During our trip to Istanbul, we explored a variety of restaurants, from local favorites to hidden gems. We enjoyed traditional Turkish breakfasts, kebabs, seafood, and unique dishes like lamajun and bayan soup. Our top picks included Fora Kebab House and Sultanamett Fish House, both offering exceptional food and service. This guide highlights our culinary journey and recommendations for anyone visiting Istanbul.
Istanbul is a city rich in culture and history, and its culinary scene is no exception. During our recent trip, we had the pleasure of dining at a variety of restaurants, each offering a unique taste of Turkish cuisine. In this blog post, we will share our experiences, favorite dishes, and recommendations for anyone looking to explore the vibrant food scene in Istanbul.
Our culinary adventure began at Pelivon Locantasi, located in the Istiklal Street and Taksim Square area. Locantasis are cafeteria-style restaurants where locals enjoy affordable meals. The variety of dishes available allows diners to choose from different foods and portion sizes, making it a great spot for a casual lunch.
On our first morning, we ventured out for a traditional Turkish breakfast at a local café. Most restaurants in tourist areas offer similar breakfast options, including omelets and a selection of cheeses, breads, and vegetables. This meal set the tone for our culinary exploration in Istanbul.
One evening, we stumbled upon Fora Kebab House near the Sultanahmet area. Unlike the larger, noisier restaurants that felt overly touristy, this small eatery offered a cozy atmosphere and delicious food. We enjoyed tender, smoky kebabs and grilled vegetables, which quickly became a highlight of our trip.
After asking a local for recommendations, we visited Sultanahmet Kuftzi, known for its meatballs. Established in 1920, this restaurant is conveniently located across from the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque. The walls are adorned with historical photos, adding to its charm. The meatballs were flavorful and a must-try for any meat lover.
Another memorable dining experience was at Inili Mosaic, which translates to "pearl mosaic." We savored dishes like pistachio kebab, shrimp in tomato sauce, and lentil soup. The attentive service, including efforts to ensure my beer was cold, made our visit even more enjoyable.
During our stay at the Sura Haya Sophia Hotel, we enjoyed complimentary breakfasts featuring a wide variety of vegetables, cheeses, breads, and drinks. This daily ritual provided a great start to our adventures.
We returned to Fora Kebab House for dinner, where we tried grilled calamari, meatballs, and a special salad. The freshness of the ingredients and the quality of the dishes reaffirmed our love for this restaurant.
On one of our excursions to the Asian side of Istanbul, we visited Kiman, a restaurant we had previously discovered on a food tour. We indulged in lamajun, a Middle Eastern flatbread topped with minced meat and vegetables, which was a delightful treat.
A culinary goal for our trip was to try Balik Ekmek, or fish in bread. We found this dish at a restaurant under the Galata Bridge, where we split a sandwich filled with fish, lettuce, and onions. The flavors were fresh, and it was a unique experience to enjoy this local favorite.
While exploring the city, we discovered Arya Lounge, which features rooftop seating. We stopped for Turkish tea and a mango milkshake, enjoying the stunning views of the Galata Bridge and the surrounding area.
During our food tour, we encountered bayan soup, a spicy lamb soup at Si Shark. We also sampled their lamb kebab, and both dishes quickly became favorites of ours.
Not every dining experience was perfect. At Pasha Sultanamett, a fish kebab and steak restaurant, we faced long wait times and lukewarm food. Despite the initial disappointment, we decided to return to Fora Kebab House for dessert and drinks, which salvaged our evening.
On a rainy day, we ducked into Cafe Society near the Spice Bazaar for Turkish tea and a cream tart. Later, we visited the Alpek Hotel terrace restaurant for wine and hummus, enjoying the beautiful views from the rooftop.
A local friend took us to Medachi Attit Kokar, known as the "Lord of Muscles." We tried various dishes, including lamb and beef intestines, which were surprisingly delicious. This experience was a highlight of our culinary journey.
We received a recommendation to try the Sultanamett Fish House, where we enjoyed dishes like sea bass in saffron and jumbo shrimp. The seafood was fresh and a welcome change from the meat-heavy meals we had been enjoying.
While in the Galataport area, we visited Lattest Restaurant, where we tried salmon bruschetta and an avocado and artichoke salad. The food was excellent, and the rooftop view was breathtaking.
One of our friends ordered the testy kebab, a lamb dish cooked in a clay pot. The preparation was theatrical, and the dish itself was delicious, adding to our diverse culinary experiences.
As our trip came to an end, we returned to Fora Kebab House for a final meal, enjoying a variety of dishes one last time. This restaurant truly became our favorite during our stay in Istanbul.
In summary, our culinary journey through Istanbul was filled with memorable meals and experiences. Our top recommendations include:
We hope this guide inspires you to explore the diverse and delicious food scene in Istanbul. Each restaurant we visited offered something unique, and we encourage you to discover your own favorites during your visit.
