Best Places to Eat in Istanbul Turkey

Discovering the Flavors of Istanbul: A Street Food Lover’s Paradise

Istanbul, a city that straddles Europe and Asia, offers a culinary experience like no other. The vibrant streets of this ancient metropolis are filled with the aroma of delicious food, from traditional Turkish delights to mouth-watering street eats. Here are the best places to eat in Istanbul, with a focus on popular street food:

1. Karaköy Güllüoğlu (Baklava Heaven)

  • Address: Kemankeş Karamustafa Paşa Mh., Kara Ali Kaptan Sk No:7, 34425 Beyoğlu/İstanbul
  • Must-try: Baklava, a sweet pastry made with layers of phyllo dough and nuts

This iconic baklava shop has been serving Istanbul’s sweet tooth for over 200 years. Their baklava is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making it a must-try when in Istanbul.

2. Istiklal Caddesi (Street Food Galore)

  • Address: Istiklal Cd., 34430 Beyoğlu/İstanbul
  • Must-try: Kumpir (stuffed baked potato), Midye (stuffed mussels)

This bustling street is lined with street food vendors, cafes, and restaurants. Try the kumpir, a giant baked potato stuffed with cheese, herbs, and spices, or midye, mussels filled with aromatic rice and spices.

3. Emin Usta (Famous Fish Sandwich)

  • Address: Emin Usta Balıkçısı, 34116 Sultanahmet/İstanbul
  • Must-try: Balık Ekmek (fish sandwich)

Emin Usta has been serving the freshest fish sandwiches in Istanbul for over 40 years. Their balıkekmek is a mouthful of crispy bread, juicy fish, and tangy lettuce.

4. Vefa Bozacısı (Traditional Turkish Delight)

  • Address: Vefa Bozacısı, 34116 Sultanahmet/İstanbul
  • Must-try: Boza (traditional Turkish drink), Turkish delight

This historic shop has been serving traditional Turkish delights since 1870. Try their boza, a sweet and slightly sour drink made from fermented corn flour, or sample their wide variety of Turkish delights.

5. Simit Sarayı (The Palace of Sesame Crusted Bread)

  • Address: Simit Sarayı, 34425 Beyoğlu/İstanbul
  • Must-try: Simit (sesame crusted bread)

This popular bakery has been serving Istanbul’s favorite breakfast bread for over 20 years. Their simit is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, perfect with cheese, olives, or just on its own.

6. Ali Usta (Famous Doner Kebab)

  • Address: Ali Usta Döner Kebapçısı, 34116 Sultanahmet/İstanbul
  • Must-try: Döner kebab (meat cooked on a vertical spit)

Ali Usta has been serving Istanbul’s most delicious döner kebabs for over 50 years. Their juicy meat is stacked on a vertical spit and served in a crispy sesame-topped bun.

7. Çiya Sofrası (Traditional Turkish Breakfast)

  • Address: Çiya Sofrası, 34116 Sultanahmet/İstanbul
  • Must-try: Turkish breakfast plate

This cozy restaurant serves an authentic Turkish breakfast experience. Try their traditional breakfast plate, complete with cheese, olives, bread, and eggs.

Istanbul’s street food scene is a culinary paradise, offering a diverse range of flavors and aromas to tantalize your taste buds. Be sure to try these iconic eateries and vendors for an unforgettable gastronomic adventure in this enchanting city.