Where to Eat in Istanbul
Where two continents eat together
Istanbul straddles Europe and Asia, and the food reflects it. Ottoman palace cuisine next to street-side köfte. Breakfast spreads that take an hour. Meyhanes where raki flows and meze keeps coming. The Bosphorus backdrop doesn't hurt either.
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Start Planning Your Istanbul Food Trip →Neighborhoods to Know
Beyoğlu/Taksim
Vibe: Central, bustling, mix of everything
Best for: Meyhanes, street food, nightlife
Kadıköy
Vibe: Asian side, local, market-focused
Best for: Fish market, breakfast, authentic vibe
Karaköy
Vibe: Waterfront, revitalized, hip
Best for: Modern Turkish, coffee, design-forward spots
Sultanahmet
Vibe: Historic, touristy, some gems
Best for: Traditional Ottoman, convenient to sights
Beşiktaş
Vibe: Local, university area, unpretentious
Best for: Cheap eats, fish sandwiches, real Istanbul
What to Eat
Breakfast (Kahvaltı)
Turkish breakfast is an event. Cheese, olives, tomatoes, eggs, honey, bread, tea. Hours long.
Must try: Full spread at a dedicated breakfast spot, preferably with a view
Kebabs
Not just döner. Adana, Urfa, İskender. Regional varieties, each with devoted followers.
Must try: İskender kebab with tomato sauce and yogurt
Meze & Meyhane
Small plates at a meyhane (tavern) with raki. Octopus, stuffed grape leaves, fish. Social eating.
Must try: Meyhane dinner with raki and whatever the waiter recommends
Street Food
Simit (sesame bread rings), balık ekmek (fish sandwich), döner, lahmacun.
Must try: Balık ekmek by the Galata Bridge, watching the fishermen
Local Tips
- →Cross to the Asian side (Kadıköy). Fewer tourists, better food, worth the ferry.
- →Turkish breakfast is ideally a weekend activity. Budget 2+ hours.
- →Raki goes cloudy with water. Sip slowly with meze. It sneaks up on you.
- →The fish sandwich at Galata Bridge is touristy but still great.
- →Tea is offered constantly. Accept it. It's hospitality.
When to Eat
Breakfast
9-11am
This is the meal. Clear your morning.
Lunch
12:30-2pm
Kebabs, pide, or quick street food
Dinner
7-10pm
Meyhane for the full experience
Late night
11pm-2am
Döner, kokoreç, and tea
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