Eating & Drinking in Istanbul

Istanbul is a culinary paradise — from street food for a few Lira to Michelin-starred restaurants. Here are the essential food experiences:

Street Food

• Balık Ekmek (Fish Sandwich): At the Golden Horn in Eminönü — grilled mackerel in bread with onions and salad. Classic on the swaying boats at the base of the Galata Bridge (from 80 ₺).
• Simit: The ubiquitous sesame ring — the Turkish pretzel. Available everywhere from street vendors, fresh and warm (15–25 ₺).
• Kumpir: In Ortaköy, have giant baked potatoes filled with 20+ toppings (from 120 ₺).
• Döner: Forget the German Döner — here is the original: thin slices from the rotisserie in flatbread or as Dürüm in Lavash. Best Döner: Bayramoğlu (Kadıköy) or Şehzade Erzurum Cağ Kebabı (Fatih, horizontal spit!).
• Kokoreç: Grilled lamb intestines in bread — sounds unusual, tastes fantastic. Very popular with locals, especially at night.

Restaurant Tips

• Çiya Sofrası (Kadıköy): The most famous Lokanta (home-cooked restaurant) in Turkey. Changing meze, stews, and kebabs from all regions. Netflix-famous through "Chef's Table". Reservations essential! Budget level: €€.
• Karaköy Lokantası (Karaköy): Modern Turkish cuisine in an elegant setting. Excellent meze and fish dishes. Budget level: €€€.
• Tarihi Sultanahmet Köftecisi (Sultanahmet): Since 1920 — only one dish: grilled Köfte with white beans and spicy sauce. Simple, perfect, legendary. Budget level: €.
• Hafız Mustafa 1864 (multiple locations): Historic confectionery for Baklava, Lokum, Künefe, and Turkish ice cream. A sweet must.

Turkish Breakfast (Kahvaltı)

The Serpme Kahvaltı (large breakfast) is a ceremony: up to 20 small dishes with white cheese (Beyaz Peynir), olives, tomatoes, cucumbers, honey with Kaymak (cream), Sucuk (garlic sausage), Menemen (scrambled eggs with tomatoes and peppers), Böreks, jams, and endless tea. Best at Van Kahvaltı Evi (Beyoğlu) or Çakmak Kahvaltı Salonu (Beşiktaş) — plan 2–3 hours!