Our favorite Turkish breakfast dishes are: menemen, sucuk, pişi, and simit make sure you order them. 

Alp’s favorite item from a traditional breakfast spread is Kaymak (fresh milk cream) with Bal (honey) on simit. 

Lilly’s favorite thing to do is to mix Tahini and a couple drops of Pekmaz (molasses) together and spread it on simit.

Mangerie Bebek*

@mangeriebebek

Kale

@kale_cafe

Namli Gurme

@namligurme

Delicatessen Etiler

Euro brasserie @delicatessenist

Petra 

NYC style roastery with great coffee and food options

Hünkar*

An institution in Nişantaşı since 1950, choose the traditional daily specialties line up behind a display window. Don’t miss “hünkar beğendi” (meat with smoked aubergine) and different kinds of “dolma” 

Cuma 

Organic, seasonal. Located at Çukurcuma heaven of antiques and real vibes of Istanbul from generations.

29* 

Fusion, international, great view, best Turkish meatballs. Try to reserve and get a seat on the terrace, one of the most amazing views of Istanbul. @29_yirmidokuz 

Papermoon 

Go-to Italian for any occasion – incredible pizza @papermoontr

Born in Istanbul, beloved worldwide. Succulent layers of lamb or beef are slow-roasted on a vertical spit, then shaved into fluffy bread or lavash with pickles, tomatoes, and a swipe of yogurt or spicy sauce. Whether it’s a midday bite or a late-night craving, this spinning classic never disappoints.

Bayramoglu Doner*

Best Doner in Istanbul

Turkey’s answer to pizza, but with a twist. Pide is a canoe-shaped flatbread baked with toppings like gooey cheese, pastırma (cured beef), spinach, or egg. Each region has its own spin — but wherever you try it, it's melty, golden, and wildly comforting. 

Hacapuri

Best Pide in Istanbul

Flaky, buttery layers of yufka pastry filled with cheese, spinach, or minced meat. Börek is a versatile Turkish classic — served hot or cold, rolled or layered, perfect for breakfast or alongside tea. One bite and you’ll understand why it’s everyone’s grandmother’s secret weapon. 

Buyukada Bakery or Beyaz Firin

Best Borek in Istanbul

Tiny hand-folded dumplings filled with spiced meat, boiled and topped with garlicky yogurt, melted butter, and a sprinkle of sumac or Aleppo pepper. Think Turkish ravioli. The smaller they are, the more bragging rights for whoever made them. For extra indulgence, get them fried. 

Askana Manti

Best Manti in Istanbul

Lahmacun is a thin, crisp flatbread topped with a spiced blend of minced meat, onion, tomato, and herbs. It's rolled up with parsley, lemon juice, and sometimes raw onions — then devoured like a local. Light, flavorful, and perfect for lunch on the go. 

Develi or Tatbak

Best Lahmacun in Istanbul

In Turkey, fish restaurants aren’t just about the food — they’re a ritual. You go with a group of friends on a Friday or Saturday night, or with family on a leisurely Sunday. It starts slow and social: you’re invited to walk over to the meze display and pick what speaks to you — a beloved part of the experience.

Alp’s favorite mezes:

Tereyaglı Karides – Shrimp cooked in bubbling butter with garlic, and often a kick of chili or splash of lemon.

Köpoglu – Fried eggplant cubes served with garlicky yogurt and a drizzle of spicy tomato sauce — humble and addictive.

Lilly’s favorite mezes:

Atom Yogurt – Thick, creamy yogurt with sizzling hot chili butter poured on top — spicy, tangy, and unforgettable.

Zeytinyaglı Enginar – Artichoke hearts braised in olive oil, nestled with carrots and peas — light, elegant, and uniquely Turkish.

Zeytinyaglı Fasulye – Green beans slow-cooked in olive oil and tomato — a cold dish with soul.

Of course, no proper fish restaurant experience is complete without rakı. It’s tradition — and a social contract — to sip (or slam) Turkey’s anise-scented spirit as you graze through the night. 

Eventually, you’ll choose a whole fish to be grilled, baked, or pan-fried to your liking. Watch out for the “market price” gray zone — the cost can be a surprise. 

You can also order Alp’s go-to: Balık Tava - lightly breaded fish, stir-fried with tomatoes and garlic. It never disappoints.

Balikci Abdullah* 

Our family favorite since the 80s, there is a boat service from Istinye @balikciabdullah

Kıyı Balık* 

Fish restaurant featured in Michelin Guide – we went here for dinner after Alp proposed ☺  @kiyi.tarabya

Adem Baba 

Quick seafood lunch/dinner with no alcohol served. They will always have the freshest catch cooked to perfection @adembabaarnavutkoy

Bebek Balikci

While the food and service leave a little to be desired, it does have the best bosphorus front seating of any restaurant in Istanbul. 

Turk by Fatih Tutak 

Chef restaurant with 2 Michelin stars @turkfatihtutak

Arkestra

Chef restaurant and speakeasy-style vinyl bar that is great for dancing after dinner @arkestra.ist

Aşeka

Chef restaurant @aseka.karakoy

Gallada

Perched atop The Peninsula Istanbul, serves Chef Fatih Tutak’s luxe Turk-Asian “Silk Road” tasting journey against sweeping Bosphorus views and a buzzing Topside Bar.

Yeni Lokanta

The highly accomplished culinary offerings revisit traditional flavors. Twist of İznik tiles in the interiors are the symbols of this bistro reflecting the local gastronomic landscape. @yeni.lokanta

Karaköy Lokantası*

Highly traditional fare in an elegant modern setting. @karakoy.lokantasi

Tatbak

Michelin Guide restaurant that is a lunch favorite of people living close by and a destination in its own right for others (lahmacun is a must-have) @tatbak_

Pandeli*

Traditional Turkish dishes in a beautiful setting. @pandeliistanbul

Aheste Pera

Slow food, delicious Turkish mezes accompanied by nice music. @ahestepera

Mahir

Busy lunch spot serving some of the best traditional food from the counter @mahirlokantasi

Zubeyir

Old school “ocakbaşı”, one of the undisputed favorites for kebabs @zubeyir_ocakbasi

Sisko Perihan

Modern Turkish Tavern in its top form @sisko.perihan

Asmali Cavit

Asmalı Cavit is a beloved, no-frills meyhane (turkish tavern) in Asmalımescit - think silky fava, grilled octopus, crispy calamari, seasonal greens, and perfectly cooked lamb chops—with generous pours of rakı in a fun setting.

Adana Ocakbasi*

Alp’s favorite Ocakbasi (kebap house). Order their signature Adana Kebap – it is spicy though! If you don’t like spice then order Urfa kebap!

Çiya

Featured on Chef’s Table for exploring unknown regional Turkish cuisine. Best eggplant dolma ever.

Gün Lokantası Asmalı

Refined modern lokanta in Asmalımescit, offering fire-cooked Anatolian dishes like sea bass with cibes, lamb shank, and inventive meze in a sleek, open-kitchen setting.

Bi’ Nevi Deli

100% plant‑based café in Etiler that serves creative, gluten‑free and seasonal bowls, breakfast items, sandwiches, and raw desserts crafted with high‑quality ingredients in a stylish, health‑focused setting

 Karaköy Güllüoğlu*

Best baklava in Istanbul - get the wet baklava (more sugar water). If you are feeling extra fun, you can get the baklava with Kaymak (cream) on top. Divine.

Ali Muhiddin Haci Bekir

Best Turkish Delights in the city 

Sütlaç 

Sütlaç is a beloved Turkish rice pudding made by simmering rice, milk, and sugar until creamy, then often baked to develop a caramelized top—delicate, comforting, and subtly sweet, it's a nostalgic dessert served warm or chilled, sometimes dusted with cinnamon or crowned with ground nuts.

Tavuk Göğsü

A centuries-old Ottoman oddity turned creamy delicacy. This milk pudding is made with shredded chicken breast (usually boiled and finely pulled until the fibers disappear), milk, sugar, and rice flour. The result? Silky, delicate, and subtly chewy — without a trace of chicken flavor. So good and a must try.

Bebek Hotel Bar

@bebek.bar @bebekhotelbythestay

Lucca

@lucca_style

Momo

@momo.bebekoy

Alexandra Cocktail Bar

@alexandracocktailbar

Geyik

@geyikcocktailbar

Goose No.25

@gooseistanbul

Mini Müzikhol

@minimuzikhol

Tavern

Very fun lowkey cocktail bar that spills out into the street - must go on the weekends for pregame. Probably the best dirty martini in Istanbul.

Soho House Istanbul

Stunning building (used to be the old British Consulate) – If you can go to just see the architecture it's worth it.

Backyard

Tucked into the leafy garden of a historic French orphanage in Bebeköy, is a laid-back all-day refuge for brunch, cocktails, and globally inspired comfort plates enjoyed among greenery and wandering dogs