Each place has its sense of taste and flavor regarding food. Likewise, Istanbul also has the classic flavors of traditional Turkish and Istanbul cuisine: Ottoman court cuisine, Central Asian, Persian, Balkan, Arab, and Byzantine culinary traditions. While you are planning to head to Istanbul, ensure that you do not miss out on traditional Turkish dishes. Thus, to get near to the root of the place, you must also taste the local food, as it is the best one in terms of taste. If you are especially looking forward to the best food, then you must visit “esnaf lokantası” (tradesman restaurant). It is the primary go-to place for students, tradesmen, and white-collar workers; thus, the dishes served at “esnaf lokantası” are healthy and, as such, hold an important place in Turkish daily life. Therefore, there are other restaurants that are quite famous and known as the local restaurants in Istanbul.
Suppose you are a person who believes in health but wants a little taste of it, too. Then this restaurant is the right place for you to be. If you wish to have all the benefits of glasswort but can’t stand the prominent seafood smell and taste, Lokanta Kru has a solution. The place has a unique Istanbul cuisine menu with an additional touch. You must visit the restaurant and get the best taste and health.
If you are a fan of seafood, then this is the place you must not miss out on; this is a seafood-based restaurant. It’s more of a Meyhane- a Turkish pub. This is the best place to spend your nights with the lights and the food, as this is the best restaurant to create seafood-based memories. This is the best place to have dinner in Istanbul.
Sadrazam Mahmut is a small and cozy place offering Beyoglu's best food. Their focus is on meat dishes, and they love to cook some of the more ‘difficult’ dishes in Turkish cuisine. Several of them are pretty famous and are well-known in Sadrazam Mahmut. You will have the best taste at this restaurant, as the flavors will blow your mind away.
This place is well known for its taste. The star of the Istanbul cuisine menu is Kofte, Turkish Meatballs with meat cooked to perfection. This is one of those quaint restaurants in the old city of Istanbul. The restaurant is located in a central location, so the food and products are healthy. Also, the staff at the restaurant is fantastic and offers the best and most excellent services.
Deraliye Terrace is a multi-cuisine restaurant in the heart of the Old City of Istanbul for food lovers. The place has breathtaking views of iconic landmarks, particularly enchanting at sunset. The service is fantastic, and the food is delicious, with a very comfortable and friendly atmosphere. This can be a highlight of your trip. It is located in Ticarethane Sk—a must-visit place.
Goose Kebab
The restaurant stands out as a culinary gem in Istanbul, with many diners applauding its combination of delectable Turkish cuisine and genuine service. The place has the best atmosphere and decor, with gorgeous views of Istanbul. The food is also very delicious, especially the meat, which is the star of this place.
The restaurant is a local gem and is also quite hard to find. It is a little walk away from the Grand Bazaar. The restaurant serves traditional Turkish foods at affordable prices in any authentic Turkish kitchen. Thus, what they serve depends on the Saturday menu, but the bean salad pairs excellently with the meatballs (köfte). The food melts in the mouth and goes straight to the heart.
Oktay Bey is famous for its cookies, which have been turned into street food. They have made a fusion of cookies, as the cookies are supposed to be a dry, floury treat so that they pair well with the vibrant, pomegranate-red cup of Turkish tea. You can also try the sponge cake with Turkish coffee. This place is the best for breakfast; you must visit.
This is the most popular local restaurant in Istanbul. Offal has a long and unique history in Turkish cuisine, and Paçacı Mahmut Usta specializes in offal soups. Offal soups are considered healing soups in Turkey and are eaten nationwide in homes and restaurants. While visiting Istanbul, ensure you see the world-famous soups here.
Bankalar Lokantasi's menu changes daily with the seasons. The place offers a never-ending variety of fish, kebabs, and traditional pot-style Turkish food. As it is one of the most popular restaurants in Karaköy for tradespeople and bank workers, the restaurant’s design is just as simplified as its traditional dishes. If you are searching for conventional Turkish food close to Istanbul’s tourist areas, Bankalar Lokantası is an excellent option.
Istanbul, Turkey has many famous dishes, including street food, Kebabs, and desserts. While you are planning to head, it is recommended that you try the refined food and the local dishes of the place and get to know about the flavors of the place. Thus, there are a various dishes that are pretty famous, and the following are mentioned below.
Indulge in Istanbul's vibrant cuisine scene with these top local restaurants, each offering a unique taste of Turkish cuisine that every traveler should experience.