Best Restaurants In Istanbul

The best restaurants in Istanbul are deliciously diverse you should know. Feast like an Ottoman Emperor on fabulous traditional cuisine at Asitane or try cutting-edge fusion delicacies at Mikla. In summer, be sure to dine alfresco on the many rooftop and terrace restaurants that offer breathtaking views of Istanbul and the glittering Bosphorus Strait. The city’s position between prominent European and Asian countries allows for cuisine inspired by international styles and ingredients, while exquisite seafood is regularly at the forefront of Istanbul’s best restaurants. These are our picks of the best restaurants in Istanbul, Turkey.

Best Restaurants In Istanbul, Turkey

Râna Meyhane

At Râna, formerly known as Topaz, the best of Mediterranean and Ottoman cuisine come together. Overlooking the Bosphorus, the serene atmosphere of Râna recalls the stone it is named after in its geometric design that is complemented by modern decor. The restaurant offers two tasting menus: modern and traditional. The first comprises innovative dishes like goose liver terrine with cranberry marmalade and walnut, while the latter includes classics like Turkish ravioli with beef and strained yogurt. Râna’s wine list has acquired national recognition with an award from local magazine Gusto and the staff is happy to provide pairings on request.

St. Regis Brasserie

For expert French cuisine in Istanbul, look no further than St. Regis Brasserie. Housed in the luxury St. Regis Istanbul hotel, the intimate restaurant comprises both indoor and outdoor dining areas with elegant accents like oak, brass and onyx. The fare is seasonal, including contemporary, French-inspired dishes with a Turkish touch. An expansive menu includes a variety of salads, handcrafted pasta and sandwiches among appetizers and main courses. Try the St. Regis Brasserie meatballs or pan-fried black bream with a signature Bloody Mary from the cocktail menu. Be sure to leave room for dessert – the restaurant offers raspberry cake, rice pudding, tiramisu and mascarpone cheese cake.

Asitane

Eating here is a live history class. Overlooking the Golden Horn, Asitane Restaurant is perched in the foothills of Edirnekapı, considered by many to be one of the most important areas of historical Istanbul. The restaurant lies in the shadow of the mighty Chora Church, famous for its mosaics and one of the most revered and well preserved buildings of the Byzantine era. Asitane opened its doors in 1991, serving dishes reflecting the eclectic nature of the Turco-Ottoman neighborhood. Asitane was one of the many names given to Istanbul throughout the era of the Ottoman Empire, and today Asitane Restaurant brings to life the tastes of a glorious bygone era. After 20 years in hospitality, Asitane now boasts an impressive archive comprising over 450 forgotten sweet and savory recipes, prepared according to 500-year-old cooking methods.

Nicole Restaurant

Nicole Restaurant is located in Beyoglu district of Istanbul and the name Nicolve is inspired from mother Agnes Marthe Nicole, who healed numerous patients in this historic building that was used as a Franciscan monastery until the early 20th century. Nicole Restaurant offers contemporary mediterranean cuisine served at a chic terrace that has a magnificent view of the Istanbul historical peninsula, the Prince Islands and beyond. The wine cellar of Nicole is vert impressive that includes chateau style local wine producers from the Aegean, Thrace and Anatolia regions as well as imported varieties.

Asmali Cavit

Located in the famous Asmalimescit Street of Beyoglu, Asmali Cavit can be considered as one of the best Meyhanes (Taverns) in Istanbul. This award winning traditional meyhane serves in a very authentic atmosphere and famous for its mezes (starters) such as kryptonite-green, true octopus salad and hot starters such as yaprak ciger (thin slices of liver fried with onions) and muska boregi (a fried triangle of phyllo dough stuffed with ground beef and onions) and finally the main dishes of great fresh fish and kofte (meatballs) and more. The list may go on and on. If you are looking for a traditional Turkish tavern, than head out to Asmali Cavit.

Nusr-Et Steakhouse

The Nusr-Et Steakhouse has become one of the most famous and appreciated restaurants in Istanbul, gaining an incredible international popularity in the last decade. This was partly thanks to the undeniable charm of Nusret who became known as Salt Bae on the Internet, with his trademark cooking style. Yet, his fame was mostly based on the amazing quality and taste of his steaks and burgers.

While millions of people have followed his culinary adventures online, those that truly tasted the delicacies of Nusr-Et Steakhouse in Istanbul can attest to their divine flavors. With a menu based on beef and lamb steaks and burgers, the dishes are perfectly prepared in a very particular cooking style from high quality meat. Starting from Istanbul, Nusr-Et has created a world chain of superb restaurants, yet one of the most popular remains the one in the Grand Bazaar.