polished, and genuinely welcoming.

A really memorable touch was the chef preparing some personal snacks for us, including small taco-inspired bites because my friends are from Mexico. It felt thoughtful and playful, and added a personal layer to an already high-end experience.

If you’re looking for a luxurious night out in Istanbul with great cocktails, amazing views, and top-tier service, Mikla is definitely a place I can highly recommend.