The 10 Best Restaurants In Taksim, Istanbul
Istanbul is a magical city unlike any other, split between two continents and with a rich history. The mosques, bazaars, street-food, museums, alleyway shops, and Turkish baths are just a few of the attractions that delight visitors. The restaurants in the buzzing city center, called Taksim Square, offer magnificent views and flavorful cuisines. Here are the top 10 restaurants in the areas surrounding historic Taksim Square.
Otantik
Gözleme is a traditional, savory flatbread that is hand made, most often right in front of you on the streets or in Turkish restaurants. Otantik offers just this, as well as other Anatolian influenced menu items. The prices are affordable, and the atmosphere and menu make for an authentic cultural experience. The lamb kebabs are succulent and soft and a customer favorite here. Some of the best traditional Turkish deserts on offer include güllaç, which is a milk based desert flavored with rose water and pomegranate; and the incir tatlısı, which is a sweet fig desert.
Address & Phone: Asmalı Mescit Mh., İstiklal Cd. No:170, Turkey +90 212 293 8451
This rooftop restaurant-bar makes you feel like you are floating in the air, with its glass walls and the 360 degree view of Istanbul. The menu is a mixture of cuisines that lies somewhere between Turkish, Mediterranean, Indian, and Italian-inspired, with unique fusion options like Chilled Green Melon Soup with feta ice cream and mint extract; or hot mezes such as the Octopus Butter Bean Casserole. On some nights, they have a DJ playing music, and offer delicious drinks at the bar like the Bomb Baby cocktail, made with vodka, fresh watermelon, mint and cardamom; as well as a full list of European wines to accompany your meal. Even if you just go for the view and a drink, we are sure you’ll end up staying for the food, as this is one of Istanbul’s must-do dining experiences.
Address & Phone: Tomtom Mh. İstiklal Cad. Mısır Apt.No:163 K:8 Tomtom 34433 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Turkey +90 212 251 7991
The House Cafe
Located in the historic Mısır Apartments, The House Café is a western-style restaurant in the middle of Istiklal Cadessi with beautiful lighting, spacious seating, and fantastic music to create a welcoming atmosphere. The chef studied at the highly prestigious Italian Culinary Institute, and his food is fresh and the service wonderful. One of the most delectable items on the menu is the Herb Crusted Grilled Salmon, with baby spinach, potatoes, thyme, rosemary as its main ingredients. The simplicity of the ingredients allows for the succulent, fresh fish to melt in your mouth. While all of the menu items are delicious, the fish-based items are especially fresh, as the restaurant is quite near to the fish-market and the Bosphorus. The drinks, too, are fantastic at the House Cafe, with seasonal cocktails and homemade lemonade. Available for all three meals in the day, this place is a good choice at any time.
Address & Phone: Istiklal Caddesi Misir Apt K:8, Beyoglu, Istanbul +90 212 251 1042
1. Eleos Fish Restaurant
Restaurant, Seafood, Mediterranean, Turkish, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-free
2. Taksim Karaoke Bar
Bar, Turkish, Wine, Beer, Cocktails, Pub Grub
Price: Mid-Range
Watch out for: Karaoke
3. Faros
Restaurant, Italian, Mediterranean, European, Turkish, Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-free
4. Changa
Restaurant, Turkish, Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-free
5. Leb-i-Derya
Bar, Restaurant, Turkish, Mediterranean
6. Picante
Picante
For your Mexican food fix, Picante is the place to go. Serving traditional Mexican foods with a bit of a western touch, Picante has burritos, tacos, nachos, and salsas that can be generous on the spice. The home-made hot sauce is especially exciting and can perk up any dish you order. The fajitas and the beef and mushroom burrito are special treats with high quality ingredients, as is the case with all items on the menu. The space is small but cozy, with dim lighting and strong margaritas and a must-try Sangria.
Address & Phone: Asmalı Mescit Mh., Asmalı Mescit, 34430 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Turkey +90 212 252 47 53
7. Meze by Lemon Tree
Restaurant, Turkish, Vegetarian
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