beat the brochure

It’s hard not to fall in love with Turkish cuisine and when you are limited on time during your break in Istanbul you don’t want to have to search and search for a great place to grab a bite to eat so get ahead and try out some of our picks for great places to eat in Istanbul.

360

Inject a bit of fancypants into your city break and treat yourself to dinner, or at the very least a drink, here at 360. The menu is international with a hint of Turkey and is top-quality food but the selling point is the setting. With, unsurprisingly, 360 degree views of Istanbul, this is a view to remember. Some sources say their ‘Death by Chocolate’ dessert is the perfect end to a romantic evening but I shall let you decide on that one.

Pierre Loti Cafe

A wonderful rustic setting perfect to try out some infamous Turkish coffee. Most people combine a trip to the Pierre Loti Cafe with a visit to the Eyup Sultan Mosque but for abit of quiet time overlooking the Golden Horn and the hustle and bustle of Istanbul, a trip to the Pierre Loti Cafe via the cable car is a great way to spend a couple of hours. If the famous French novelist can find inspiration here then you never know what will come to mind after a strong coffee amidst the trees.

Sultanahmet Fish House

Calling all lovers of seriously good fish, the Sultanahmet Fish House is a bit touristy but serves up some of the best fish you’ll ever taste and is all about simple fresh fish dishes cooked well. The atmosphere in the restaurant buzzes and the location is perfect for an afternoon exploring the old city followed by a great fish and wine dinner. Make sure you check out the lamps!

Zoe Yacht

A unique way to dine in Istanbul. Enjoy a light lunch in the sun or a romantic sunset dinner with someone special whilst sailing the Bosphorus River and enjoying the sites of enchanting Istanbul.

Durumzadi

It is simply not acceptable to visit Istanbul and not try a kebab. These are no ordinary kebabs, they are an awesome combination of fresh meat, salad, hummous and pitta bread and you are not at home in Istanbul until you take your first bite into that kebab. Durumzadi is more street stall than restaurant but the big plus is that it is open 24 hours so you can have one for lunch and then have another 12 hours later on your way home from one of Istanbul’s lively bars.

Meze by Lemon Tree

This restaurant is raved about by everyone. Traditional Turkish Meze at its best and all for incredible value for money. This is the place to come for a bottle if wine and a few plates to chatter over, or with a group of friends to drink and eat the night away.

If you have any tips on great places to eat in Istanbul please let us know! For further information or top tips on what to do and when during your holiday to Istanbul and Turkey, have a read of our Interview with Turkey Culture & Tourism for some insider tips.