15 Best Restaurants in Istanbul (Top Places to Eat)

I love Istanbul beyond measure; I should probably put that out there first. It’s probably safe to say too, however, that whenever I go, I always come back with a bigger waistline than when I left! This city is a foodie’s utter dream, and whether you’re into street food, fine dining, or something in between, the best restaurants in Istanbul are sure to blow your mind, and tastebuds.

I’ve made it my mission to eat my way around the best places to eat in Istanbul, and I’ve found many places that I go back to time and time again. This city has some of the most delicious food on the planet, and even if you have a slightly picky palette, you’ll find more than enough to fill your belly. But out of the huge number of eateries to choose from, you definitely need to know the best spots to head to.

15 Best Restaurants in Istanbul

Because food is such a big thing in Istanbul, I wanted to pinpoint the best places to try both authentic and international foods. After all, you don’t want to waste your time eating somewhere sub-par when there are so many amazing places available. So, I’ve put together a list of where to eat in Istanbul, using service, quality of food, location, reviews, and my personal experiences as the criteria.

I think you’re going to be impressed …

1. Mikla
(Best Restaurant in Istanbul Overall)

If you’re looking for one of the best restaurants in Istanbul, it has to be Mikla, which is located on the top floor of the upmarket Marmara Pera Hotel in Beyoğlu. Firstly, the views are something special, but the food is off the scale. I think this is the best experience for fine dining in Istanbul.

You can choose a 7-course tasting menu or a fixed 3-course à la carte option, they also offer a vegan tasting menu. I went for the fixed menu, and I had the dried beef, and the only word to describe it was “wow.” My husband had the octopus, and he was very quiet during his meal which definitely means he enjoyed it!

This restaurant is very well recommended, and since 2015, it’s been on the list of the world’s best 50 restaurants. The entire experience was something very special indeed, and the food coupled with the view means I rate this one the highest on the list.

Mikla Information

Address: The Marmara Pera, Meşrutiyet Caddesi 15, 34430, Beyoğlu, İstanbul
Phone: +90 (212) 293 5656
Operating Hours: Monday – Saturday, 6 pm – 11.30 pm for food. The bar is open until midnight.
Must-Try…