One of the easiest ways to fall in love with Istanbul is simply to eat your way through it. The city’s food scene stretches from tiny bakeries and street carts to elegant restaurants with Bosphorus views, and you can have an amazing day just moving from snack to snack.

Start the day like an Istanbul local

Breakfast is serious business in Turkey. Even if you’re staying in a hotel with a buffet, try at least one proper Turkish breakfast in a café.

On the European side, neighbourhoods like Karaköy, Beşiktaş, Nişantaşı and Cihangir are full of places that serve long, lazy breakfasts. Expect plates of white cheese, aged kaşar cheese, olives, tomatoes, cucumbers, honey with clotted cream (kaymak), eggs and fresh bread that keeps arriving at the table. It’s less about speed and more about talking, sipping tea and watching the street outside.

If you’re in a hurry, grab a simit – a sesame-crusted bread ring – from a street cart or small bakery. Locals often pair it with strong black tea, eaten standing at a high table or on a bench facing the water. Around Eminönü, Karaköy and Üsküdar you’ll see people doing this all day.

Street food you shouldn’t miss

Istanbul’s street food is one of the city’s great joys, especially if you’re comfortable eating where locals eat.

Some favourites:

Balık ekmek (fish sandwich) in Eminönü or Karaköy – grilled fish in bread with onion and salad, eaten right by the water while ferries come and go.
Midye dolma (stuffed mussels) – mussels filled with spiced rice and served with lemon. You’ll see trays of them in busy areas like Istiklal Street, Beşiktaş and Kadıköy. Squeeze lemon, eat one, and if you like it, they’ll keep refilling until you say stop.
Lahmacun – a thin, crispy flatbread topped with minced meat, herbs and spices. You roll it up with parsley and lemon juice. Look for busy, simple places rather than fancy ones; turnover means freshness.
Kokoreç – seasoned, grilled lamb intestines in bread. It’s not for everyone, but it’s very popular with locals late at night.

If you’re unsure where to start, join a small-group or private food tour on your first day. After that, you’ll recognise what looks fresh and where the crowds of locals are lining up.

Lunchtime at a lokanta

At lunchtime, follow office workers and taxi drivers. Small lokanta restaurants display trays of home-style dishes in the window: stews, stuffed vegetables, rice, beans, meatballs, vegetable casseroles. You simply point to what you want, they plate it, and you sit down with a tray.

This is one of the best ways to eat like a local without spending much. You’ll find good lokantas in almost every neighbourhood; areas like Sirkeci, Eminönü, Fatih, Beşiktaş and Kadıköy are full of them. It’s also a good option if you’re travelling with people who like to see what they’ll get before ordering.

Pide, kebab and other classics

When people think of Turkish food, they often think of kebab – but there are many regional styles.

Adana and Urfa kebab – minced meat grilled on skewers, usually served with flatbread, grilled vegetables and salad.
Iskender kebab – thinly sliced döner meat on pieces of pide bread, topped with tomato sauce and melted butter, served with yoghurt.
Pide – sometimes called “Turkish pizza”, but really its own thing: boat-shaped flatbread baked with cheese, meat, vegetables or sucuk (spicy sausage).

For these dishes, look for specialised kebab houses or pide salons rather than places that serve “a bit of everything” for tourists. Streets behind Istiklal Avenue, around Aksaray or in Kadıköy’s Caferağa area are good hunting grounds.

Meze and seafood by the Bosphorus

In the evening, meze restaurants come into their own. Tables fill with small plates – smoked eggplant, marinated fish, salads, hot pastries – and the meal stretches across the night.

Traditional meyhane districts include Karaköy, Beşiktaş, Kadıköy, Kumkapı and various Bosphorus villages. If you’re staying near the water, consider one of the seafood restaurants in Arnavutköy, Bebek, Kuzguncuk or along the Golden Horn. Prices can vary a lot depending on location, so it’s worth checking the menu or asking for an approximate cost before you sit down.

Ordering meze is part of the fun. Waiters often bring a tray or invite you to the counter to point at what you like. Mix a few cold dishes (salads, yoghurt-based plates, marinated vegetables) with one or two hot plates, then add grilled fish or meat if you’re still hungry.

Asian side flavours: Kadıköy and beyond

If you love food, plan at least half a day on the Asian side of Istanbul, especially in Kadıköy. The market streets there are packed with fishmongers, cheese shops, pickle stalls, spice shops and dessert cafés. You can snack your way from one end to the other: olives here, a pastry there, then a fresh juice or coffee.

From Kadıköy, walk or take the tram to Moda, where you’ll find relaxed cafés and ice-cream shops overlooking the sea. On warm evenings, locals sit on the rocks with takeaway tea or coffee, watching the ferries move across the water.

Desserts and drinks you should try

Leave space in your plans for sweet things:

Baklava – layers of flaky pastry with pistachios or walnuts soaked in light syrup. Gaziantep-style pistachio baklava is especially loved.
Künefe – a hot dessert made from shredded pastry, cheese and syrup, often topped with pistachios. Rich, but unforgettable when shared.
Sütlaç (rice pudding) – sometimes baked with a caramelised top. Comforting and not too sweet.
Lokma and tulumba – fried dough sweets that appear at festivals and in some dessert shops.

To drink, you’ll encounter:

Tea (çay) – served everywhere, all day. Accepting a glass is a simple way to connect with people.
Turkish coffee – thick, strong and served in small cups. Remember the grounds sit at the bottom, so don’t drink it all the way down.
Ayran – a cold yoghurt drink that goes well with kebab and rich dishes.
For those who drink alcohol, rakı – an anise-flavoured spirit – is the classic companion to meze and seafood.

Practical tips for eating in Istanbul

Follow the crowds: Busy places with a mix of locals are usually a good sign.
Check prices: Menus should be clearly displayed. In touristy areas, confirm the price of fish or specials before ordering.
Learn a few words: Simple phrases like “Merhaba” (hello), “Teşekkürler” (thank you) and “Afiyet olsun” (enjoy your meal) are always appreciated.
Tell people about allergies: Many restaurants can adapt dishes if you explain clearly; showing a note on your phone in Turkish helps.
Book ahead for views: Restaurants with Bosphorus views or popular breakfast spots often need reservations, especially on weekends.

Eating in Istanbul is not just about calories; it’s about being part of the city’s daily rhythm. From a quick simit on a ferry to a long night of meze with friends, each meal adds another layer to your memories of the city.

FAQs about food in Istanbul

Is street food in Istanbul safe to eat?
Generally yes, especially at busy stalls with high turnover. Choose vendors where the food looks fresh, the grill is hot and locals are lining up. If something looks like it has been sitting too long, skip it and move on to the next stall.

Which neighbourhoods are best for food lovers?
For visitors, Karaköy, Beşiktaş, Kadıköy, Moda, Galata and parts of Beyoğlu are excellent. They offer a mix of traditional eateries, modern cafés and dessert shops, all within walking distance of each other.

Can I find vegetarian or vegan options easily?
Yes. Many classic Turkish dishes are naturally vegetarian – think lentil soup, stuffed vine leaves, vegetable stews, salads and meze. In areas like Cihangir, Karaköy and Kadıköy you’ll also find dedicated vegetarian and vegan cafés.

Do I need to tip in restaurants?
Tipping is appreciated but not compulsory. In simple places, rounding up the bill or leaving 5–10% is common. In mid-range and higher-end restaurants, 10–15% is standard if you’re happy with the service.

Is it necessary to book restaurants in advance?
For most casual spots you can just walk in, especially at lunchtime. For popular meyhane (meze restaurants), seafood places with Bosphorus views and trendy breakfast cafés, it’s wise to reserve a table in advance, particularly on Friday and Saturday nights.